This week's film recommendation is Eyimofe (This Is My Desire) (2020), a captivating debut feature by Nigerian twin directors Arie and Chuko Esiri. Shot on richly textured 16 mm film, the movie pays homage to the spirit of Italian neorealism while presenting a deeply human and intimate portrait of life in Lagos, Nigeria.

The film follows two interconnected yet independent stories—Mofe (Jude Akuwudike), an electrician coping with the fallout of a family tragedy, and Rosa (Temi Ami-Williams), a young hairdresser trying to support her pregnant teenage sister. Both characters share a singular desire: to leave behind the hardships of their current lives in pursuit of a new beginning in Europe.

What sets Eyimofe apart is its quiet power and restraint. There are no over-the-top melodramatic twists; instead, the directors allow life in Lagos to speak for itself. Through immersive cinematography and thoughtful pacing, the film highlights the dignity and struggle of everyday human existence. The audience is taken through the vibrant, bustling streets of Lagos, where every interaction comes with unspoken complexities, and each character's hopes are tempered by harsh economic realities.

From its detailed character-driven narrative to its visually rich style, Eyimofe delivers a heartfelt commentary on migration, survival, and the endurance of the human spirit. A standout in contemporary African cinema, the Esiri brothers’ storytelling leaves viewers with both reflection and reverence for the resilience it portrays.

Watch Eyimofe (This Is My Desire) now on Apple TV.

This is an excerpt from our August 8, 2024 newsletter. Love this recommendation? Discover more by subscribing to our newsletter here.