Kpali Explained

Director:Ladipo Johnson
Producer:Emem Ema
Screenplay:Ebele Enebeli
Starring:Ini Dima-Okojie
Nkem Owoh
Gloria Anozie Young
Linda Ejiofor
Kunle Remi
Studio:Vzhun Films
Distributor:Genesis Deluxe Distribution (GDD)
Runtime:85 minutes
Country:Nigeria
Language:English

Kpali is a 2019 Nigerian comedy film directed by Ladipo Johnson and produced by Emem Ema, the movie stars Ini Dima-Okojie, Nkem Owoh, Gloria Anozie Young, Linda Ejiofor and Kunle Remi.[1] [2] ‘Kpali’ is term that is generally recognized in Nigerian pop culture as a term for passport or certificates which was applied in the same way in the movie.[3]

Plot

Kpali tells the story of 20-something year old London-based workaholic single investment banker, Amaka Kalayor, who has no time for anything else aside from her job. Amaka's parents constantly nag her to get married. They get the perfect opportunity when Amaka is sent to Nigeria alongside her Caucasian colleague, Jack Hunter to close a multi-billion Naira deal. Unbeknownst to them, her ability to stay in London and retain her visa (kpali) is dependent on a 30-day deadline based on the outcome of the deal. Amaka's parents mistake Jack for her fiancé and simply see an opportunity to execute two weddings – Amaka’s and her sister Anuli’s.[4] Amaka gets torn between two men when she becomes closer to her colleague, Jack and her brother-in-law's cousin, Jidenna.[5]

Cast

Production and release

Kpali was shot in different locations in Lagos and London.[6] The movie opened in cinemas on 20 December 2019.

Reception

Gbenga Bada of Pulse Nigeria in his review said "‘Kpali’ is not totally predictable, nevertheless, it's funny, relatable and it’s just the kind of comedy movie most Nigerians love."

Toni Kan of The Lagos Review said "But as Nollywood movies go, this is a feel-good romp and a very relatable movie that will appeal to millennials who are battling that transition from dependency to independence while evading that pesky question – Nne, when are you getting married?"[7]

Nollywood Reinvented compared watching Kpali to "watching a drawn-out skit that just refuses to end."

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Ekechukwu. Ferdinand. 2019-12-28. 'Kpali' for Nigerian Immigrants. 2021-04-11. This Day.
  2. Web site: Augoye. Jayne. 2019-12-09. 'Star Wars' actor, Torin Pocock, makes Nollywood debut. 2021-04-11. Premium Times. en-GB.
  3. Web site: Ngene. Christina. 2019-12-10. New Movie 'Kpali' Recounts The Life Of Nigerian Immigrants. 2021-04-11. NollyMania. en-US.
  4. Web site: 2020-06-18. Kpali. 2021-04-11. Nollywood Reinvented. en-US.
  5. Web site: Bada. Gbenga. 2019-12-13. 'Kpali' is an interesting comedy that is also relatable [Review]]. 2021-04-11. Pulse Nigeria. en-US.
  6. Web site: Obioha. Vanessa. 2019-11-22. New Film Kpali Set For December Release. 2021-04-11. This Day. en-US.
  7. Web site: Kan. Toni. 2019-12-15. Kpali the movie is an eloquent commentary on millennial angst. 2021-04-11. The Lagos Review. en-US.