EXCLUSIVE: Dreamers, the first feature directed by producer Joy Gharoro-Akpojotor (Blue Story), has been acquired for UK and Irish distribution by We Are Parable.
We Are Parable acquired Dreamers from The Yellow Affair and will release the film in cinemas at the end of the year. Separate deals have been struck on the film with J&J Films (Benelux) and Salzgeber (GAS).
Directed by Gharoro-Akpojotor from a screenplay she also wrote, Dreamers was produced by Emily Morgan for her Quiddity Films outfit and debuted in the Panorama section at this year’s Berlinale.
The film stars Ronkẹ Adékoluẹjo (Big Mood) as Isio, a Nigerian migrant who has been detained after living undocumented in the UK for two years. Isio is convinced that the only way out is to play by the rules, even when her charismatic new roommate, Farah (Ann Akinjirin), warns her otherwise. As the friendship between Isio and Faith evolves into something deeper, whilst her faith wanes as her asylum plans are rejected, she must choose between compliance and the risk of escape in pursuit of true freedom.
Executive producers on the project include Claudia Yusuf (BBC Film), Amy Gardner, Doris Gharoro, and Gharoro-Akpojotor. The film’s cast is rounded out by Diana Yekinni, Aiysha Hart, and Harriet Webb.
Dreamers marks the third release from We Are Parable. The company previously released Savanah Leaf’s BAFTA-winning title Earth Mama and Ramata-Toulaye Sy’s Cannes competition title Banel & Adama. Carmen Thompson is We Are Parable’s Head of Distribution and Special Projects. Anthony and Teanne Andrews are co-founders.
“We’re incredibly proud to be bringing Dreamers to audiences across the UK and Ireland – and even more so to be welcoming Joy Gharoro-Akpojotor and her extraordinary debut to the We Are Parable family,” Thompson said in a statement.
“Joy’s vision is a deeply moving, urgent, and beautifully tender story of queer love and defiance, set against the backdrop of a system that often tries to erase both. As our third debut title from a Black woman director, Dreamers reflects everything we stand for: bold, authentic, and emotionally resonant storytelling.”
Gharoro-Akpojotor is best known as the producer of Blue Story (2019), which grossed £4.5 million at the UK box office. Her other producing credits also include Boxing Day (2021), the UK’s first all-Black Christmas film, and the BBC series Champion (2023).
In a statement, Gharoro-Akpojotor added: “Anthony and Teanne have built an extraordinary company that understands the power of storytelling and also connects with audiences on a deeply personal level. Their passion, vision, and commitment to celebrating diverse voices is truly inspiring, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have them championing my debut film. I can’t wait for audiences to experience it through their unique and powerful platform.”