Anyone who knows Nadine Ibrahim and the work she does knows that social commentary is a path she is willing to thread over and over again. This is evident with her previous short films such as Tolu and Through Her Eyes. And if you think her most recent work is any different, you are mistaken. I Am Not Corrupt is Nadine’s new film which goes even further into uncharted territory – Nigeria’s political scene.
Starring Mofe Duncan and Rita Edwards, we listen in on a conversation that occurs between a politician and a market woman who take turns accusing each other of contributing to the country’s deplorable state.
The politician says, “Your children call me names, hash this, tag that, but when I ask for their audience, all I get is radio silence”. He goes on to add that, “You keep pointing fingers, yelling ”missing taxes” but let’s be fair, do you actually pay your taxes? Me, I am not corrupt.”
The market woman replies the politician with an equally compelling perspective, she cites the daily experiences of ordinary Nigerian citizens saying, “You remember mama Emeka, the one who stood for you? She died of a heart attack because of you. She lost her source of income because of you and no selling by the roadside. That woman died in many ways than I can even count”. She adds, “Her first son died because your hospitals are nothing but morgues. They wouldn’t touch him unless you grease their palms.”
In a country like Nigeria where there is a big chasm between the ruling class and the masses, Nadine’s new short film brings both parties to the table and makes alogical conversation possible.
I Am Not Corrupt is a film definitely worth your watch. Watch it below:
