In Africa's largest city there is no warning when the thugs come with bulldozers, weapons drawn, and the police backing them up. Resist the forced evictions, demolition of homes, beatings, and killings, means fines, jail time, or worse. Corruption is rampant and unchecked save for the glimmer of light that lies within the hearts of certain people. The light shines in the unlikeliest of places.
In the poor neighborhood of Agbojedo a single mother, Jawu, dreams of a better life. When she catches a mean-spirited man hiding his pile of ill-gotten gains, Jawu sees a way out of her funk. For once she has good things; a dress, nice haircut, and fine jewelry. Yet all this can't substitute for what she yearns for in her dreams. As the thugs close in on Jawu, she faces a deeper conflict inside herself. It is to find the light that guides her and connects her to everyone else.
"When we become one, we become great."
This thrilling true story involves real people drawn from the actual headlines of Lagos. The film is collaboratively directed and took seven years to expose the ways poverty is criminalized, that police conduct unjust raids, and entire communities are destroyed. I wish there were more quotes from the actual legend of the vagabond queen, but I thoroughly enjoyed the frequent flashbacks and magical realism of the film.
The filmmakers and actors were present at this world premiere screening at the Toronto International Film Festival. They expressed their hope to put an end to forced evictions in Nigeria by complete immersing audiences in the realities of the people in these communities. Their stories push us to do better.
"Whatever has beginning must have an end."
