Guy on Ground

A TOM Pictures, 1Take Media, Hashayaafric Prods., Chrisdon Prods., Rosie Motene Prods. presentation. Created by Motene, Hakeem Kae-Kazim, Fabian Adeoye Lojede, Mickey Madoda Dube, Robbie Thorpe, Kgomotso Matsunyane, Akin Omotoso. Executive producers, A.K Tshabalala, Christian Obinna Okoene, Onwe Douglas Christian, Ekeh Kelechi Ernest. Directed, compiled by Akin Omotoso.With: Hakeem Kae-Kazim, Fabian Adeoye Lojede, Fana Mokoena, Makhoala Ndebele, Thisiwe Ziqubu. (British, Yoruba, Sotho, Zulu dialogue)A mix-hybridization of BBC police thriller and Bergmanesque meditation on intra-African immigration, "Guy on Ground" boasts some literally fantastic visual flourishes in addition to a bewildering lack of ability to locate narrative traction. Helmer Akin Omotoso is really a stylist of considerable flair, however the pic's storytelling is simply too obscure and indulgent for that film to locate traction in foreign marketplaces, despite a stylish a cast and moments of brilliance. The storyplot is basically military services weapons person's story about estranged Nigerian siblings: Ade (Hakeem Kae-Kazim), a London-based banker, and Femi (Fabian Adeoye Lojede), a political radical who's been jailed, tortured, exhaust his home country, and it is last seen living the road existence in Gauteng. When Femi gets lost, Ade attempts to find him, and also the search -- as elliptical and blind-alleyed as anything by Bunuel -- provides the majority of the story. Ultimately, "Guy on Ground" is really a mismatch of content and directorial panache: Omotoso is inclined to lengthy, residual takes and slo-mo action, which only punctuates the reality that so very little is being conducted. The film's cleverest place is Thisiwe Ziqubu, who plays Femi's girlfriend, Zodwa, and it is a talent to look at.Digital camera (color, HD cam), Paul Michelson editor, Aryan Kaganof music, Amu production designer, Martha Sibayoni. Examined at Toronto Film Festival (Contemporary World Cinema), Sept. 9. 2011. Running time: 88 MIN. Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com