I don't think the pacing is the problem here, neither is the execution, I just believe that the plot isn't strong enough for a good story.
I had to take my time with this one, as it seemed to go on and on and on, but when I checked, only one hour had passed. So yes, I do agree with other reviewers that said it is a slow movie, but somehow, it simply fails in keeping your interest up. It was difficult to watch it in one view, even tho things were happening on the screen, I just wasn't drawn into it, at all really, so I just let it play until finally it was over.
Hard to recommend 8, sure, it is nice to see what foreign cinema can do..perhaps Africa needs more time. An ok effort at best, and maybe for some, but definitely a lot of room to improve things.
Cheers!