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A new voice in African cinema: ‘The Legend of the Vagabond Queen of Lagos’
A powerful debut from the Agbajowo Collective
In a significant move for African cinema, Rushlake Media has secured the world sales rights to “The Legend of the Vagabond Queen of Lagos,” the debut feature from the Nigerian filmmaking group, the Agbajowo Collective. This film is set to make its world premiere in the Centerpiece section of the Toronto International Film Festival.
A story rooted in real-life struggles
Based on harrowing real-life events from 2016 and 2017, the film delves into the violent, forced evictions from Lagos’ Otodo Gbame fishing community. The narrative follows Jawu, a young mother from a waterfront slum who discovers a stash of corrupt blood money intended for a real-estate development that threatens her home. Faced with isolation and temptation, Jawu emerges as a unifying force in a community on the brink of losing everything.
A collaborative effort with a mission
Supported by the Durban FilmMart, the Sundance Institute, and the Berlinale World Cinema Fund, this film is a testament to the power of collaboration. The Agbajowo Collective, comprising emerging filmmakers from Lagos’ informal settlements, worked alongside established film professionals to bring this story to life. Their mission is clear: to amplify the voices of Lagos’ millions living in informal settlements and facing the imminent threat of displacement.
Meet the Agbajowo Collective
The collective is a diverse group of seven directors: James Tayler, Ogungbamila Temitope, Okechukwu Samuel, Mathew Cerf, Edukpo Tina, Bisola Akinmuyiwa, and A.S. Elijah. Their combined efforts have resulted in a film that not only tells a compelling story but also redefines the filmmaking process.
A stellar cast and crew
The film features Temi-Ami Williams (“This is My Desire”) and Nollywood veteran Debo Adebayo. This project marks Rushlake’s second collaboration with Tayler, who co-directed “The Boda Boda Thieves” (2015). Additionally, it continues the partnership between the sales company and German co-producer Michael Henrichs of Die Gesellschaft DGS.
An international co-production
“The Legend of the Vagabond Queen of Lagos” is an international co-production involving Slum Dwellers International, Justice & Empowerment Initiatives Nigeria, the Nigerian Slum/Informal Settlement Federation, Die Gesellschaft DGS, and Raconteur Productions.
A film born from lived experiences
Co-director Mathew Cerf reflects on the journey: “Our film is as much about process as the end product. What began in 2018 as an idea to highlight forced evictions in Lagos evolved into a deeper effort to re-imagine storytelling and create film production systems centered around lived experiences and the power of the collective.”
He continues, “Six years later, what emerges is a film whose narrative fabric is infused with the voices and stories of the real world it depicts. We hope it entertains, empowers, and transcends.”
A commitment to African stories
Philipp Hoffmann, founder of Rushlake Media, shares his excitement: “I am thrilled to be working with the Agbajowo Collective and bring this incredible story to the screen. ‘The Legend of the Vagabond Queen of Lagos’ is an innovative way of filmmaking and is simultaneously gripping and exciting cinema entertainment.”
Rushlake Media is dedicated to high-quality African films and the African market. Their recent acquisition, “After the Long Rains,” the sophomore feature from 23-year-old Kenyan-Swiss filmmaker Damien Hauser, has already made waves at the Red Sea Film Festival, Rotterdam, and Durban this year.
A new era for African cinema
“The Legend of the Vagabond Queen of Lagos” is more than just a film; it’s a movement. It represents a new era for African cinema, where stories from the continent are told by those who live them. This film is a beacon of hope and a call to action, urging the world to listen to the voices of those often unheard.
For more information and to watch the trailer, visit The Legend of the Vagabond Queen of Lagos.
This article aims to provide a comprehensive and engaging overview of “The Legend of the Vagabond Queen of Lagos,” highlighting its significance in the world of cinema and its impact on the African film industry.
