All the Colours of the World Are Between Black and White

Bambino has settled into his life as a single man. His delivery driver job in Lagos means that he has a steady income, even if the promised promotion is a long time coming. He is appreciated by the neighbourhood; he helps out financially where he can and is generous when people are late repaying him. His neighbour Ifeyinwa’s advances leave him cold, but when he meets the charismatic Bawa, the two immediately hit it off. A photo competition sees the two men driving around the city together on day-long explorations with increasing frequency. As Bawa looks at him through his camera lens, it soon becomes clear that he sees in Bambino not only a good model but also more than just a friend.
Director, screenwriter and producer Babatunde Apalowo takes the title of his film at its word. Using an unobtrusive colour composition, he tells a restrained and tender story of two men who become close in a society in which same-sex sexual relations are considered taboo and are liable for prosecution. Their dance around each other unfolds slowly, in images that are concentrated and filled with calm. A sensual and politically important film from Nigeria about finding love where you least expect it.
by Babatunde Apalowo
with Tope Tedela, Riyo David, Martha Ehinome Orhiere, Uchechika Elumelu, Floyd Anekwe
Nigeria 2023 English, Igbo, Nigerian Pidgin 93’

With

  • Tope Tedela (Bambino)
  • Riyo David (Bawa)
  • Martha Ehinome Orhiere (Ifeyinwa)
  • Uchechika Elumelu (Mama)
  • Floyd Anekwe (Boss)

Crew

Director Babatunde Apalowo
Screenplay Babatunde Apalowo
Cinematography David Wyte
Editing Babatunde Apalowo
Colourists Matt Mahmood-Ogston, Josh Borrill
Music Richard Kett, Catherine Shrubshall
Sound Design Richard Kett, Kolade Morakinyo
Sound Bankole Adedoyin
Production Design Art Anekwe
Art Director Jeffrey Agama
Costumes Valerie Okeke
Make-Up Uduoghene Alakpa
Assistant Director Joan Inegbe
Production Manager Bolaji Gelax
Producer Damilola E. Orimogunje
Executive Producer Ezra Olubi
Associate Producer Nkechi Okere
Co-Producers Babatunde Apalowo, Imafidon Gift Jesurobo-Owie, David Wyte
Co-Production 2o9ine Films Lagos
Creative Blacks Production Lagos
Realm360 Production Lagos

Produced by

Polymath Pictures

Babatunde Apalowo

The Nigerian director and screenwriter is based in the UK. He won Nigeria Integrity Film Awards (HomeVida) for the script for the short film Lost Children and for the short film A Place of Happiness which also screened at several international film festivals. In 2022, he won the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Award for Best Editor. All the Colours of the World Are Between Black and White is his debut feature film.

Filmography

2017 A Place of Happiness; short film · Crack; short film 2023 All the Colours of the World Are Between Black and White

Bio- & filmography as of Berlinale 2023