Get ready to experience a film that’s sparking conversations and challenging expectations—Pasa Faho is set to grace the iconic Sydney Opera House after creating quite the stir in the film world. But here’s where it gets fascinating: when Igbo Australian filmmaker Kalu Oji screened his film in Lagos, Nigeria, he witnessed something extraordinary—a reaction unlike any he’d seen before. Unlike the quiet, reserved audiences at international festivals, Nigerian viewers were vocal, reacting in real-time with exclamations like, ‘Why did he do that?!’ This raw, unfiltered engagement left Oji in awe, especially as audiences responded to the film’s star, the legendary Nollywood actor and comedian Okey Bakassi, in a role that breaks away from his usual persona.
Pasa Faho is a heartfelt story set in Melbourne, following Azubuike (Bakassi), a struggling shoe salesman who learns his shop is being sold to developers. Adding to his turmoil, his 12-year-old son, Obinna (Tyson Palmer), moves across the country to live with him. The estranged father and son grapple with finding common ground during this chaotic period. Azubuike’s deep-rooted pride becomes both his strength and his obstacle, forcing him to confront his ideals to reconnect with his son. And this is the part most people miss: Oji highlights the immense pressure Azubuike faces, particularly as an Igbo man, whose identity is tied to his perception of success. ‘There’s so much tension in that,’ Oji notes, capturing the emotional weight of the character’s journey.
The film’s title, Pasa Faho, is a clever play on words, meaning ‘parts of a whole.’ Oji explains, ‘It’s a made-up term, but it’s come to encapsulate the film’s themes, characters, and world.’ This abstract concept has resonated deeply with audiences, who bring their own interpretations, adding layers of meaning to the story. But here’s the controversial part: is Pasa Faho just a film, or is it a mirror reflecting our own fragmented identities and relationships? Oji invites us to ponder this as the film embarks on its national tour.
Suburban Melbourne isn’t just a backdrop—it’s a character in its own right. Oji describes it as a ‘little window back to a time,’ showcasing the beauty of diverse communities coexisting. From a Greek florist to a Nigerian shoe salesman, these characters may seem worlds apart, but their shared experiences reveal profound connections. And this is where it gets thought-provoking: how often do we overlook the common threads that bind us, focusing instead on our differences?
Mark your calendars for January 21, when Pasa Faho premieres at the Sydney Opera House, followed by a Q&A with Oji and the film’s producers. After a sold-out world premiere at the Melbourne International Film Festival and international acclaim, this is one screening you won’t want to miss. But we have to ask: what does Pasa Faho mean to you? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation that’s as layered as the film itself.
