The movie

013 CIFF ’20 | This is My Desire

Through the stories of Mofe and Rosa, the Esiri brothers have painted a textured and heartfelt portrait of life on the streets of Lagos.

Length: 110 min
Country: Nigeria
Language spoken: English
Language subtitles: English
Cast: Jude Akuwudike, Temi Ami-williams, Tomiwa Edun, Jacob Alexander, Cynthia Ebijie, Chioma ‘Chigul’ Omeruah
Director: Arie & Chuko Esiri
Release date: 23/10/2020

Description

Through the stories of Mofe (Jude Akuwudike), an electrician and handyman, and Rosa (Temi Ami-Williams), a hairdresser and bartender, Arie and Chuko Esiri have painted a remarkably textured and heartfelt portrait of what it’s like to live on the colourful streets of Lagos. Mofe and Rosa share both a neighbourhood and a desire to immigrate to Europe. They jump through the numerous hoops involved to achieve their goals, but it is their daily lives and the steady accumulation of quotidian detail—constant money problems, family tragedy, the occasional helping hand of another— that constitutes the film’s heart and soul. Splendidly shot on 35mm by Arseni Khachaturan, 'This Is My Desire' also cleverly balances humanistic naturalism with grace notes of humour and conviviality.

‘"This Is My Desire" is a low-key charmer, but it really delivers as a clear-eyed portrait of a vibrant city, informed by the unfakeable love… of two talented native sons.’—Jessica Kiang, Variety