15 Comments
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Lin Gregory's avatar

These are great - I'm most drawn to the Makoko and Growing Fish films - I think both of these would make excellent projects, so much to build on there.

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Francesco Latino's avatar

Hey Lin, thank you for taking the time! I think the same, the scenery on both is cinematic. So much to unpack.

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Vincent Wagenaar's avatar

That definitely was 'like a quick blink into a life that is not ours', Francesco It shows slices of life in Nigeria we (who have not been there) don't know about. I would say you're the best judge of what story should be made into something bigger, but since you ask my first thought about it would be the barbershop, as it facilitates hearing stories from people at (relative) ease, which could possibly make us understand better what their world feels like, as they are their stories. The footage from a busy marketplace may be too overwhelming to really understand what's underneath other than poverty and the need to survive.

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Francesco Latino's avatar

Hi Vincent, thank you for taking the time! I was amazed by the street barbers, such amazing and kind people. Will try also to have it done for myself

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Susanne Helmert's avatar

I loved these little glimpses to this totally different world. No words needed. Thank you for sharing!

All the best for the marathon!

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Francesco Latino's avatar

Thank you Susanne!!

All went great in Madrid for the marathon :)

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Tom Minty's avatar

My wife's parents lived in Lagos in the mid 70s when my father-in-law was stationed there with the AP. My wife was later born in South Africa and in 78/9 they moved to Germany before moving back to the states. I spent years hearing how amazing African cities are, how they buzz, how vibrant they are in real life but it was not until several years ago that I finally made it to the continent and spent some time in both Johannesburg and Harare. You've really captured the felling well. The street Barbers, people squeezing between bumper to bumper cars, the noise.

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Francesco Latino's avatar

Hi Tom, that's amazing! I agree with you, and I always felt that Sub-Saharan Africa is where life really happens.

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Juan - STUFF EYE SEE's avatar

I've only seen Lagos via the movies made there. This is an eye-opening 'other view.'. Visceral.

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Francesco Latino's avatar

Thank you so much, Juan! Happy to hear that

Nollywood is fantastic and I don't know why it took me so long to discover it

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Liam Jones's avatar

Good luck with your marathon!

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Francesco Latino's avatar

Thank you, Liam! All went great, spectacular city but toooo hilly when you need to have energy for 42.2km

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Liam Jones's avatar

Well done, very impressive

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perfectlight's avatar

each format has its own advantage but to me you should present what you want not what people wants.

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Francesco Latino's avatar

Absolutely, it's what I've done and will keep doing 🫱🏽‍🫲🏾

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