Filmmaker Dibakar Das Roy says the aim behind his directorial debut “Dilli Dark” is to focus on those who feel like an outsider in society today. The Delhi-set dark comedy follows the story of a Nigerian MBA student called Michael Okeke — played by Nigerian actor Samuel Abiola Robinson — who battles prejudice against the African diaspora in the national capital.
Roy said he wants to drive home the message of “acceptance” through the film. “At this point of time, in a world which is very agitated, I think acceptance, non-judgmentalism… That’s the most basic way in which we can put our politics.This is what I would want people to take back from the film.
“The whole intent behind it is to not just talk about Africans in Delhi. The intent is to talk about anyone who feels like an outsider in society today, that could be in India, America, or any other place. Michael Okeke is a metaphor for every outsider, whether he is an Indian or foreigner in any society,” said the Kolkata-born writer-director.
“Dilli Dark” recently had its world premiere at the Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival. The film, billed as a satirical take on racism, will also be screened at the 27th Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival on November 14.
