_Crocodile: A Documentary on Nigerian Filmmaking and Resilience_

_Crocodile_, directed by Pietra Brettkelly, chronicles the 13-year journey of a collective of young filmmakers known as The Critics, based in Kaduna, Nigeria. The documentary showcases their evolution from untrained siblings and cousins creating short films with a cellphone to a more structured group with aspirations in the burgeoning Nollywood industry. The film premiered at the Berlin Film Festival and runs for 1 hour and 41 minutes.

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The Critics, now a group of nine members, have garnered attention with their YouTube channel, which boasts 50,000 followers. The documentary introduces key members, including Godwin, who appears to be the leader, Raymond, the second-in-command, and Rachael, a precocious 9-year-old actress and budding director. However, the film's structure leaves much to be desired, as many members remain unnamed and their relationships unclear. Brettkelly adopts a fly-on-the-wall approach, allowing events to unfold organically, which sometimes results in a lack of clarity regarding the group's dynamics and individual contributions.

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Throughout _Crocodile_, The Critics face various challenges, including regular power outages that disrupt their creative processes. They receive support from notable figures, such as filmmaker J.J. Abrams, who gifts them a digital camera, enhancing their production capabilities. Despite these advancements, the documentary raises questions about the financial aspects of their filmmaking, including how they fund their projects and the potential revenue from their YouTube channel.

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The documentary intersperses scenes from The Critics' films, illustrating how their personal experiences inform their storytelling. This creative process highlights the unique perspective of Nigerian filmmakers, even when drawing inspiration from global franchises like Star Wars and The Joker. The film emphasizes that their work is not merely imitation but is filtered through a distinctly Nigerian lens, showcasing their resilience and creativity in the face of adversity.

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While _Crocodile_ delivers an inspiring narrative, it has faced criticism for its storytelling choices. Reviewers noted that the lack of structure and clarity can detract from the overall impact of the film. The documentary's reliance on off-camera narration and thematic summaries sometimes leaves viewers wanting more explicit information about the filmmakers and their journey.

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• “Since one of the documentary’s big questions — one that The Critics debate — regards what is necessary to be a “Nigerian filmmaker,” Crocodile leaves no doubt that even if The Critics are making an unauthorized Star Wars sequel or paying tribute to The Joker, everything they do passes through a prism that’s unique and distinctive and Nigerian.” — Film Review

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_Crocodile_ serves as a testament to the power of independent filmmaking in Nigeria, illustrating the challenges and triumphs of The Critics. Despite its structural flaws, the documentary captures the essence of creativity and resilience, offering a glimpse into the world of young filmmakers navigating their path in a complex industry.

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