Movie Review: Afamefuna - A Tale Of The Apprenticeship System

The movie titled 'Afamefuna' ('May My name Not Get Lost' according to hubby's explanation of the meaning) helped me understand a lot about the Igbo Apprenticeship system ('Igbá boì or Nwa boì' as it's known in igboland'). The Igbos are people primarily from the Southeast region of Nigeria. The states consists of Abia, Imo Enugu, Ebonyi and Anambra.

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While watching this movie I really appreciate the way the popular actor Kanayo was explaining what 'Apiriko' is and how it works nwa boy system, also the Igbo business empire and how it's built on hard work and brotherhood, and what the civil war did and how war should be avoided, makes me feel that there's more about the Igbo people I should read about not just knowing the language.

The use of the Igbo language for most parts was really refreshing and it puts a test on how well I have learnt the language since hubby is from there, although I still don't understand the language fully. I could feel the emotion of most of the the characters in the movie to a great extent. It makes for a beautiful cinematic experience. It's a really beautiful piece of storytelling of a system that has made a tribe spread wealth from generation to generation, making them prolific in business and services.

Unlike other Nollywood movies that always portray rituals as only means of earning money and being rich, this movie showcased how hard work pays and how people strive to earn legitimately. Although this doesn't mean that people don't get involved in money rituals.

The main character of this movie Afamefuna, acted his parts so well. He was a man who understood the meaning of integrity. He was so passionate about his apprenticeship that his hard work and perseverance made him rise to a rank that his master took pride in. He approached his work with attentiveness, always maintaining precision, fostering friendships while avoiding enmities as much as possible, and strategically mapping his territory for progress.

Despite his honesty though, he risked becoming a doormat. That's where his colleague Paulo intervened. Paulo initially served as a senior colleague, then a friend, later a brother, but ultimately became an adversary. Paulo has the traits of men who couldn't endure until the end. While it might not entirely be their fault, some seeds fail to reach fruition.

Paulo enlightened Afamefuna about the ways of the street, teaching him the tactics of doing business among various characters. His ideology is that for one to survive, integrity alone wasn't sufficient; one has to adopt the guise of a warrior to defend oneself and combat enemies. In Afamefuna's life, Paulo served as both shield and sword.

Afamefuna's father imparted wisdom acquired through experience to him, ensuring his son was never kept in the dark and provided him with daily doses of sage advice. This knowledge became invaluable when Afamefuna's boss faced some financial turmoil.

The movie underscores hard work and integrity as the cornerstone of success, emphasizing the importance of discerning prime business locations and eventually becoming the town's mayor.

Afamefuna harbored feelings for his boss's daughter, but his hesitance and Paulo's engagement to her deterred him from making romantic advances. This damsel Amaka, inadvertently transformed Paulo into Afamefuna's bitter enemy. While Afamefuna must shoulder some blame, I'm of the opinion Amaka played a significant role.

Paulo's jealousy over Afamefuna's favor with their boss led him down a dark path, abandoning integrity and legality in pursuit of wealth, ultimately costing him his life. Afamefuna getting married to their boss's daughter, Amaka, further fueled the animosity between the former friends.

Afamefuna broke the bro code by pursuing his boss's daughter, while Paulo violated another rule by dating his boss's daughter.

Amaka's actions underscored the lengths many women would go to prove their love, even enduring mistreatment from their partners. Despite Paulo's betrayal, Amaka somehow remained entangled with him, displaying traits reminiscent of Stockholm syndrome.

Afamefuna exploited Paulo and Amaka's tumultuous relationship, unwittingly raising Paulo's biological son at a great personal cost due to paternity fraud. I take issue with the movie's handling of paternity fraud. Rather than holding Amaka accountable for her actions, she was treated with sympathy.

Instead of letting Lotanna meet his biological father, Paulo, Afamefuna refused, which was exploited by Paulo as manipulative leverage.
Paternity fraud represents a grave injustice against fathers and humanity, necessitating truth and justice for all involved.

In all, Apprenticeship system serves as a valuable means of nurturing individuals who will become significant economic contributors. While the Igbo Apprenticeship system endures, I feel it requires enhanced regulations to cultivate robust economic leaders across the nation.

The movie's production quality was exceptional, featuring talented actors with a compelling storyline. I thoroughly enjoyed the action filled Suspense in the movie. In fact I think it's the first time in a while I've misjudged the ending of a Nigerian film. I rate it 8/10, and will recommend it.