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Nigerian Filmmaker's "Dreamers" Tells Queer Asylum Seeker Love Story
13 Oct
Summary
- Nigerian-born filmmaker Joy Gharoro-Akpojotor's directorial debut "Dreamers" is a queer romance set in a British immigration center
- Gharoro-Akpojotor was also an asylum seeker based on her sexuality, and the film is inspired by her personal experiences
- Joi Productions, Gharoro-Akpojotor's company, has a diverse slate of upcoming projects including a London "Goonies" and a creature horror about racism
In the past two years, Nigerian-born Londoner Joy Gharoro-Akpojotor has established herself as a rising producer focused on diverse stories. Now, she is making her directorial debut with the queer romance "Dreamers," which premiered in London last month and is set to release in U.K. and Irish cinemas this December.
Deeply personal to Gharoro-Akpojotor, who was also an asylum seeker based on her sexuality, "Dreamers" follows two Nigerian asylum seekers who find love while navigating the challenges of the immigration system. As the filmmaker notes, the film aims to humanize the immigrant experience, which is often reduced to political rhetoric.
Beyond "Dreamers," Gharoro-Akpojotor's production company Joi Productions has an exciting slate of upcoming projects. This includes a London-set "Goonies"-style adventure about teenagers fighting to save their community, as well as a creature horror film exploring the theme of racism. Across all her work, Gharoro-Akpojotor is committed to creating commercially viable films that also challenge audiences and spark important conversations.
