Home » HBO Documentary Films: THE LEGEND OF THE UNDERGROUND | Review

HBO Documentary Films: THE LEGEND OF THE UNDERGROUND | Review

by Jef Dinsmore
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Overview: HBO’s THE LEGEND OF THE UNDERGROUND is a searing and timely look at the struggle against rampant discrimination in Nigeria today, as seen through the lens of several bold and charismatic, non-conformist youth who fight to live life out loud. Through social media, celebrity, and creative expression, they spark a cultural debate that challenges the ideals of gender conformity and human rights in Nigeria. 

As the director’s cameras follow these tight-knit groups of chosen families, an inspiring portrait emerges of a new generation that uses social media, underground radio, and any other resources at their disposal to fight for their rights of personal expression. Through bold creativity, they work to spark a cultural revolution that would challenge the ideals of gender, conformity, and civil rights in Nigeria. THE LEGEND OF THE UNDERGROUND is a timely look at a vibrant and resilient community that continues to fight state-endorsed discrimination in Nigeria while celebrating who they are. Directed by Nneka Onuorah and Giselle Bailey, the film is executive produced by Mike Jackson, John Legend, Ty Stiklorius, and Austyn Biggers of Get Lifted Film Co. Debut Date: June 29, 2021.

Expectations: Based on the above paragraphs and this documentary’s trailer one statement stands out and that is the clip’s final quote. “…telling them that you have rights. You know why? Because you’re human.” Full Stop. Though, I’m not of the lifestyle, I am for human rights for all. That is what partially draws me to this film beyond the fact that it is my assignment. What also draws me is the notion that one individual has fled his native country out of fear for his life and then comes back after he is more emboldened and confident. What does he find when he returns to Nigeria? Can he make a change? We’ll see.

Gut Reaction: I will admit I was a bit unclear about what I was getting from this well-done documentary. I thought it was the story of Micheal Ighodaro. He is living with his friends who are part of the Nigerian diaspora and settling into his new life as an LGBTQ rights and HIV prevention advocate, having left his community in Nigeria after having been attacked for his identity. I thought we’d see the story of how he goes back to his native home to check up on friends he has left behind in the Underground and perhaps help them negotiate the dangers and perhaps assist in their safe departure from Nigeria. That is all contained within this film 1 hour, 27-minute film, but that is not the whole story. In fact, Michael’s journey home has the least bit of airtime in this work. 

If I could offer up a grumble, perhaps the title should have read “The Legend(s) of the Underground,” as this film covers the realities for many gays in the capital city of Lagos and we learn how they struggle to live their lives, fear retaliation and imprisonment and discover safe houses to wait out the tensions on the street. The main focus centers on the events in August of 2018 when 57 men who were attending a party in Lagos, Nigeria and were rounded up by police, arrested, and forced in front of news cameras. One of the men, James, shocked the country when he defiantly spoke out against the government while still in handcuffs, in a moment that went viral. James turned the moment into an opportunity to amplify his voice and shine a light on the oppression many in Nigeria are forced to grapple with on a daily basis. These Nigerian legends like James & Michael can prove that human rights still need to be fought for around the globe. We’ve got WE’RE HERE and RuPaul, Nigeria you’ve got James. 

In Conclusion: THE LEGEND OF THE UNDERGROUND continues the global conversation we need to be having concerning human rights. The production staff has packaged together a strong entry towards the cause despite my confusion with the premise. It is curated in the Documentary section of the HBO Hub on Max.

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