Paper short abstract:

This paper considers Black Nights in South America (2007) and its sequel Brazilian Deals (2010), and the mechanisms used to convince viewers of the quality of life overseas, while highlighting the bitter lessons taught through the difficulties experienced by Nigerian travellers in the films.

Paper long abstract:

Nigerian films set partly or fully overseas, in Europe and America, illustrate the widespread belief that those countries are better placed to ensure the happiness and prosperity of Nigerians who can make it there. Until recently, the places chosen for this have been Britain and the USA but the global recession has opened new avenues for Nigerians desperate to escape their countries in search of an elusive Eldorado. Bernard Ogedemgbe, Lawal Ojuolape and Bartholomew Owo were the first Nigerians publicly executed by firing squad for drug trafficking at Bar Beach, Lagos. Since then, many more Nigerians have been willingly used as 'mules' to carry drugs (mainly cocaine) out of Nigeria, hoping to get out of poverty. Black Nights in South America (2007) and its sequel Brazilian Deals (2010) seek to warn, a little late, those still toying with the idea of attaining wealth the wrong way. This paper will consider Black Nights in South America (2007) and its sequel Brazilian Deals (2010), both located in Brazil, and analyse the mechanisms used to convince viewers of the quality of life overseas, while highlighting the bitter lessons taught through the difficulties experienced by Nigerian travellers in the films.