One of the best new queer docs that came out of Tribeca Film Festival this year was The Legend of the Underground by Nneka Onuorah and Giselle Bailey
Based around an event in August 2018 when Nigerian police raided a birthday party at a hotel in Lagos, throwing 57 men in jail for allegedly participating in a “homosexual initiation.” This is a country when gay sex, or simply gathering together, is still punishable with a 14-year jail sentence.
The film covers the work of activists and queer allies on both sides of the Atlantic to not just free the men but actively fight to stem the wave of discriminating homophobic lawmaking in this African country.
It’s a story of hope and determination that highlights the political and cultural struggle in Nigeria, and the rampant violent homophobia in this pseudo macho society. The interviews the filmmakers include cover a wide spectrum of very brave men and women. and even those lucky enough to escape this regime sadly discover that America with its own racist issues is not that particularly welcoming to them either.
Sadly because of the same stringent laws ‘The Legend of The Underground cannot be screened in Nigeria. It, therefore, makes it even more imperative that those who can view it do so and spread the word as much as possible.
Now screening in the US on HBO Max
Labels: 2021, documentary, Nigeria, politcs
