Working with an ultra-low budget, Sayibu has used off-the-shelf CG tools to build out his sci-fi world, and the inspiration is clearly drawn from the science fiction films of the 1960s and 70s. Reminds me of old Kaiju stories with a dash of Power Rangers. There is a philosophy of peace and nature, and Sayibu is unafraid to explore big ideas. Let’s also be honest. The B.A.T.U. Project has a mountain to climb to compete with American productions, but that was never the point.
I’ll give one real criticism: the sound. The opening sequences are almost unwatchable because I couldn’t understand most of the dialogue, except for the parts with subtitles. Getting good sound isn’t expensive, and there’s always ADR.
“There is a philosophy of peace and nature, and Sayibu is unafraid to explore big ideas.”
Sayibu’s story serves as the throughline for a series of fight sequences — pretty much on par with the stunts and choreography of American cinema from a few decades ago. Not sophisticated, but competently choreographed and clearly safe.
Here’s where we put our money where our mouth is. Rather than waiting on Hollywood to discover Africa, let’s watch the real thing and support filmmakers who make movies on behalf of their countries on meager indie budgets. The point is that someone picked up a camera in Ghana and made a science fiction feature. Worlds were built, actors and stunt people were assembled, and a film was produced for all audiences. This is its own kind of achievement. And the best thing about a first movie is that a second one follows. With each film Sayibu and his team make, they will only get better, and that is something worth getting behind.
For more information, visit the The B.A.T.U. Project: Adam the First official Instagram page.
"…the real thing and support filmmakers who make movies on behalf of their countries…"
