| Dreamers | |
|---|---|
 Festival release poster | |
| Directed by | Joy Gharoro-Akpojotor |
| Screenplay by | Joy Gharoro-Akpojotor |
| Produced by |
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| Starring |
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| Cinematography | Anna Patarakina |
| Edited by | Arttu Salmi |
| Music by | Ré Olunuga |
Production companies |
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| Distributed by | The Yellow Affair |
Release date |
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Running time | 78 minutes |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
Dreamers is a 2025 Britishdrama film written and directed by Joy Gharoro-Akpojotor in her directorial debut. The film, starringRonkẹ Adékoluẹjo follows her as Isio, who is caught working without papers, trapped inside Hatchworth, where she learns that finding love, friendship and freedom sometimes means doing the wrong things.[1]
The film selected in Panorama 2025 had its premiere at the75th Berlin International Film Festival on 18 February 2025.[2] It is also selected for 39thTeddy Award, and will compete for Best Feature Film.[3]
Nigerian migrant Isio, detained in the United Kingdom’s Hatchworth Removal Centre after living illegally for two years, hopes her asylum request will be fairly reviewed. Committed to following the rules, she resists the escape plans of her roommate and love interest, Farah. As her asylum is repeatedly denied, Isio’s faith wavers, but unforeseen challenges force her to take matters into her own hands. Though freedom remains out of reach, Isio and Farah’s love endures.
The film is produced by Emily Morgan's United Kingdom company Quiddity Films, developed withBBC Film and theBritish Film Institute, through National Lottery funding. The filming was wrapped up in April 2024 in United Kingdom.[4]
In September 2024, it was selected inBFI London Film Festival works-in-progress showcase, which took place on 12 October.[5]
The film is financed by BBC Film, Newen Connect, Finite Films and OnSight.[1][6]
Dreamers had its World premiere in the Panorama section of the75th Berlin International Film Festival on 18 February 2025.[7][8]
In April 2024, the international sales rights of the film were acquired by The Yellow Affair.[4]
| Award | Date | Category | Recipient | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berlin International Film Festival | 23 February 2025 | Panorama Audience Award for Best Feature Film | Joy Gharoro-Akpojotor | Nominated | [9] |
| Teddy Award for Best Feature Films | Nominated | [10] |
