Sarah Juma’s short film, Trinket, is a cautionary tale of class between those with power and we dogs waiting for the powerful’s table scraps.
Mati is a hotel housekeeper trying to make ends meet for her and her family in Nigeria. Our tale opens with Mati and her brother Junior arriving at school only to be turned away due to a nationwide teacher strike.
Forced to take her brother to work, Mati goes about her duties cleaning up the room of one of Nigeria’s ministers and encounters his mistress. The mistress is upset that Mati is trying to tidy up some papers.
Later that day, the minister realizes he is missing his watch. Fearful that he left it at the hotel, he has his mistress contact hotel management and accuse Mati and her co-worker of stealing the watch.

“…he has his mistress contact hotel management and accuse Mati…of stealing the watch.”
Trinket is a story of how the lower class is treated in Nigeria. In the opening titles, Trinket refers to the “life-changing treasure” that the average person enjoys, but a mere “trinket” for the political class. In this case, these treasures are an education, a job, one’s integrity, and one’s body.
Even in the U.S., the lower and middle class are mere pawns to do the bidding of the rich and powerful…mere trinkets. The difference is that in the U.S., it’s less prominent. Trinket is a reminder of not only where we as a society once were but where we could regress in the not-so-distant future.
Film Threat has recently had the great privilege of watching movies and short films from Africa, particularly Nigeria. Trinket is a remarkable example of how to raise awareness about injustice and provide a much-needed voice for its victims. Despite the rawness of the acting and cinematography, the film’s message is potent and unapologetic. Don’t miss the chance to experience this film and its powerful perspective on issues.