Turning Asylum Interrogations into Film: The Journey of Joy Gharoro-Akpojotor

Nigerian-British Director Joy Gharoro-Akpojotor on Her Powerful New Film, “Dreamers“

London, UK – Joy Gharoro-Akpojotor, a rising star in British filmmaking, experienced a moment of vulnerability after the London film festival screening of her debut feature, Dreamers. The film, a poignant love story unfolding within an immigration detention centre, had already premiered in Berlin, but showing it too a home audience felt deeply personal. “I suddenly had this feeling: Oh my God, everyone can see me. Everyone knows everything about me,” she confessed, laughing with a touch of self-awareness.

Gharoro-Akpojotor has quickly established herself as a producer championing diverse stories through her company, Joi Productions.Her credits include the impactful drama blue story and the charming rom-com Boxing Day, and she is currently collaborating with Ashley Walters on his directorial debut, Animol. she focuses on films telling black, female, and gay stories – often, she notes, “All of the above, sometimes individually.”

Known for her calm demeanor and serious approach to her craft, Gharoro-Akpojotor inspires confidence in the directors she works with. A glimpse into her workspace – neatly labelled film project boxes stacked on shelves – reveals her meticulous nature.

Dreamers draws heavily from Gharoro-Akpojotor’s own life experience seeking asylum in the UK at age 25. The film centers on Isio,a Nigerian woman navigating the uncertainty of the UK Home Office‘s assessment of her identity and asylum claim.

How does Gharoro-Akpojotor’s background as a legal observer influence her portrayal of the asylum process in the film?

From Legal Observer to Filmmaker: The Genesis of Dreaming in a White Landscape

Joy Gharoro-Akpojotor’s journey to filmmaking wasn’t a conventional one. Initially working as a legal observer with Refugee Legal Support, she found herself deeply immersed in the UK’s asylum process. witnessing firsthand the often-dehumanizing asylum interviews and the emotional toll they took on applicants sparked a desire to translate these experiences into a powerful visual medium. This led to the creation of Dreaming in a White Landscape, a documentary that uniquely centers the perspective of those seeking refuge. the film isn’t simply about the UK asylum system; it is a visceral representation of it, built from the raw material of recorded immigration interviews.

The Unique Methodology: Utilizing Recorded Asylum Interviews

What sets Dreaming in a White landscape apart is its innovative approach to documentary filmmaking. Gharoro-Akpojotor didn’t rely on traditional interviews or re-enactments. Instead,she secured access to audio recordings of actual asylum seeker interviews conducted by the Home Office.

Here’s how the process unfolded:

* Accessing the Recordings: Obtaining these recordings required navigating complex legal and ethical considerations. Gharoro-Akpojotor worked closely with legal professionals and organizations to ensure compliance with data protection regulations and respect for the individuals involved.

* Visualizing the Unseen: The core of the film lies in pairing these audio testimonies with evocative visuals. Rather than showing the interviewees themselves (to protect their identities), the film utilizes stark, minimalist imagery – often landscapes – to represent the emotional weight of their stories. This technique forces the audience to actively listen and engage with the narratives.

* The Power of Sound Design: Sound design plays a crucial role. The film deliberately incorporates the sounds of the immigration detention centers and the sterile environment of the interview rooms, amplifying the sense of isolation and vulnerability.

* Ethical Considerations in Documentary Filmmaking: Gharoro-Akpojotor prioritized the safety and anonymity of the asylum applicants whose voices are featured. This involved careful editing, sound manipulation, and a commitment to representing their stories with sensitivity and respect.

The Impact of Dreaming in a White landscape: Challenging Perceptions of Asylum Seekers

The film has garnered critical acclaim for its unflinching portrayal of the asylum process and its ability to humanize those often reduced to statistics. Dreaming in a White Landscape directly confronts common misconceptions surrounding refugee claims and the experiences of individuals fleeing persecution.

Key themes explored in the film include:

* Trauma and Memory: The film highlights the profound impact of trauma on memory and the challenges faced by asylum seekers in recounting their experiences. The fragmented nature of the narratives reflects the psychological effects of persecution and displacement.

* The Burden of Proof: The film underscores the immense burden placed on asylum applicants to prove their claims, often requiring them to relive traumatic events in detail.It exposes the inherent power imbalance within the asylum system.

* The Role of the Interpreter: The presence of interpreters in asylum interviews is subtly addressed, raising questions about the potential for miscommunication and the impact on the accuracy of testimonies.

* The Psychological Impact of detention: The film implicitly conveys the detrimental effects of immigration detention on mental health and well-being.

Navigating the UK Asylum System: A Closer Look

Understanding the context of Dreaming in a White Landscape requires a basic understanding of the UK asylum system. Here’s a breakdown of the key stages:

1. Initial Application: Individuals seeking asylum must apply to the Home Office upon arrival in the UK.
2. Screening Interview: A screening interview