Director Joanna Lipper elegantly explores past and present as she tells the remarkable story of Hafsat Abiola, daughter of human rights heroine Kudirat Abiola, and Nigeria's President-elect M.K.O. Abiola, who won a historic vote in 1993 that promised to end years of military dictatorship. Shortly after the election M.K.O. Abiola's victory was annulled and he was arrested. While he was imprisoned, his wife Kudirat took over leadership of the pro-democracy movement, organizing strikes and rallies, winning international attention for the Nigerian struggle against human rights violations perpetrated by the military dictatorship. Because of this work, she too became a target and was assassinated in 1996. In this riveting political thriller, the Abiola family’s intimate story unfolds against the epic backdrop of Nigeria's evolution from independence in 1960 - through the Biafra War, subsequent military dictatorships and the tumultuous transition to civilian rule - through present day as Hafsat continues to face the challenge of transforming a corrupt culture of governance into a democracy capable of serving Nigeria's most marginalized population: women.
"Ms. Lipper has used previously unseen archive footage to great effect... it is surely a good thing that a film like this now exists, touching on the issues the kidnappings brought to life and showing how important women are to a country like Nigeria and why it is in everyone's interest to listen to them." The Economist
"'The Supreme Price' is a Door to Africa's Recent History." The New York Times
"Joanna Lipper's film looks at the pro-democracy movement in the corrupt African "The Supreme Price may sound like a metaphorical title, but after seeing this strong, forthright documentary, you'll understand it's the literal truth." Los Angeles Times
Joanna Lipper is one of the "...finest and noblest documentary filmmakers this year...she certainly succeeds with this one, catching a crucial moment in that explosive country where 200 girls have been lost, at best." Huffington Post
"In Joanna Lipper's 'The Supreme Price' the story it tells is riveting...as the camera follows the resilient Hafsat in her effort to educate and mobilize the women of Nigeria, Lipper deftly fills in the historical context." Village Voice
"The Supreme Price is one of ten films all human rights activists should see." Huffington Post
"It is a deeply profound and beautiful experience, and an integral film to watch." Indiewire
Recommended, *** "The Supreme Price presents rarely-seen footage...a well-researched documentary that provides historical context to the continuing problems (including mass rape) in this troubled African nation, this is recommended." Video Librarian
"African Cinema: Top Five Political Films - The Supreme Price...combines daring reporting with behind the scenes access and dramatic archive footage through some of the country's most unstable periods. A fascinating history lesson of a nation still struggling to emerge from military rule." The Guardian
Nigeria,President,Incarceration,Human Rights,Women's Rights,Activism,Democracy,War,Hafsat Abiola,M.K.O. Abiola,Kudirat Abiola,democracy,military dictatorship,marginalized,human rights; "The Supreme Price"; Women Make Movies
Distributor: Women Make Movies
Length: 75 minutes
Date: 2013
Genre: Expository
Language: English / English subtitles
Grade: College, Adults
Color/BW:
Closed Captioning: Not available
Existing customers, please log in to view this film.
