Fide Dayo, who lives in Rome, is a Nigerian filmmaker born into the Ekundayo family in Lagos, Nigeria. After his studies in architecture at the University of Florence he switched to film making. He realized a series of short films: the documentaries Identity on the Move to Integrate Different Worlds (2009) and Who are the Yoruba’s (2008), That Day (2006), Fuga (2004), Diaspora (2002), and The front line (2001). He had a breakthrough with his first feature film Ben Kross (2011), in which he also played the role of an Nigerian immigrant worker in Italy. Ben Kross was nominated as best film by an African film director living abroad at the African Movie Academy Award (AMAA) in 2012.
Minister
Video, interview
2016
After the assasination of her father, a political activist, Kemi leaves her home country Nigeria. On her arrival in Italy she finds a job in a bakery and builds a new life as a single mother. Developing an interest in fashion, Kemi eventually joins the fashion company Nero. In the meantime her brother Banky has also made his way to Italy. When the fashion company has financial difficulties, Kemi manages to save it from bankruptcy by introducing Adire, an indigo blue fabric from West Africa. Minister is a stirring drama, set in a country where immigration is still perceived as a threat. The moment when Kemi becomes appointed as Minister of Migration as a result of her commitment to labour rights, marks the film’s turning point. Kemi’s joy is clouded by conflicts with her daughter, her brother and racist hostilities within the party. Meanwhile, there is a fierce power struggle for the fashion company, which puts the lives of mother and daughter in danger.
Interview: Fide Dayo
African Diaspora Cinema Festival
Film festival, nominated films, trailer
2019/20
Founded in 2013 by Fide Dayo, ADCF’s vision is to raise awareness about African cinema, its vast potentials and the socio-economic impact it has not only on African economies but also gradually expanding to other parts of the world’s economy as well. Our aim is to use cinema to create a revolution that will change the social and economic horizon of Africa. “Stop Human Trafficking” is the theme of the African Diaspora Cinema Festival, a theme that draws on the principle that being African is a bond that goes beyond geography, birth or lineage since people of African origin are spread across the globe and Africa is also the proud home to many non-Africans. Africa has been able to capture the world’s attention through its ancient cultural heritage. With films it will have the power to connect people from around the world.
Film is a powerful platform that is able to attract and engage people in constructive activity as well as providing enjoyment, enlivening spaces, and enriching lives. Film and art can lead to a better understanding and foster communication between peoples of diverse culture. ADCF is rising from the ashes in a difficult moment in which the corpses of thousands of Africans flow like water in the Mediterranean Sea. At a time of racial intolerance, at a time when people are not only rebelling about the lack of jobs, but also about equal opportunity and equality before the law. Also at a time when our stories are not being heard nor told in public spaces.
