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Director's Statement - ORI
The Yoruba word “ori” translates in English to “head”, but holds greater significance than its anatomical
value. Ori or “ori-inu” (inner-head) also alludes to the metaphysical, referring to an individual’s spiritual
destiny or even the essence of one’s spirit. Yoruba is fascinating in it’s linguistic exploration of the
connection between body, mind, soul, and spirit.
Therefore questions and greetings, although now used more informally in social contexts, hold greater
significance and weight beyond the obvious. One might instinctively translate the popular
question,“s’àlááfíà ni?”, into English as, “how are you?”, yet “àlááfíà” refers to wellbeing, not just of the
body, but of the mind, the soul, and most importantly, the “ori”.
In English, French, or other European languages, if someone were to respond to, “how are you?”, with
an answer such as, “not so well”, or something equally concerning, we might be inclined to empathise
with the person. We might aim to hold space for, or encourage the person, in the ways we know how.
Yet in Yoruba, if you were to openly say that you do not have “àlááfíà”, the implication would be far more
severe, and may provoke serious concern.
This piece heralds that amidst the challenges and obstacles that Lagosians, and indeed Nigerians,
continue to face, “àlááfíà” prevails. Regardless of the external, perhaps there is a way that we can
always find peace internally. Perhaps there is still hope for our individual and collective destinies?
Screenings, Festivals, and Exhibitions
Time Tells All, Borna Soglo Gallery, Cotonou
En Plain Air, Grand Bassam
Carnival Wind Down, An Evening of Black Consciousness
RTF Real Time International Film Festival
Lift Off Global network First Time Filmmaker Sessions
Kalakari Film Fest
Afrotalent Film Festival
