“HATIMA” REVIEW

I want to appreciate the Liberty Rural Development Initiative upfront for coming up with this…well, initiative. Christian movies that centre on children and teenagers are not commonplace; so, it is good to see an entry as Hatima. The movie is quite broad in scope and gives a voice to a number of kids who recount life from their points of view. And indeed, it becomes clear to see that one of the groups most looked down on in the society feels the harshness of life just as much, or even more than those who use the same as an excuse for maltreating them. The motion picture adequately portrays this and does well to direct all stakeholders to the source of any meaningful positive change – the foot of the Cross.

Its runtime is audacious in this social media age where there is so much contention for viewers’ attention. Thus, it is important for productions like this to hit the ground running. Hatima would have benefitted from a better sequencing of the plot because it dragged a bit. The opening scenes for example have almost pointless actions that need not be in them. Nonetheless, the story addresses important issues such as hooliganism and other social vices that lure teenagers and youths into captivity.

The movie ends on a high, with Victor Olukoju’s (PVO) powerful performance as Prof Tarry Johnson, an influential man sent by God to the little ones. In the same way, I believe there are people that God has commissioned to make a lasting impact in the lives of students. Hatima could serve as a wakeup call for such individuals and groups to rise and come to the rescue of the leaders of tomorrow. The film should also be a revelation to teenagers who dip their hands into the cookie-jar of sin, which is not without its attendant, undesirable consequences.

If all parties embrace the message of Hatima, many more destinies will definitely be salvaged from the orchestrator of all evil in the world today – the devil.

The link to the movie is https://youtu.be/tVI_S4NxIJw?si=ns3-3D_mY05tjgP4

Till the next review, stay blessed!

Film Credits
HATIMA
(January 28, 2024)
136 minutes
Liberty Rural Development Initiative

Cast
Gabriel Tife Osunkorode as Shigo
Kayode Owojori as Principal
Victor Olukoju as Prof Taribo
Wole Olaleye as Mr Thomas
Ajala Emmanuel as Tayo
Mosiko Remilekun Erinayo as Linda
Olabode Blessing as Bode
Temitope Dada as Gloria

Crew
Director
Victor Olukoju (PVO)
Writer
Ugochukwu Uchendu (Dr Ugo)
Cinematographer
Tobi Olumuyiwa
Editors
Gabriel Tife Osunkorode and Olawale Akinwale