This abrupt end and the lack of indication that the experiments were successful render Akinmolayan’s movie an unsuccessful attempt at exploring rainmaking. While pre-production advertisements and online content for the movie informed us that 20 rainmakers had been hired to produce a single outcome, the movie failed to deliver on this promise. The rainmaking experimentation was short-lived, and there was no indication whatsoever that the prevalent practice of rain prevention and rain calling is true. Additionally, the experimentation cannot be used to deduce if the mystical activity of rainmaking is a possibility, as it only focused on three cities and did not even achieve the aim of effectively communicating its findings to the audience. Therefore, while Akomalayan’s Rainmakers emerges as a bold foray into African mysticism, particularly the intriguing practice of rain calling and prevention, it falls short of meeting expectations. Positioned at the intersection of traditional African jujuism and scientific inquiry, the director adopts a nuanced approach, seeking to bridge the gap between ancient ritualism and modern meteorological understanding.  

The art of conjuring and halting rain is a mystic endeavour that offers pathways not only to profound truths but also to ultimate solace. Mysticism is enlightenment, grounded in both reason and imagination, and it is the portal to transcendental freedom and immortality that presents a means to escape the existential quandaries of reality. The practice of rainmaking, or the purported ability to manipulate rainfall, is not merely a mythical notion tethered to the efficacy of African traditional spiritual beliefs. Rather, it is a form of inquiry and interpretation, an attempt to scrutinize and exert influence over the forces of nature through human understanding. In this light, rainmakers are not mythical beings endowed with supernatural powers, but individuals possessing specialized knowledge of rain rituals. Like scientists who meticulously observe and analyse natural phenomena, rainmakers adopt a traditional scientific approach to unravelling the mysteries of nature.  

Consequently, Akinmolayan’s Rainmakers grapples with portraying the art of rainmaking, particularly in its endeavour to juxtapose it with scientific weather forecasts. The documentary’s emphasis on weather specifics falls short of offering a holistic view of this mystical practice, limiting its exploration to a narrow lens of comparison. Rather than relying solely on meteorological details, Rainmakers could have ventured towards a more comprehensive examination of rainmaking, delving into its cultural, spiritual, and symbolic dimensions. From a broader perspective, the documentary could have shed light on the complexities between tradition, belief, and human interpretation in the practice of rainmaking. In doing so, it would have fostered a deeper understanding of the complicated nature of this ancient practice, transcending the confines of scientific inquiry to embrace the richness of cultural heritage and spiritual ethos. 

It is also important to note that some of the rainmakers enlisted for the experimentation fall short of meeting the criteria of mystics—individuals driven by a quest for existential truths and authenticity rather than worldly gains. A true mystic embodies qualities that transcend material aspirations, having transcended their ego and liberated themselves from its constraints. This detachment allows them to remain open-minded and avoid becoming ensnared in self-absorption while probing the mysteries of natural phenomena. Mysticism, at its core, is the quest for direct, personal communion with the divine, a journey that demands unwavering dedication and earnest effort. Genuine mystics often keep their experiences private, content with the spiritual gifts bestowed upon them, and refrain from exploiting their mystical encounters to manipulate others.  

Among the rainmakers enlisted by Akinmolayan and his crew, only the Sango diviners unequivocally stated that rain prevention lay beyond their control, contingent upon the will of the divinities they invoked. In contrast, other rainmakers seemed to hold the belief that they could manipulate the ecosystem through ritualistic practices alone, overlooking the spiritual dimensions integral in rainmaking. They placed undue emphasis on the efficacy of herbs, incantations, and sacrificial offerings, failing to acknowledge the deeper spiritual forces at play. As a result, Rainmakers grapples with the challenge of discerning true mystics from those who lack the requisite qualifications. While some rainmakers may possess specialized knowledge of ritualistic practices, their inability to grasp the spiritual essence of rainmaking undermines their claim to mysticism. Thus, the documentary struggles to identify and showcase authentic mystics amidst a landscape populated by individuals driven by varied motivations and beliefs. 

Despite these shortcomings, Rainmakers remains a thought-provoking endeavour that sparks dialogue and introspection. While it may not fully realize its potential as a holistic exploration of rainmaking, it nonetheless serves as a commendable effort to bridge cultural divides and stimulate conversation. As audiences grapple with its themes and revelations, it becomes evident that the quest to understand the mysteries of rainmaking transcends mere scientific inquiry, encompassing broader questions of belief, tradition, and human understanding. Akinmolayan’s exploration of African mysticism alongside scientific scrutiny opens avenues for further inquiry and engagement with the totality of cultural beliefs and practices⎈