At K

Seeing Africa film series

Coconut Head Generation (2023, 89 min; France, Nigeria)

Film Screening & Director Q&A- January 25, 2025 (Dewing Hall, 103)

“Witnessing the determination and resilience of these wonderful young people results in a powerful viewing experience.” —International Cinephile Society

“A comprehensive glimpse into the multifaceted experiences and struggles faced by young people in Nigeria, prompting reflection and dialogue.” —Africa Studies Review

About the Film
At Ibadan, Nigeria’s oldest university, students transform their Thursday Film Series into a vibrant space for dialogue and debate, even in a country where dissent is often met with punishment. Their screenings of works by John Akomfrah, Jean-Marie Teno, Med Hondo, and others serve as springboards for compelling discussions on corruption, gender roles, LGBTQ+ rights, colonialism, and more.

The film captures the students’ daily lives—playing soccer, cooking instant noodles, and bonding—while also spotlighting their pivotal role in nationwide protests against police brutality. These young Nigerians face systemic challenges like frequent blackouts, overcrowding, and consequences for standing up for their beliefs, proving they are anything but the “coconut heads” older generations dismiss them as.