THE LEGEND OF THE VAGABOND QUEEN OF LAGOS
Berlinale Spotlight WCF | Nigeria | Agbajowo Collective
“The Legend of the Vagabond of Lagos” is the latest production of the Nigerian Agbajowo Collective. The film tells the story of Jawu (Temiloluwa Ami-Williams), a woman who must decide whether to save herself or defend her community while being threatened by corrupt government actions and violent hitmen. The film addresses the harsh reality of the so-called waterfront communities in Lagos, basically floating slums whose existence is threatened by the greed of politicians and investors. Jawu, who lives in a world where prosperity determines survival, is suddenly confronted with a large sum of money. She is faced with the choice of using it for her own dreams or as a weapon against the oppressors. Thus begins Jawu's transformation from a fighter in the slums to a potential leader of the resistance. “The Legend of the Vagabond of Lagos” sees itself as a socially critical manifesto. The film is set in 2017 and mourns the dissolution of the Otodo-Gbame settlement in particular. However, the political circumstances are not treated as a documentary, but as a mystically charged tale of resistance. This project is more than just a feature film; it is a call for solidarity and action. The Agbajowo Collective brings a message of resistance and hope to the world by highlighting the voices of the oppressed. The film celebrated its world premiere at the Toronto Film Festival, where it was part of the Centerpiece Program.
Director: Agbajowo Collective Screenplay: Agbajowo Collective Length: 101 min. Language: Nigerian OF / English UT Country of production: Nigeria, Germany, South Africa, USA Production: Slum Dwellers International, Die Gesellschaft DGS, Nigerian Slum, Raconteur Productions Cast: Temiloluwa Ami-Williams, Debo Adedayo, Kachi Okechukwu, Gerard Avlessi Festivals: Toronto