I saw the film back in the spring at the Human Rights Watch Film Festival and this is what I had to say:
If you've ever wanted to know and understand the history of Nigeria and to some degree politics in the region around that country see The Supreme Price. I say this because not only is it one hell of a story but it's also a wonderful explanation of the history of Nigeria and it's social structure.
Stealing part of the synopsis from the Human Rights Watch website the film tells the story of Hafsat Abiola, daughter of human rights heroine Kudirat Abiola, and Nigeria's President-elect M.K.O. Abiola, who won a historic vote in 1993 that promised to end years of military dictatorship. Shortly after the election, M.K.O. Abiola's victory was annulled and he was arrested. While he was imprisoned, his wife Kudirat took over leadership of the pro-democracy movement. And when Kudirat was assassinated Hafsat took over as the face of the democracy movement.
This is a perfect marriage of social, national and family history. This is a film that works on a variety of levels. Its a documentary that is very real and very alive as Hafsat and her brothers and sisters and her family spin out the the story of a family and a country in a way that is both informative and entertaining. Its the sort of thing you'll want to watch a second or third time simply because its telling you one hell of a story; the sort that would be an edge of your seat serial on network TV.
This is a great film. And yes, I know I should be going on about how important the film is in getting the message out and all of that- but you know what if I can get your butt into the theater to see this film because you'll enjoy it on a movie level, you'll still get the message. If you like the film because it entertains you you may very well do something faster then if you walk out feeling obligated.
Go see this film.
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