Get ready to witness a cinematic experience that’s already sparking conversations—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 noticed something extraordinary—the audience wasn’t just watching; they were living it. Unlike the reserved, analytical reactions often seen at film 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 they responded to the film’s star, the legendary Nollywood actor and comedian Okey Bakassi, in a role unlike any he’s played before.
Pasa Faho, set in the vibrant yet understated backdrop of suburban Melbourne, follows Azubuike (Bakassi), a shoe salesman grappling with the news that his shop will be 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 struggle to find common ground during this chaotic period. Azubuike, a man deeply rooted in his pride and ideals, is forced to confront the tension between his self-image and the reality of his circumstances. And this is the part most people miss: Oji highlights the immense pressure Azubuike faces, particularly as an Igbo man, where pride and success are intertwined. 'It’s a very difficult thing for anyone to let go of their ideals,' Oji explains, 'but for Azubuike, it’s a battle against a lifetime of expectations.'
The film’s title, Pasa Faho, is a clever play on words, meaning 'parts of a whole.' Oji admits it’s a made-up term, yet it has taken on a life of its own, encapsulating the film’s themes, characters, and the layered meanings audiences bring to it. 'It’s like this idea keeps growing, with new layers added through every viewing,' Oji reflects. But here’s the controversial part: is Pasa Faho just a story about a father and son, or is it a deeper commentary on identity, pride, and the immigrant experience? We’ll let you decide.
Suburban Melbourne isn’t just a setting—it’s a character in its own right. Oji believes the film will serve as a time capsule, offering future viewers a glimpse into the multicultural tapestry of Melbourne. 'You have a Greek florist and a Nigerian shoe salesman,' Oji notes, 'on the surface, they’re worlds apart, but their experiences and emotions overlap in profound ways.'
Following its sold-out world premiere at the Melbourne International Film Festival and screenings across Australia and internationally, Pasa Faho is now set for its New South Wales premiere at the Sydney Opera House on January 21. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with Oji and the film’s producers, offering a rare chance to dive deeper into this thought-provoking work. But we want to hear from you: What do you think Pasa Faho is really about? Is it a story of personal struggle, cultural identity, or something else entirely? Let us know in the comments—we’re eager to hear your take!
