Dir. Babatunde Apalawo / 2023 / Nigeria / 92 mins
Bambino (Tope Tedela) is a delivery driver in the sprawling Nigerian metropolis of Lagos.
Quiet and generous, he’s appreciated by the neighbourhood but keeps to himself. His neighbour Ifeyinwa’s advances leave him cold, but when he meets the charismatic photographer Bawa (Riyo David), the two immediately make a connection. Their friendship grows as Bawa looks at Bambino through his camera lens, and it soon becomes clear that his feelings for Bambino are more than platonic. Their dance around each other unfolds slowly, as Bawa tries to make sense of a new kind of intimacy, beyond spoken identity or name.
Originally intended as a love letter to Lagos itself, director Babatunde Apalowo reframed his debut feature as a gay love story after witnessing a homophobic attack on a friend. This beautifully shot, sensual yet restrained film deservedly won the 2023 Teddy Award for Best Feature Film, one of the most prestigious queer cinema prizes in the world. Nigeria is a country where homosexuality is illegal and punishable by prison (or death, in Shari’a states), making this a politically important film as well a deeply affecting story about finding love and connection where you least expect it.
EVENT INFORMATION:
Age suitability: 15+
Duration: 92 mins
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