The xenophobia surrounding issues of immigration has seen a massive uptick in recent years, which makes the arrival of Dreamers feel especially timely. Joy Gharoro-Akpojotor makes the jump from producer (her credits include Rapman’s Blue Story and Aml Ameen’s Boxing Day ) to director with aplomb in this promising debut. Born in part from her own experience seeking asylum in the UK aged 25, it’s an examination of the deeply flawed and inhumane system as well as an intimate queer love story. It succeeds at both.

We’re introduced to Isio (Ronkẹ Adékoluẹjo) just as she arrives at the harsh environs of Hatchworth Removal Centre, where the guards are not here to help, contrary to what they declare upon arrival. Throughout, Gharoro-Akpojotor lends grace and humanity to the immigrant ex

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