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IMDbPro

Akoni

  • 2021
  • 1h 34m
IMDb RATING
4.1/10
127
YOUR RATING
Genna Chanelle Hayes and Kit Esuruoso in Akoni (2021)
The highly-anticipated debut feature film from Australian filmmaker Genna Chanelle Hayes.

A refugee struggles to integrate into Western society after fleeing conflict, until he meets a woman who opens her home, and ultimately her heart, to him.

Starring Kit Esuruoso, Genna Chanelle Hayes, Mark Coles Smith, Jemima Osunde, Ophelia Dzidzornu & Pippa Grandison.
With Simon Elrahi, Rashidi Edward, Jack Ellis, Sep Caton, Gemma Forsyth, Marlikka Perdrisat and Firdaws Adelpour.

Written, Directed & Produced by Genna Chanelle Hayes.
Cinematography by Calum Stewart.
Play trailer2:48
2 Videos
18 Photos
DramaRomance

A homeless refugee struggles to integrate into Western society after escaping conflict, until he meets a woman who opens her home, and ultimately her heart, to him.A homeless refugee struggles to integrate into Western society after escaping conflict, until he meets a woman who opens her home, and ultimately her heart, to him.A homeless refugee struggles to integrate into Western society after escaping conflict, until he meets a woman who opens her home, and ultimately her heart, to him.

  • Director
    • Genna Chanelle Hayes
  • Writer
    • Genna Chanelle Hayes
  • Stars
    • Mark Coles Smith
    • Gemma Forsyth
    • Pippa Grandison
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    4.1/10
    127
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Genna Chanelle Hayes
    • Writer
      • Genna Chanelle Hayes
    • Stars
      • Mark Coles Smith
      • Gemma Forsyth
      • Pippa Grandison
    • 9User reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 2 wins & 4 nominations total

    Videos2

    AKONI Official Trailer (2022)
    Trailer 2:48
    AKONI Official Trailer (2022)
    Akoni: (The Making Of) Featurette (2022)
    Featurette 3:38
    Akoni: (The Making Of) Featurette (2022)
    Akoni: (The Making Of) Featurette (2022)
    Featurette 3:38
    Akoni: (The Making Of) Featurette (2022)

    Photos18

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    + 12
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    Top cast46

    Edit
    Mark Coles Smith
    Mark Coles Smith
    • Sammy
    Gemma Forsyth
    Gemma Forsyth
    Pippa Grandison
    Pippa Grandison
    Jack Ellis
    Jack Ellis
    • Jonno
    Peter Mochrie
    Peter Mochrie
    • Robin
    Christopher Stollery
    Christopher Stollery
    Septimus Caton
    • Bobby
    Kathleen O'Dwyer
    Kathleen O'Dwyer
    • Bartender
    Jemima Osunde
    • Aretta
    Anthony Darvall
    Anthony Darvall
    Simon Elrahi
    • Joe
    Kit Esuruoso
    Kit Esuruoso
    Dean Kyrwood
    Dean Kyrwood
    Raphael Sikic
    Raphael Sikic
    • Guy
    • (as Raphael Dubois)
    Genna Chanelle Hayes
    Genna Chanelle Hayes
    Kloud Milas
    Kloud Milas
    • Claire
    Chardonnay Hanna
    Chardonnay Hanna
    • Stylist
    Scott D Clark
    Scott D Clark
    • Homeless man
    • Director
      • Genna Chanelle Hayes
    • Writer
      • Genna Chanelle Hayes
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews9

    4.1127
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    Featured reviews

    8andreawaterhouse

    A beautiful love story...

    This film engaged me from the start. The film took you on an emotional journey and sent a powerful message and highlighted the real issues and struggles of refugees migrating to the western world. This is a topic that I was not so familiar with, so it was educational as well. It is not a fast-paced movie, but the moments of silence spoke 1000 words. I didn't want the story to end, as it leaves you wanting more. Congratulations to Genna Hayes on her writing of the script, direction, and production of a beautiful film.

    The actresses and actors, cinematography, music score was all fantastic. Highly recommend.
    2NORA_WISEMAN2000

    A very boring film with no journey

    I'm not sure what film the other reviewers watched but they obviously have very low standards. Some of the reviewers are in fact cast and crew and friends of the filmmakers which is NOT a fair representation of this film.

    Ill begin with a very fair breakdown of the film.

    The images and landscapes are very fantastic and beautifully presented. The music was OK but I could have used more emotional scores. A few fine actors but overall, the layers of the characters were bare and felt lifeless. The 2 leads were not strong actors at all.

    Lots of silence but yet the gap is hardly filled with any emotion or thoughts, if you look at the actors faces, their expressions did not fill me with emotion. A film doesn't need to be fast paced but its needs heart and soul and needs to hook into your heart but sadly it does not.

    The topic does not fare well inside the poor storytelling. I love slow movies, but this didn't have the gravitas to move it forward. An exciting lead actor can move mountains without words and get you excited to follow their journey. I nearly fell asleep watching this and found it very hard to watch.

    Films don't need an ending, they need a resolution, abrupt endings don't speak of the resolution that hasn't been found yet, when you feel yanked out in a technical way, it's not art, it feels odd and like a mistake or poor storytelling. There are many ways you could leave the audience, you shouldn't feel annoyed, you should feel YES this is an ongoing issue.

    There was no real arc or journey here, just a bunch of mismatched scenes and trying to force emotion from a real important subject that the filmmaker actually did not live, and it shows.

    Other than the cinematography and music there isn't much here to call home about, especially from refuges point of perspective.
    10mayneplumbing

    Fantastic

    Akoni was definitely the best movie I have been to see for a long time. What a beautiful movie. Inspirational in many many ways and a very moving story line which had the eyes watering in some of the scenes. The production the locations and the beautiful photography of Akoni is a credit to all involved in the movie. The actors / actresses in the movie I believe are absolutely incredible. If there is one movie to see Akoni is the movie you can not miss seeing. I hope there will be a sequel very very soon. Congratulations to Jenna Hayes you should be very very proud of yourself for a great movie.
    10simonelrahi

    A film that represents...

    Akoni is a gem indie film which shines a light on the refugee experience. It crosses borders and cultures and adds a colourful romantic story between an Australian Girl and an African Man. It also delves into the psychology of Western privilege... The story and characters are nuanced, conveyimg depth and emotion. It takes us on the journey effortlessly with style and tone. The writing, directing and editing is fresh and engaging, continually keeping you glued to the screen. The sound design and score is pitch perfect, dramatic and emotive adding to the overall message. The one thing that stood out in the film is it's message of kindness. Highly recommended.
    10lozzieh

    THIS IS AN AMAZING FILM - DON'T MISS IT - absolutely loved it.

    AKONI is a beautiful, powerful and moving film focused on a young displaced Nigerian and his struggle in the western world.

    The film is brilliantly written and directed to be extremely thought provoking and challenging as it raises awareness of the discrimination, inequality and other social issues and challenges faced by new members of our communities.

    The amazing cast brought the story to life - with the lead actress and actor portraying their complex roles brilliantly - supported by the other equally talented cast members, The cinematography was just amazing including incredible scenes from Africa and Australia.

    The film was encompassed by AKONI original sound track and music was incredible.

    I loved the film - and found it so touching I felt incredibly emotional and challenged .

    Amazing - don't miss it.

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    Storyline

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    Details

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    • Release date
      • June 30, 2022 (Australia)
    • Country of origin
      • Australia
    • Official site
      • company
    • Language
      • English
    • Filming locations
      • Australia
    • Production companies
      • Anova Pictures
      • Big Bang Sound
      • One Love Films, Bondi
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

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    • Gross worldwide
      • $13,228
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Tech specs

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    • Runtime
      1 hour 34 minutes
    • Color
      • Color

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    Genna Chanelle Hayes and Kit Esuruoso in Akoni (2021)
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