back

Dreamers

Panorama 2025
© Dreamers Production Ltd.
After living undocumented in the UK for two years, Nigerian migrant Isio is caught and sent to the Hatchworth Removal Centre. She hopes for a fair asylum hearing and is convinced that, as long as she strictly follows the rules, she will be released – even if her charismatic new roommate Farah tells her this is a naive mistake. As Isio adjusts to life in the Removal Centre, she finds herself falling for Farah, as well as becoming close to her new friends Nana and Atefeh. When Isio’s asylum application is rejected, Farah suggests they escape together to give their love a chance. Isio initially refuses. But when events beyond their control threaten the promise of a new life, she realises that she has to start playing by her own rules. Freedom is elusive, but love is eternal.
by Joy Gharoro-Akpojotor (Director, Screenplay)
with Ronkę Adékoluęjo, Ann Akinjirin, Diana Yekinni, Aiysha Hart, Harriet Webb United Kingdom 2025 English 78' Colour World premiere | Debut film

With

  • Ronkę Adékoluęjo (Isio)
  • Ann Akinjirin (Farah)
  • Diana Yekinni (Nana)
  • Aiysha Hart (Atefeh)
  • Harriet Webb (Holly)

Crew

Director Joy Gharoro-Akpojotor
Screenplay Joy Gharoro-Akpojotor
Cinematography Anna Patarakina
Editing Arttu Salmi, Victoria Boydell
Music Ré Olunuga
Sound Design Maiken Hansen
Production Design Gini Godwin
Casting Aisha Bywaters
Producer Emily Morgan
Executive Producers Claudia Yusef, Amy Gardner, Joy Gharoro-Akpojotor, Doris Gharoro

Produced by

Quiddity Films

London, United Kingdom

BBC Films

London, United Kingdom

World Sales

The Yellow Affair by Newen Connect

Helsinki, Finland

Photos

Joy Gharoro-Akpojotor

The director runs Joi Productions whose credits include Blue Story and Boxing Day, the first all-Black Christmas film to be made in the UK. In 2020, she was named a Screen International Star of Tomorrow and a BAFTA Breakthrough. Her short film For Love premiered at the BFI London Film Festival where it was nominated for Best Short Film before going on to screen at numerous international festivals.

Filmography

2021 For Love; short film 2025 Dreamers

Bio- & filmography as of Berlinale 2025