POT -VS- KETTLE
Narrative Feature | Duration: 1:28:12 | Drama BLOCK 6 | 10/5 | 4:30 PM Brooklyn, NY - USA Carver Community Cultural Ctr.
Directed by: Christopher Nkem Okafor
Description: To escape Gang Violence in Senegal, in 2024, a talented Senegalese painter named Senghor migrates to the United States of America leaving his daughter behind. He finds employment as a dishwasher, porter, cook, server and busser in a restaurant in Brooklyn, New York.
This restaurant, owned by a Terry Smith, a Caucasian male who allows Akin, a Nigerian male the full autonomy to manage the restaurant and abuses his 'power' on Senghor. He physically and verbally abuses Senghor; underpays and forces him to work fourteen-hours days, six days a week with no breaks or time off. Senghor does not understand why another African immigrant would treat him with such distain. He unfortunately feels he must bear this treatment in order to keep providing for his daughter and family in Senegal. Senghor's confidence is diminished, and he left with little or no time for self-care, or for his painting.
Things take a turn when the owner, hires Makeda as the new General Manager. Makeda is an ambitious Caribbean woman who quickly takes over all the duties that were once performed by Akin. The chauvinistic Akin is threatened by her presence, and infuriated with this change. When Senghor reaches his boiling point with Akin, she unknowingly dismantle's his attempt to oust Akin. Although hesitant, Senghor confides in Makeda, and their relationship advances into an intimate one. Her empathy and respect for Senghor empowers her to make necessary changes in her personal life, and move to fire Akin. Although resistant, Akin shares his story, and pleads with her to keep his job. He also vows to amend his foul attitude towards his fellow African co-worker.
In the end, Senghor and Makeda's lives become elevated, and he is allowed the opportunity to paint a life that he never imagined as an immigrant in America. One filled with his passion for art, love and happiness.
Directed by: Christopher Nkem Okafor
Description: To escape Gang Violence in Senegal, in 2024, a talented Senegalese painter named Senghor migrates to the United States of America leaving his daughter behind. He finds employment as a dishwasher, porter, cook, server and busser in a restaurant in Brooklyn, New York.
This restaurant, owned by a Terry Smith, a Caucasian male who allows Akin, a Nigerian male the full autonomy to manage the restaurant and abuses his 'power' on Senghor. He physically and verbally abuses Senghor; underpays and forces him to work fourteen-hours days, six days a week with no breaks or time off. Senghor does not understand why another African immigrant would treat him with such distain. He unfortunately feels he must bear this treatment in order to keep providing for his daughter and family in Senegal. Senghor's confidence is diminished, and he left with little or no time for self-care, or for his painting.
Things take a turn when the owner, hires Makeda as the new General Manager. Makeda is an ambitious Caribbean woman who quickly takes over all the duties that were once performed by Akin. The chauvinistic Akin is threatened by her presence, and infuriated with this change. When Senghor reaches his boiling point with Akin, she unknowingly dismantle's his attempt to oust Akin. Although hesitant, Senghor confides in Makeda, and their relationship advances into an intimate one. Her empathy and respect for Senghor empowers her to make necessary changes in her personal life, and move to fire Akin. Although resistant, Akin shares his story, and pleads with her to keep his job. He also vows to amend his foul attitude towards his fellow African co-worker.
In the end, Senghor and Makeda's lives become elevated, and he is allowed the opportunity to paint a life that he never imagined as an immigrant in America. One filled with his passion for art, love and happiness.
Filmmaker Bio:
Christopher Nkem Okafor
pChristopher Nkem Okafor is an African Filmmaker, under this auspices he is both a Director, Colorist and Editor. He has always had a passion for Filmmaking and has used what was disposable to him to tell unique stories. Christopher has a degree in Filmmaking from the SAE Film Institute in South Africa. He has Directed, Colored and Edited over thirty (30) films in his career and many of his work are available on Video on Demand Platforms. When asked about the films he is most proud of, he confidentially mentioned 'One Cent Can't Change' and 'Cognate'. Christopher explained that these films have challenged him the most thus far as a Filmmaker; "With a low budget and limited Crew Members and having to play multiple roles both in pre and post-production I was still able to create unique films which are highly rated amongst film professionals across the world" Said Christopher.
|