THE LEGEND OF THE
VAGABOND QUEEN OF LAGOS
FESTIVAL PUBLICITY
IN THE PRESS
“The collective’s achievements lie in its ability to bring a very pertinent and topical story to life in a way that is true to the lived experiences of those from the area”
“It’s about the voice of the oppressed becoming the very weapon needed to defeat tyranny… The Legend of the Vagabond Queen of Lagos is the culmination of their pursuit to prove the naysayers wrong: that they could not only make a film about this ongoing tragedy, but also one that resonates beyond their own borders."
"Leo Purman’s cinematography is both beautifully staged and meticulously shot."
“The Legend of the Vagabond Queen of Lagos meets Djibril Diop Mambéty's 'African film language' challenge as a determined, timely work that gives voice to a community often muted in mainstream media. The Agbajowo Collective has crafted a film that is both a call to action and a celebration of collective resilience.”
—Akoroko
“Shot absolutely strikingly and full of inspirational community spirit and cultural detail, this is worth seeking out.”
ABOUT THE FILM
Nigeria, Germany, South Africa, United States - Drama - 101 mins - 2024
Jawu lives in one of the floating slums pushed into the lagoon which gives the megacity Lagos its name – a young mother scraping by in an indifferent city. However, the spirit of the great warrior king Egbaezen has marked her for a terrible responsibility and ordeal. Danger now threatens his people, as corrupt officials conspire to evict thousands from their ancestral homes. Egbaezen’s spirit takes the form of an African Grey parrot, and sets in motion a chain of events that will change Jawu and her entire community forever.
Directed by The Agbajowo Collective | Produced by Slum Dwellers International, Justice & Empowerment Initiatives Nigeria, Nigerian Slum/Informal Settlement Federation, Die Gesellschaft DGS and Raconteur Productions
International Sales: Rushlake Media
Official Selections: Toronto International Film Festival 2024, Red Sea Film Festival 2024