Farming

"Farming" is a thought-provoking drama film released in 2018, starring Leke Adebayo, Ademola Adedoyin, and Adejola Adeyemi. It is written and directed by Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje. The film draws its inspiration from the remarkable real-life story of its director and writer, providing an intimate glimpse into the harsh realities of growing up as a Nigerian immigrant in the UK during the '70s and '80s. Despite its unsettling elements, "Farming" strives to shed light on the profound experiences of its protagonist and highlight the broader societal issues prevalent during that era, reaching profound depths in its exploration of identity, racial tension, and prejudice.

Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje brings to life his personal journey to the big screen. "Farming" tells the tale of a young Nigerian boy, Enitan (played by Damson Idris), who is 'farmed out' by his parents to a white British family in the hope of offering him a better future. 'Farming', a term used to describe this social practice common among Nigerian immigrants who fostered their children out to white families to gain increased opportunities, forms the crux of this intense narrative.

The film centers around Enitan – a young, shy, and introverted character who grows up to become a troubled adolescent. Struggling with an intense identity crisis and living under the constant burden of rejection, he suppresses his Nigerian roots and neglects his cultural heritage. His foster family is far from supportive, offering him a toxic environment that further fuels his internal conflicts.

Enitan's yearning for acceptance and his endeavors for identification within the hostile society he grows up in eventually lead him down a path of self-destruction. He gets involved in the brutal world of gang culture, becoming a feared leader of a white skinhead gang, despite being the only black member. The gang is known for its violent racial attacks against immigrants, particularly targeting individuals of the same racial and ethnic origins as Enitan.

Leke Adebayo, Ademola Adedoyin, and Adejola Adeyemi give impressively emotional performances, perfectly portraying their complex characters. They add a raw and realistic layer to the story, effectively captivating the audience and producing a compelling viewing experience. The performances truly breathe life into Akinnuoye-Agbaje’s deeply personal story.

"Farming" is not just a tale of the personal struggles and hardships Enitan faces but also paints a poignant picture of the disturbing societal issues of the time. It delves into topics such as institutionalized racism, cultural displacement, and the profound psychological impacts these issues can have on an individual's identity, outlook, and behavior.

The shooting style of the film can best be described as raw and unflinchingly realistic. The camera work and cinematic choices are designed to draw audiences into the life of Enitan for them to experience firsthand the severity and brutality of his situation. The film also makes good use of its soundtrack in order to emphasize the mood and tone, adding another layer of depth to this already intense and emotional film.

"Farming" is a stark, brutal, and deeply moving film that offers an uncompromising, authentic portrayal of Akinnuoye-Agbaje's own life experiences. It's a brave and hard-hitting debut from a filmmaker who’s not afraid to explore the darker sides of his upbringing in order to expose larger societal issues. At its core, "Farming" is a story about the search for identity and the struggle to belong.

While this is a film that certainly makes for uncomfortable viewing at times due to its strong and challenging themes, the story effectively encapsulates the resilient human spirit and the ability to rise above adversity. It's loud, it's strong, and it's real – a film that challenges, grips, and leaves a lasting impression.