There is an immense difference between a good actor and a brilliant one. The latter may or may not be attributed to an inherent talent but evidently exhibits an inescapable unaffectedness. When Ebbe Bassey appears on a screen, it is apparent that she possesses such flair. Her ability to evoke emotion in an audience is estimable; unfortunately, not many in the industry, even with poignant roles, can do so.
Nothing was as fascinating as her capability to transform into various characters at once as demonstrated in the center of her living room during my visit on November 11. She dramatically acted out, in a Nigerian accent with gestures, some of the many actions of an older, more traditional Nigerian/African woman. As humorous as it seemed, it was truly an excellent demonstration of her work, like that in Siri Oko Fo, a culturally thought-provoking short film she produced and co-directed.
The 12-minute film, screened at several festivals including the Cannes International Film Festival, Hollywood Black Film Festival, Boston Film Festival and Urban World Film Festival, is a socially-conscious story about another unexplored territory deemed taboo in the African culture – homosexuality. It is set in Harlem with the characters Essien, a gay Nigerian man, his daughter, his live-in lover and Eme, his very traditional sister. Eme, (played by Ebbe Bassey), stumbles upon the two lovers cuddling the morning after her arrival. Eme’s horror-struck face and repulsive expression were aligned with every word she spoke thereafter; there was no doubt she strongly disapproved of Essien’s secret lifestyle. The story then takes a form of its own based on the traditions of the siblings.
The provocative nature of the narrative creates a longing for more; that is, a feature rather than the short film that it is. Its capture of fusing themes drawn from various elements of immigration, tradition, family, love and secrets or, as in this case, homosexuality interestingly plays around vulnerable emotional territories. Additionally, the acting is neat.
Bassey has demonstrated, with this project, a commendable level of skill. It is very well- directed for an independent film; though short, it does maintain elements of professionalism only an expert can deliver.
For more screening listings, visit www.siriokofo.com.