Tag Archives: Annette Toutonghi

presents

Synopsis: Ahamefule Joe Oluo’s days are spent at a soul-deadening corporate job and his nights come alive behind a trumpet at Seattle jazz clubs. As he struggles to climb out of the ruins of his broken marriage, Aham has to deal with endless bureaucracy, a boss trying to lead him to the Lord, and his mother who won’t cut ties with his ex. Aham is living with his entire family once again in his sister’s cramped one-bedroom apartment. The one person missing from this living situation is Aham’s estranged Nigerian father. His brief reappearance sends the family into a tailspin and a search for meaning. Pressed together in this vise of a home, the family struggles with adult life and the meaning of family.

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Stress can do things to you. In THIN SKIN, Aham’s life is falling apart around him. Circumstances, some of his own doing and others out of left field, throw his days, health, and sanity into chaos.

Aham is a recently divorced musician forced to live with his sister and flighty mother. When his estranged Nigerian father calls them out of the blue, childhood trauma bubbles to the surface, and Aham must confront his life in all its messy glory.

The family dynamics are fascinating. Navigating guilt, disappointment, financial realities, parenthood, and passion feels palpable. Audiences will relate to this film in more than one way. It’s stunningly shot, and the screenplay is hilarious.

This cast, in general, is wonderfully put together. Some of the most memorable moments revolve around the ancillary characters. The chemistry is remarkable. Annette Toutonghi plays the disillusioned mother, eccentric, caring, and complete flake Susan. She is darling to watch. I want to put her in my pocket.

There is a whole lot of dialogue that happens at Ahamefule J. Oluo (who stars, co-writes, executive produces, and scores the film.) The way he responds is delightful to watch. He has a naturally grounded tone, especially up against the weighty issues of abandonment and getting your shit together. And, boy, can he wail on the trumpet. Oluo manages to conquer the progressively bizarre plot, as his stress physically manifests in graphic ways.

The film is genuinely funny and captivating. It’s an unexpected story with universal themes, pushing the boundaries of genre storytelling.