The Movie 'Unspoken' Tackles A Nigerian Taboo

Sunny King’s short film Unspoken has won critical praise for its depiction of the taboo of homosexuality in the Nigerian diaspora, and the complicated social and cultural issues which surround the issue. It has been the recipient of numerous awards, and has been cited for its bravery in tackling an often controversial issue.
King’s second short film, Unspoken won Best Film in the LGBT Film category at the London Independent Film Festival (2013) and has been selected for several film festivals, including The British Urban Film Festival (BUFF), Africa in the Picture Festival, and the Sixth International WAMMFEST Women and Minorities in Media.
The film may be less than ten minutes long, but it packs a great deal of softly written drama within it. It is a story of commitment to love and friendship in the face of societal taboos. The film is being developed into a full-length feature film, in which the themes and issues introduced in the short will be further explored. An excellent example of up-and-coming indigenous Nigerian cinema, Unspoken delves into a difficult subject sensitively.
It tells the story of four people and their intertwining relationships. It is just two days before Lola’s wedding, and her maid of honour Sandra discovers a secret that wrecks her own relationship with her boyfriend of over four years, and could well jeopardise the relationship of Lola and her groom-to-be.

Destinations Unlocked:
Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture tripCentralAmerica
1. Guatemala
An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.CentralAmerica
2. Belize
A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.CentralAmerica
3. Mexico
An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.SouthAmerica
1. Ecuador
A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.SouthAmerica
2. Peru
An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.Europe
1. Italy
The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.Europe
2. Scotland
Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.Europe
3. Portugal
A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.Asia
1. South Korea
Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.Asia
2. Thailand
From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.Asia
3. Sri Lanka
A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great priceAfrica
1. Morocco
An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!Africa
2. Egypt
From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt. Exploring friendship, secrecy and sexuality, Unspoken is exemplary in its portrayal of the usually taboo subject of homosexuality. King has said that the film was influenced and inspired by the increasing interest and profile of Nollywood — the sometimes controversial term for the Nigerian film industry — and also the contemporary issues concerning the victimisation of gay people in Africa. It does justice to both influences, as a smooth film with excellent cinematography, and a critical yet tender view of the issue of homosexuality in West African communities. Filmed and set in London, it also shows how issues in West Africa impact on communities and individuals outside the continent itself.
These themes and aims of Unspoken embody the ethos of the Afrinolly Short Film Competition, for which it was in the top ten finalists this year. Afrinolly is a competition that aims to expand discussions on issues about the African continent by Africans, which Unspoken undeniably does despite being set in London.
King has said that Unspoken being a finalist in the competition shows that “there is an audience out there that appreciates good stories that deal with issues affecting us all”. Co-written by Ola Laniyan-Amoako and Edith Nwekenta (who also stars in the film), the film should appeal to audiences both within and outside Nollywood, other African film scenes, and the LGBT community.
One reviewer wrote that Unspoken “expertly nails the hidden secrets buried beneath the guise of love and companionship. It also captures the energy of real friendship and the bruise of betrayal.”
Contemporary issues in Nigeria, which have had a great influence on the film, make Unspoken‘s impact and success at film festivals even more significant. This year, Nigeria’s House of Representatives passed a bill making gay marriage illegal and outlawing any groups supporting gay rights.
It also remains illegal to have homosexual sex, and there is a high level of abuse directed at homosexuals in Nigeria, as well as Africa in general. Unspoken does not discuss or portray homosexuality in Nigeria, but in London, where protests for and against equal marriage are regular, making the film timely.
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!


Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.


KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.