Farming is a 2018 British film written and directed by Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, based on his own childhood. The plot is about a child whose Yorùbá parents gave him to a white working-class family in London in the 1980s, and who grows up to join a white skinhead gang.[2]
In 1967 Nigeria, Enitan is born to Nigerian parents who send him to Britain as part of a widespread practice called "farming," where Nigerian families place their children with white foster families in the hopes of a better life. Enitan's parents leave him in the care of Ingrid Carpenter, a strict foster mother in Tilbury, England. However, they frequently take him back to Nigeria for visits, leading to confusion and abandonment issues.
As a young boy, Enitan struggles to fit in with both his foster family and his peers. He faces racism and bullying at school, and his dark skin makes him a target for local white supremacists. Isolated and desperate for belonging, he begins to internalize the racist attitudes directed toward him. Ingrid, unable to fully understand his struggle, provides discipline but little emotional support, further alienating him.
As a teenager, Enitan falls under the influence of a violent skinhead gang led by Levi. Seeking acceptance, he joins their ranks, adopting their racist ideologies and turning against his own identity. Enitan becomes deeply involved in their violent activities, which include terrorizing immigrants and other minorities in the neighborhood. His actions shock Ingrid, who is torn between protecting him and confronting his destructive path.
Enitan's descent into self-hatred and violence reaches a breaking point when he faces arrest after a brutal attack. A compassionate teacher, Ms. Dapo, intervenes and introduces him to a Nigerian community leader who encourages him to reconnect with his heritage. Despite his initial resistance, Enitan begins to reflect on his identity and the pain he has caused.
Struggling to leave the gang, Enitan faces violent retribution from Levi and his followers. With Ingrid's help, he seeks redemption by embracing his Nigerian roots and confronting the traumas of his past. Enitan ultimately finds solace in his cultural identity and begins to repair his fractured relationship with Ingrid.
The film ends with Enitan attending a Nigerian cultural event, signifying his journey toward self-acceptance and healing. A final epilogue reveals that Farming is based on the true story of Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, who went on to become a successful actor and filmmaker, using his experiences to inspire others.
Farming premiered at the 2018 Toronto International Film Festival on 8 September in the Discovery Section.[5] The film won the Michael Powell Award at the 2019 Edinburgh Film Festival.[6] On 17 September 2018, the film's distribution rights were purchased for several countries and regions: the United Kingdom, France, Benelux, Australia, New Zealand, Latin America, South Korea, China, Greece, Portugal, Serbia, Montenegro, Singapore, the Middle East, and Turkey.[7]Lionsgate UK released the film in the United Kingdom on 11 October 2019, followed by a United States release on 25 October.[8]
Production
Production visited two Kent locations in Farming. At the first, The Historic Dockyard Chatham, various areas such as at The Joiner’s Shop, House Carpenters Shop, and the rear of The Smithery, Ropery and Anchor Wharf were used. Production also visited a jewellery shop in Gillingham for some further scenes.[9]
Reception
The review aggregation website Rotten Tomatoes reported a 56% approval rating based on 32 reviews, with an average score of 5.8/10.[10] On Metacritic, the film has a weighted average of 51 out of 100, based on 9 critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews".[11]Screen Daily wrote of the film, “Actor turned director Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje makes an arresting feature debut with Farming. Told with raw emotion and lurid violence, it transforms elements of his life story into a disturbing, eye-opening coming of age drama.”[12]
