Inspired by the director's own experiences as an asylum seeker, 'Dreamers' offers an intimate look at human connection within the impersonal and often opaque asylum system. The story centres on Isio (Ronke Adekoluejo), a young Nigerian woman detained after living illegally in the UK. Holding onto hope for a fair hearing, she is determined to play by the rules of the system.
Her conviction is tested upon meeting Farah (Kemi Adekoya), a charismatic and more experienced fellow detainee who warns her that the system is not designed to be fair. What begins as a clash of perspectives soon evolves into a deep, loving bond between the two women. As Isio's official asylum pleas are repeatedly rejected, her faith in the process wanes, while her feelings for Farah grow stronger.
Faced with an uncertain future, the couple must redefine their own ideas of freedom, survival, and trust. Farah suggests a plan to escape so their love can continue, but a stubborn Isio remains fixated on doing things the 'right' way. When external events threaten their chance at a life together, Isio is forced to reconsider whether freedom can be won by following rules that seem designed for failure.
Director Joy Gharoro-Akpojotor frames the film not as a political treatise, but as a deeply personal story. "This is not a story about what it means to be a migrant, or about how harrowing the immigration system is – although both are true," she states. "This is a story about two women who, despite an uncertain future, find love in the most unlikely of places."
Film Details
- Director: Joy Gharoro-Akpojotor
- Cast: Ronke Adekoluejo, Kemi Adekoya
- Country: United Kingdom
- Year: 2025
- Duration: 78 minutes
- Language: English with Dutch subtitles
- Screening: Showing at Het Ketelhuis, Amsterdam, from 2 July.
