I Am Anis’ Review: Rising above Shame

Vanessa Obioha

What happens when the person you love the most judges you for your past sins? This question sits at the heart of Biodun Stephen’s latest offering, ‘I Am Anis.’ Privately screened on International Women’s Day, the film served as the launchpadfor the movement #NudgeDontJudge—a call to help women and girls find their way out of the darkness, as described by the filmmaker.

Inspired by true events, ‘I Am Anis’ tells the story of Anisola Williams, a successful woman whose ugly past resurfaces to threaten her seemingly perfect future. Divided into three acts—Rebellion, Repercussions, and Redemption—Stephen, known for her provocative themes, immerses viewers in the gritty details of Anisola’s past. The younger Anisola, portrayed by Lina Idoko, is a teenager whose rebellion is fueled by her father’s neglect following her mother’s death.

Idoko delivers a captivating performance, fully embodying her character’s emotional depth. She conveys a range of moods with precision: the defiant daughter facing her father’s threats, the naive girl falling for a scammer, and the vulnerable teenager grappling with an unexpected pregnancy. In each scene, she commands the screen, stealing the spotlight. 

As the story unfolds, one is drawn to the more magnetic Shaffy Bello who played the older Anisola. Bello is a true delight for any skilled director. She has mastered the art of fully inhabiting her characters, evoking emotions that take the audience to unexpected, yet powerful places. A standout moment comes when Anisola’s past threatens her future in an encounter with her in-law-to-be (played by Charles Inojie). Bello’s facial expressions move from denial to reluctant acceptance, all while carrying the heavy weight of shame and disappointment from her most cherished loved one. Stephen’s decision to cast Bello as the mature Anisola proves once again her talent for not only telling compelling stories but also selecting the perfect actors to breathe life into her characters.

But Stephen’s talent goes beyond casting. Her skill is evident in the authenticity she brings to the screen with her storytelling. ‘I Am Anis’ delves into the harsh realities of prostitution—not merely as a means of survival for the women involved but also highlighting the strong sisterhood that exists among them. Stephen avoids romanticizing the competition that exists in this world, but instead, through her lens and dialogue, creates a world where one woman’s victory is shared by all.

The film also excels in its use of the Pidgin language, with almost 70 per cent of the dialogue delivered in it. This choice adds a layer of originality and relatability, grounding the characters’ conversations in authenticity. Stephen expertly steers clear of making the film overly comical. She maintains a deft balance between humourand drama, ensuring that the gravity of her message is never diluted.

At its core, ‘I Am Anis’ is a story of redemption, of rising above shame and scars. However, Stephen’s larger message celebrates the people who guide lost souls back onto the right path, regardless of gender. This ties in seamlessly with the #NudgeDontJudge movement, a pledge to uplift women rather than cast judgment on them.

The film also stars Tina Mba, Toyin Oshinaike, Debo Adedayo (Mr Macaroni), Rykardo Agbor, Martha Ehinome Orhiere, Chimela Nwachukwu, Karen Spikes and more. Mannie Oiseomaye shares the writing credit with Stephen who also produced and directed the film.

‘I Am Anis’ will be available on Circuits app on March 21.