“Nanny” portrays relationships and uncertainty through the folklore of West Africa
Written by Ashton Melton. Photo courtesy of Madi Wellborn.
“Nanny” is truly revolutionary to the art of film, depicting the struggles of Aisha, an emigrant from Senegal, who experiences the hardships of a nanny for a New York wealthy couple while dealing with the absence of her son. The celebratory moment of her son’s arrival brings forth a violent presence of folklore that becomes a reality.
The film showcases toxic relationships, uncertainty, folklore and West African culture. The film spreads awareness of the hard truths around abuse, toxic relationships and the uncertainty of not knowing how to continue daily life. “Nanny” does a terrific job of capturing these scenes without romanticizing the pain behind them.
The film also talks about West African culture and folklore, such as Anansi and Mama Wata. Anansi is a spider known in West African mythology as a trickster and mischievous figure whose purpose is to oppose the gods’ will, causing misfortune for anyone it touches. It is said that Anansi chases those who need to be punished. Mama Wata, a female human upper half and a serpent on the lower half, brings good fortune, wealth and healing when an individual experiences destruction. “Nanny” creates an outlet for these stories to be heard.
