August the First is one of the very best independent films that I have ever seen, and I have seen many. The script, acting and cinematography were on point--not meant to invoke the fakeness of American hollywood fantasy films. It was meant to be honest and skillful, and it achieved both. I believe that uneducated and uncultured people who have not experienced much in life, outside their own basic simple-dom, will not be touched by the film. This movie is one that inspires many questions about forgiveness, family, respect, love, growth, and relationships. The fact that most or all of the cast were African with African names was a significant point, and one that captured my attention, especially given that it was set in America. Fantastic. Again, uncultured and uneducated Americans will not get it. Peace, and please continue on with your work. The producer(s), director and actors should all be proud!!

Corny, Corny, Corny. This film is incomplete.

I found the characters to be realistic in that although there appeared to be opportunities for reconciliation, that only happens in movies. Dead beat dad stories are inherently sad stories filled with conflicted feelings on the part of all involved. Hollywood movies usually conclude with tidy endings. Real life stories often don't. I found the realism refreshing. I'm really sick of cliche' endings. With regard to the handheld camera effect, I was too into the story to be bothered by it. It's an independent film thing. Get over it.

Thanks to this film, I realize that in order to enjoy movies on Hulu, one should not create high expectations for films. If you are expecting high quality acting, camera work, etc, then you will not be pleased with this movie. Although the movie started off rocky, the overall concept of the movie gave me some hope that the movie would actually turn out well. Unfortunately, the movie ended leaving me frustrated and disappointed. I am not sure what left me most unsettled, the ending of the movie or the overly dramatic acting that led up to it. Some of the actors were great, and I would definitely watch them in other movies, but some in my opinion over did it.

The movie was a waste of time and film

Wow! Semi's husband was like 100 years old. Of course she didn't want to see her father again; she had already replaced him with one of his old schoolmates. Tunde's family was wrong for giving him such a hard time about inviting his dad to his graduation party. So he didn't tell everybody and he should have. Oh well, he couldn't go back in time and change anything. It was his party-he can do what he wants. Plus people need to resolve family issues before they get married and start another one. It was beyond time for everybody to forgive and move on. Now that his bad character is confirmed everybody can move on.