On 07 November 2024, Yam and Egg premiered in the short film category at the 13th Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) at the Palms in Lekki, Lagos. Speaking to Nkanga via a Zoom call, my first question was about the choice of the film’s title. The simplicity of the title intrigued me, considering the film captures an avalanche of deeply moving themes such as survivor’s guilt, post-#EndSARS trauma, and the disorientation of being a Nigerian immigrant in London. Nkanga explained that the title, Yam and Egg, captures many aspects of the film. It reflects the complex identities of individuals in the diaspora and the inescapable ties to one’s past and origins. Nkanga also explained that beyond its familiarity as a staple food, yam and egg represents the comfort and shared sense of identity the two main characters, as Nigerian immigrants, find in each other. The characters, Gbenga (played by Tomisin Ajani), a man grappling with his sister’s death during the #EndSARS protests, and Pelumi (Treasure Obasi), a stranger who unexpectedly alters Gbenga’s life, are portrayed with layers of symbolism tied to the dish. Nkanga described how the yam, with its rough exterior yet clean, white interior, mirrors the complexity and guardedness of both characters. Gbenga, outwardly stoic, is struggling inside, much like an egg with its hard shell but soft interior. This contrast embodies the duality within each character—what they reveal versus what they hide. So, while the title reflects the characters’ shared identities, it also symbolizes the human tendency to carry parts of our past with us, no matter where we go. 

Filmed in the UK, Nkanga’s directorial debut features a cast who have experienced migration firsthand, along with the complex and often harrowing challenges it brings. ‘Although there have been japa stories, most don’t capture the diverse, nuanced experiences of mobility,’ Nkanga told me. Films about migration often fall into two extremes: either they depict characters returning with flashy cars, new accents, and tales of success, or they portray migrants coming back destitute, serving as cautionary tales for those seeking escape from Nigeria’s harsh realities. To Nkanga, these portrayals are limited and fail to reflect the vast spectrum of experiences within transnational and diasporic territories. With Yam and Egg, Nkanga sought to tell a story that goes beyond familiar narratives by exploring the emotional and mental struggles of migrants facing loss and adapting to life abroad. To ensure authenticity, her film crew consisted of individuals who had also relocated from Nigeria or South Africa to the UK. This shared background fostered a deep connection and understanding to the project, resulting in a film that resonates with the migrant experience and compellingly captures the personal and emotional complexities of life far from home.