Pasa Faho.

Pasa Faho, the anticipated feature debut from Igbo-Australian filmmaker, writer and visual artist Kalu Oji, will receive its World Premiere at the Melbourne International Film Festival in August where it is the first film at this year’s festival to sell out across all its screenings.

Audience in Western Australia will have the opportunity to see the film when it screens at CinefestOZ from September 2. 

Pasa Faho is a moving and gently funny portrait of African-Australian life. Filmed in Melbourne it follows Azubuike, a charming shoe salesman who is just making ends meet. When his 12 year old son, Obinna, moves across the country to live with him, the estranged pair struggle to find stability in an already turbulent time. With the news that Azubuike’s shop is to be sold to developers, the two must find answers or risk more than just losing the shoe shop.

Director Kalu Oji has been described as an Australian filmmaker to watch since the success of his debut short film Blackwood, which screened at the Palm Spring and London Film Festivals. Born in Adelaide, Kalu studied at the Victorian College of the Arts and is a part of the new generation of emerging Australian filmmakers who are taking risks and bringing deeply personal visions to life.

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Ahead of the Australian release of the film, Kalu Oji comments: “To have Pasa Faho readying its feet and setting off into the world, it feels both exciting and right that MIFF be our starting point. This city holds the seed of the story, as well as the crew and community without whom this film would not have been possible.”

Executive Producer of Pasa Faho Robert Connolly (The Dry, Balibo) said: “Pasa Faho is a sublime and deeply moving work, an exciting debut from this impressive filmmaking team Kalu, Ivy and Mimo. We’re delighted to have played a small role on this ground-breaking film exploring an untold part of our national story, with an exciting World Premiere ahead here in Melbourne where it is set.”

Pasa Faho is a Vicscreen production, in association with Screen Australia, Melbourne International Film Festival Premiere Fund, North South East West, Arenamedia and SBS Australia.

Full details about the CinefestOZ screening can be found here. 

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