Novelist Biyi Bandele Debuts as Director on Half of a Yellow Sun

Biyi Bandele and Anika Noni Rose

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's literary masterpiece Half of a Yellow Sun (2011) has been captured by UK-based Nigerian (Yoruba descent but brought up in Hausa community in northerrn Nigeria) novelist and debuting Nollywood director Biyi Bandele. Adichie insisted it be filmed in Nigeria. It is the biggest production in the history of Nigerian film and was filmed at Tinapa Studio, Calabar and Creek Town against all odds (logistical like electricity and water for 200 people as well as malaria and typhoid cases) over a five week period in 2013.  Arguably, it is the first feature film from Nigeria.  Born in Bloomfield, Connecticut, Anika Noni Rose plays the lead sister Kainene.  Rose also starred in Dreamgirls (2006). 

Much of the novel's artistry and detail escapes the film.  Adichie's novel is not chronological, a choice for dramatic effect.  Also, only 4 characters relate the story from the first person vantage point, in the novel.  The atrocities of the Biafran war and the seige of this Ibo nation are downplayed in the film although news clips work well.  In particular, Ugwu's participation in a gang rape is omitted.

It is compelling that a Yoruba director can portray an Ibo clan with such empathy.