Babatunde Apalowo’s film ‘Londoner’ triumphs, clinching the Best Fiction Feature award at Durban FilmMart.

Babatunde Apalowo’s autobiographical film ‘Londoner’ has garnered acclaim by winning the prestigious Red Sea Film Fund Award for Best Fiction Feature, accompanied by a $5,000 cash prize, at the esteemed Durban FilmMart.

The film centers around Ayo, a Nigerian bank manager who uproots his life to join his family in London, only to face unexpected challenges upon arrival. Produced by Pamela Drameh and Sarudzayi Marufu, ‘Londoner’ delves into Apalowo’s own experiences navigating cultural displacement and familial strife in a foreign land.

Apalowo, a Nigerian filmmaker based in the United Kingdom, has built a reputation for crafting compelling narratives that resonate across borders. His diverse portfolio includes notable works such as ‘A Place for Happiness’, ‘Catcher’, ‘The Millions’, and ‘Death for Sale’.

Notably, his film ‘All the Colours of the World Are Between Black and White’ earned him the prestigious Teddy Award at the 2023 Berlin Film Festival, solidifying his place in the global film industry.

The 15th edition of Durban FilmMart, held from July 19 to 22 in South Africa, provided a platform for outstanding African film projects, showcasing diverse storytelling and creative talent from across the continent.

Apalowo’s ‘Londoner’ stood out for its poignant exploration of identity, belonging, and the universal human experience of isolation in a bustling metropolis. In his words:

Nigeria is a place where personal space does not exist. In London, the opposite was the case. I realised I could die on the road and people would just drive on by. For the first time in my life, I felt lonely.

The film marks Apalowo’s second feature-length endeavor, receiving accolades not only for its narrative depth but also for its technical craftsmanship and emotional resonance.

Alongside ‘Londoner’, other noteworthy winners at Durban FilmMart included Sean Drummond and Sheetal Magan, who were awarded The Known Inner Circle Award and a $10,000 prize for their impactful South African film, ‘Acts of Man’.

Apalowo’s success with ‘Londoner’ underscores his ability to weave personal narrative into universal themes, offering audiences a compelling glimpse into the complexities of migration, family dynamics, and the quest for a sense of home in an unfamiliar landscape.”

This version expands on the original story, providing more context, insight into the filmmaker’s journey, and highlighting the broader impact of ‘Londoner’ within the film industry and beyond.