Sponsored by Gilead

Babatunde Apalowo, 2023, Nigeria, 93 min.

As the title of this debut film suggests, those who are willing to see beyond their own rigid black and white points of view, are able to see a full spectrum of vibrant colors, nuances, and complexity. When Bambino, a salt of the earth delivery driver in Lagos, meets aspiring photographer, Bawa, the two men form an instant intimacy. As they explore their city together, their friendship grows. Their society’s taboo against homosexuality presents a serious threat to their relationship, but it is they themselves, who sabotage their love for each other through their own legitimate fears and internalized homophobia. Filmmaker to watch, Babtunde Apalowo, initially presents Lagos as a cultural tourism destination. His directorial debut features the art, architecture, regional cuisine, and technology that will make any world traveler long to explore the region. However, his beloved metropolis is besmirched by threats of mob action, in which the mere accusation of a crime, including homosexuality, which is illegal in Nigeria, can cost you your life. In his stunning directorial debut, Apalowo powerfully demonstrates the intricacies of human relationships and sounds the alarm on the scourge of an ugly global trend wherein groups of angry citizens seek vengeance against that which they see as “wrong” from their narrow perspectives. (Karin Wolf)

In English and Igbo with English subtitles.