In Akinola Davies Jr.’s stunning directorial feature debut, two siblings spend a rare day with their mysterious father, who takes them on a trip to Lagos.

Young brothers Remi and Akin are playing outside their home in rural Nigeria when their absent father arrives and announces he is taking them to the country’s largest city. As they journey through Lagos, which awaits the results of the 1993 presidential election, they sense an air of heightened uncertainty and witness growing unrest, all the time observing sides of their father they had never previously seen. Davies Jr.’s debut is a wonderfully textured work, alive with detail and simmering with a powerful emotional undertow. Lagos, seen in intimate close up from the children’s perspective, is a vibrant rush of chaos and heat, bringing the boys precious moments with their father.

Sopé Dìrísù (Gangs of London, His House) is exceptional, balancing sternness and tenderness in equal measure. The film was awarded a Special Mention in Caméra d’Or Prize at the Cannes Film Festival and garnered twelve nominations at the British Independent Film Awards, with Davies Jr winning Best Director.

Director
Akinola Davies

Date of Release
2025

Running time
94 min

Rating
12A

Countries of origin
United Kingdom, Nigeria, Ireland

Languages
English, Yoruba, English subtitles