MACHINE BOYS

“Machine Boys” explores the informal economy of motorcycle taxis – colloquially known as “Okada”, in the mega-city of Lagos. Banned a fews ago due to the government’s inability to regulate the industry, the work portrays a hardy group of bikers who continue this illegal work, seeking to attain financial autonomy and independence.

They embody a particular branch of masculinity, and in this performance, a beautiful vulnerability emerges, questioning Nigeria’s patriarchal culture. Through this exploration of Nigerian patriarchal ideals, Ashadu relates its performance of masculinity to the vulnerability of a precarious class of workers.

Director and Editor – Karimah Ashadu

Camera – Aigberadion Israel Ikhazuangbe

Sound Mixer – Joseph Eyo Edem

Colour Grader and Graphic Designer – Abdulmonim Twebti

Audio Post-Production – Jochen Jezussek

Production Coordinator – Japhet Philibus

Production Assistants – Ibrahim Babatunde Adebayo, Anthony Monday

Produced by Fondazione In Between Art Film

With the additional support of MOIN Filmförderung Hamburg Schleswig-Holstein

Creative producer – Leonardo Bigazzi

Year: 2024

Duration: 8.50

HD Digital film, colour with sound

Hausa with English Subs