Maryam Booth and Anthonieta Kalunta in 'The
Milkmaid' [Instagram/@milkmaid_movie]
Desmond Ovbiagele's 'The Milkmaid' is not the first
film about insurgency but will rise to the ranks of
the best to tell it.
Think of writing a story of insurgency in Nigeria as
being stuck between the devil and the deep blue
sea.
It is a matter of religion on one end, the
government's incompetence on the other and we
might never be truly ready to face the realities of
both squarely.
Regardless, these stories need to be told even at
the cost of antagonism from the keepers of both
divides.
Desmond Ovbiagele 's 'The Milkmaid' dares to not
walk on eggshells in its narration of the painful
reality of communities ravaged by terrorism.
'The Milkmaid' was shot in Taraba state [Instagram/
@milkmaid_movie]
From its opening scene, the story, backed by a
striking score, steadily encapsulates its audience in
a familiar dystopia. A teenage girl cries out for help
for her injured brother. In a flash, the community's
men appear with sticks ready to protect their own.
Unfortunately, this is an ambush and the young
woman, the bait. While this scene does a fine job
of setting the mood of the film, it also aptly
captures the government's ineptness in the area of
security. And this hangs over 'The Milkmaid' like a
dark cloud.
As the story progresses, the most poignant feeling
becomes that of helplessness. The lead character,
Aisha (Anthonieta Kalunta) attempts to rescue her
sister, Zainab (Maryam Booth) , from religious
insurgents who attacked their village.
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Aisha and Zainab become symbols embodying the
tragic experiences of young female victims of
insurgency. The trauma of violence, starvation and
the helplessness of birthing children conceived from
rape are themes amply narrated in 'The Milkmaid'.
Its audience will realize that, like real-life victims,
there can be no succour or freedom in sight.
While 'The Milkmaid' calls for sobriety, the detail
paid to its production is exciting to discover. Shot
in Taraba by Yinka Edward, the film captures the
scenic beauty of the state's breathtaking mountains
while bringing to the fore the rich and colourful
culture of the Fulani tribe.
Gambo Usman Kona as Dangana in 'The
Milkmaid' [Instagram/@milkmaid_movie]
Undoubtedly, 'The Milkmaid' is a firmly narrated
protest, one that points to both the government and
the governed. Another important message is how
the story establishes a casual effect in its
resolution. The film's villain, Dangana eventually
pays the price for his heinous crimes against
humanity and religion. It is a satisfying end for all.