The legend of the vagabond queen of Lagos: A cinematic revolution
A new voice in Nigerian cinema
The Agbajowo Collective has burst onto the scene with their debut feature, The Legend of the Vagabond Queen of Lagos. This film, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, is a powerful narrative that delves into the harsh realities of forced evictions in Nigeria. The story is inspired by the 2017 destruction of informal settlements in the fishing community of Otodo Gbame.
A tale of resilience and rebellion
The film, written and directed by a diverse team of seven filmmakers, follows the journey of Jawu, a single mother played by Temi Ami-Williams. Jawu faces off against mercenaries hired to demolish her waterside village. The narrative is a gripping portrayal of the struggle between the oppressed and their oppressors, highlighting the stark contrast between the lives of the elite and the marginalized.
A visual and emotional journey
The first-look trailer introduces the village through sweeping aerial shots, showcasing its vibrant yet fragile structures. The announcement of the state’s plan to demolish the village sets the stage for the impending conflict. The trailer juxtaposes scenes of Jawu and her son counting their modest earnings by the light of an oil lamp with images of neatly stacked hundred-dollar bills, symbolizing the stark economic divide.
Watch the trailer for The Legend of the Vagabond Queen of Lagos
The power of community
The film’s depiction of community is both intentional and authentic. The filmmakers worked closely with the communities they portrayed, fostering trust and access through deep relationship networks. This approach allowed them to create a vibrant, safe, and kind portrayal of the community, contrasting sharply with the superficial lives of the oppressors.
A reflection on wealth and distance
The film highlights a paradox of our time: as wealth increases, so does the distance between people. The narrative suggests that wealth creation often comes at the expense of others, and the film serves as a call to rethink our approach to urban development and housing.
Taking control through storytelling
The filmmakers aimed to change the negative narrative often associated with slum communities. They wanted to showcase the essential role these communities play in the functioning of cities. Instead of advocating for eradication, they call for the upgrading of slums to improve both the communities and the cities they inhabit.
A call to action
The film is not just a story; it is an act of resistance against ongoing forced evictions. It calls for solidarity among slum dwellers and marginalized communities worldwide. The filmmakers urge viewers to stand against forced evictions and advocate for justice and inclusion.
Rethinking housing and urban development
The film challenges the traditional dichotomy of market and government forces in housing. It introduces the concept of co-created habitats, where organized communities build their own housing. This approach is particularly relevant in Africa, the world’s fastest-urbanizing continent.
Empowering informality
The filmmakers argue that the question is not how to manage informal growth but how to empower it. By building on the strengths of self-organized cities, we can deliver economic value and improve the quality of life for all.
Human rights and global solidarity
The film underscores the indivisibility of human rights. What happens in Lagos affects people worldwide, from Toronto to Mumbai to Cape Town. The filmmakers call for a new paradigm based on cooperation and inclusion.
The complexity of coercion
One of the most poignant aspects of the film is its portrayal of those coerced into enforcing oppressive edicts. The filmmakers sought to depict these individuals not as one-dimensional villains but as complex characters caught in difficult situations. They highlight the need to view at-risk youth as valuable resources rather than discarding them.
Embracing the voices of the youth
The film reflects a broader societal fear of youth uprisings, similar to the Arab Spring. The filmmakers argue that Africa is changing, and it is essential to embrace the voices of young people. The old ways of doing things are no longer sufficient.
The Legend of the Vagabond Queen of Lagos is a powerful and timely film that challenges viewers to rethink their perceptions of slum communities and the dynamics of wealth and power. It is a call to action for justice, inclusion, and the empowerment of marginalized communities.
Watch the trailer for The Legend of the Vagabond Queen of Lagos