The Only Gay in Nigeria
(Direction / Illustration / Animation)
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Bisi Alimi was the first gay man to publicly assume his sexuality in Nigeria. The revelation took place live, on national TV. This act of courage almost cost him his life, and led to his exile in London.
We tell this story in an animated mini-doc, built from a telephone interview, in which Alimi narrates how he went from being a soap opera star to become an outcast.
Process & Development
Art Direction
The challenge was to illustrate Bisi Alimi, not only to be a drawing but maintaining the density of his physical and emotional characteristics. The other key point for us was the choice of lighthearted colors in a dark environment, showing that despite the difficulties, the actor is at peace with himself.
Final Frames
The mini-doc won the LIBRES // ÉMOIS festival, was shown at the largest documentary festival in England and selected for Stop Hate With Film, a library of traveling films shown at various festivals around the world.
Thank You!
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