This debut drama, set in colorful, chaotic Lagos, the former Nigerian capital, is made by twin brothers, Arie and Chuko Esiri: Tragedy and fate intervene as two Nigerians try to better the lives of their families. “Eyimofe (This is My Desire)” is a film about two people’s quest for what they believe will be a better life on foreign shores. Not unlike many working-class Americans, the two main characters are just one piece of bad news away from a precipitous fall into poverty. Both are scrambling to overcome Kafka-esque obstacles placed in the way of obtaining passports to quit Nigeria for Europe. After Mofe loses his family and Rosa fails to deliver on a promise, their travel plans collapse forcing them to reconsider living abroad. As time passes and wounds heal, they learn the future they desperately seek can be built at home.
In-person Q&As with Arie Esiri, co-director of “Eyimofe,” are also scheduled for Friday, July 23 (8 p.m. show) and Saturday, July 24 (5:30 p.m. show).
For more info and tickets, visit www.my.filmforum.org/events/eyimofe