By Ben Hooper.

A functional documentary from Joanna Lipper following Hafsat Abiola’s fight for democracy and women’s rights in Nigeria, a country blighted by poverty, corruption and unrest since its independence in 1960.

After decades of military governance, the political activist’s father MKO Abiola was elected president of the country, only to be deposed by yet another general. Following his incarceration and subsequent assassination, Abiola’s wife (one of four) Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, continued to use her voice for justice and democracy. Shockingly, she too was murdered – another alleged political assassination – leaving her daughter Hafsat to continue their legacy.

While the story is certainly a powerful one, this collection of archive footage and talking-head interviews seems to miss the right beats to pack maximum emotional punch. The direction is efficient, yet feels somewhat flat, and at 75 minutes, the film seems more suited to a slot on More4. There’s a lot to fit into such a short runtime here, and the story might have been better served had there been a keener focus on the struggle for women’s rights amidst the political upheaval. As one campaigner points out, ‘We’ve had men over the years, but nothing has come of it. Let us try with women.’

That said, the mixing of the personal and political sides of the conflict is handled sensitively, and the divides between the Abiola family’s many members are depicted to mirror the ethnic, religious and social rifts that have split the country for decades.

Not a ground-breaking cinematic documentary experience then, but The Supreme Price is a worthwhile watch featuring some inspiring characters.

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