An exquisitely woven tale, lush to the eye, touching to the heart, and near mythic proportions. Okafor wizards a haunting magic of storytelling here— unforgettable!
—B. Ives
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Behind-the-scenes
Lisbon Okafor's shimmering independent feature, “Jujuluv” (2004, 104mins), delicately explores the thorny relationship between sisters-in-law in the aftermath of tragedy. Exquisitely shot at locations from Tennessee Beach to residential Oakland, the film cultivates a sensuous aura of ambiguity and mystery as its protagonists feint and spar. The vivacious Blessing (Nkechi) is lively and open, even in the wake of her brother’s drowning. Jaye, (Trian Long-Smith) burdened with the truth of her husband’s death, is depressed and distrusting–and by no means pleased when Blessing arrives for a visit. Okafor’s elegant, precise direction stylishly delineates the flash points of their relationship and captures the ache of longing, jealousy and unshared secrets. Is friendship a Blessing? You be the judge. – M. Fox
Set within a one-mile radius of Lake Merritt in the heart of Oakland, California, reportedly one of America's most ethnically diverse and volatile cities, “Oakville” (2013, 109mins) portrays a dramatic cross section of raw hopes and slender dreams buoyed by the potentials of a new Administration. As the lives of two couples intersect election night, 2008, a struggle with conventional perceptions and morals ensues, threatening not only a vision of their new world but ultimately of themselves. – B. Ives