Ā OnĀ March 3rd, Corinth Films will releaseĀ Nakom, directed by the female team of TW Pittman andĀ Daniela Norris, whose storytelling ability further emphasizes the fast growing prowess of female filmmakers in the entertainment industry.Ā NakomĀ most notably is nominated for the John Cassavetes Film Independent Spirit Award for the best new film made for underĀ $500,000. The Film Independent Spirit Awards will be televised live on the IFC Channel onĀ Saturday, February 25thĀ atĀ 2pm PST/5pm EST.
Summary: Set in present day Ghana,Ā NakomĀ follows Iddrisu, a talented medical student who is summoned home by his sister after their father’s sudden death. Iddrisu reluctantly returns home to the village of Nakom, buries his father and temporarily assumes the head of the impoverished household and farm, inheriting not only the delicate task of planting a successful crop but also a debt left by the deceased patriarch that could destroy the family. Attempting to maintain part of his studies from the confines of a small hut, Iddrisu becomes increasingly frustrated with the incessant physical and emotional needs of those around him, the demanding toil of the land and lack of rain. A contentious relationship with his uncle Napolean, to whom the sizeable debt is owed, is further complicated by the unplanned pregnancy of Napolean’s granddaughter who was sent to live with Iddrisu’s family.
As the new patriarch grapples with tradition and familial duty, he is met with varying shades of contempt by both family and villagers who compare him with his father expecting a resemblance. Iddrisu’s patience and wisdom are tempered by the strange paradox created by his faith in God and desire for control, the latter of which he cannot have so long as he stays in Nakom. As circumstances swell, Iddrisu suddenly begins to realize that no future for him exists in the place where he is needed the most, even despite an offer by the village Chieftain to remain in Nakom to become an elder and marry his daughter.
NakomĀ will openĀ Friday March 3rdĀ atĀ New York’sĀ Cinema Village inĀ Manhattan.SeniorĀ New York TimesĀ film critic Manhola Dargis writes: “HisĀ [main character Iddrisu’s]Ā struggle seems familiar, but it’s one that’s made memorable through the graceful visuals, gentle pacing and deep feeling that the directorsĀ T. W. PittmanĀ andĀ Kelly Daniela NorrisĀ bring to this story.”Ā Variety’sĀ Dennis HarveyĀ notes: “There’s an air of authenticity as well as a pleasingly laid-back yet substantive narrative engagement to this polished effort.“
