We come bearing good news 🗞️ Our next screening will be this Thursday, 2nd April📍 @themist.ke ⏰5:30pm to 10:30pm
We’ll start with a short:
“A King Displaced” which is a 2026 documentary short focusing on Daniel Hungbeji, a traditional ruler and fisherman living in the floating water settlement of Makoko in Lagos, Nigeria.
The film documents Daniel’s daily struggle to navigate his dual roles as a community leader and fisherman, while the Lagos State Government gradually encroaches upon and demolishes his two-century-old settlement. It highlights the threat to Makoko’s heritage, culture, and the livelihood of thousands of residents facing displacement due to urban “beautification” projects.
RSVP, link in bio @kultureklub.ke 🔗
What are your thoughts on dying?
There was a period in my life I didn’t have a feat of dying. In fact I looked forward to it. But that’s not the case anymore and I’m trying to understand it.
My grandma has a wealth of knowledge and it just makes sense to share some of it with you.
This Tuesday Jan 20th, I was given the opportunity to speak on ARISE News Channel with @seyitanatigarin who runs the entertainment and culture desk at @arisenewsofficial with her co-host @nicoleabebe about my documentary highlighting the ongoing displacement of the Egun people in Makoko, Lagos Nigeria.
I usually preface these things by saying “I’m not an activist, I’m just a filmmaker” however, one of the reasons this was important for me to do was because I see and hear so many misconceived notions about the place, particularly from people in a certain socioeconomic class.
“The eyesore of lagos”, “A stain on our city” “The worlds largest floating slum”. Those are the labels used to describe what is a nest of cultural heritage and tradition of over 200 years.
After my interview was posted online, I was in the comment section talking about the film (against the advice of my sister cause apparently, it’s not a good look lol) and someone told me that I should be using my “filming” time better rather “than focusing on squatters over a body of water that belongs to the Nigerian state.”
This is exactly the notion I’m trying to challenge.
I am not blind, yes Makoko has issues with sanitation, there is oil spillage and the sewage waste that flows from major areas in Lagos affecting their waters, their houses are in dire need of renovation but is displacing them the solution to these problems?
Over and over the residents have expressed their desire to develop their community along side the Lagos state government- but not at the cost of their livelihood.
They are not just squatters, they are recognized residents of the state. The law protects them too.
You can watch the full interview here:
https://lnkd.in/dCtUbis2
My film, “A King Displaced” follows the life of Chief Daniel Hungbeji, a fisherman and one of the 11 traditional rulers in Makoko, Lagos, Nigeria as he navigates the threat of displacement posed by Lagos State government in Nigeria.
I conceived The idea for this project 3 years ago and with the support of @storymiacademy and @franceinnigeria I’ve been working on this film actively for 7 months. At the time of making this film I never imagined that the destruction in Makoko would be so immediate and swift.
While filming this project, on the 23rd December 2025, demolitions started on Makoko’s waterfront and according to reports from community members the demolitions are still ongoing as of January 15th 2026.
Although today many in the community have been displaced, the truth is that everyday the story is still unfolding. I’m posting this because the journey isn’t over, in my opinion there’s still hope for the community and I want as many people to see what’s really happening.
I would like to host public screenings in as many places as possible to raise more awareness of the intricacies of this issue so if you have a space you’re willing to give for a screening please message me.
Where to begin… Saturday, the 10th of January 2026 marked the fruition of a 7 month journey with Storymi Academy.
Last year I was one of five filmmakers selected for a documentary fellowship program, run by Sophie Bouillon and the French embassy in Nigeria. I decided to make the film that had been bothering my brain since 2022 called A King Displaced.
Two workshops, multiple meetings with my mentor Marjolaine and editing reviews with @brotherjide (thank you!), @sophie_bouillon , @ikennaebue , @kachibenson and @thestorybender I created a documentary that I am immensely proud of.
This is a great stamp in the passport of my career, and I am so grateful for the opportunity.
I honestly believe God’s hand was in this the entire time because the timing of this film has been nothing short of providential and I feel strongly that it’s partly because it’s meant to do some good in this present situation.
Getting ready for our screening this evening at @ebonylifecinemas with @storymiacademy and @franceinnigeria after months of intense work and efforts
If you have rsvp, get ready for an unforgettable experience.
In the final phase of editing our documentary films with @storymiacademy and @franceinnigeria
It’s been a great ride, though with some challenges along the way but we are finally here.
We came out better and wiser. What a great learning experience this has been.
We thank God for his help and we are grateful for how far we’ve come.
Anticipate the beautiful stories from the 2025 Storymi Academy fellows.
Special appreciation to all our mentors, facilitators and team behind our projects these past few months.
Anticipate our screening at Ebony Life Cinema on the 10th January, 2025, 4pm.
After 6 long and transformative months the documentary fellowship has come to an end. All five of our short films will be screened in lagos on the 10th at ebony life cinemas and I would absolutely LOVE it if you came.
RSVP here (you NEED to):
/rsvp
Thank you to @sophie_bouillon for this amazing program, @storymiacademy and @ifnigeria for the support and this wonderful opportunity. My storymi mentor @marjolainegrappe for all the guidance throughout the process.
Also thank you to my mum @eme_bassey for just being there in the most supportive way and of course my lovely sister @alosbeemi and beautiful boyfriend @victor._.kreed for the moral support during this really busy time and my dad for building a space where I could work (mostly) uninterrupted. I love you all. Without everyone mentioned this film wouldn’t be coming (cause I’m still in the last legs of editing) together so nicely.
See you at the screening!
