AFI Fest

Half of Yellow Sun is a historical drama that follows two British-educated Nigerian sisters in the years following independence. Now having a limited theatrical run, I saw it at AFI Fest 2013 with director Biyi Bandele and co-star Anika Noni Rose in attendance. Rose gives an astonishing performance as Kainene, the sister who favors mod clothes and English boys. She’s third billed after Chiwetel Ejiofor as revolutionary professor, Odenigbo and Thandie Newton as Kainene’s sister, Olanna. Whether any of them look particularly Nigerian is an open question but all three have African heritage and, most importantly, the star power to carry a movie. (“Nollywood” actors appear in the supporting cast.) Continue reading →