Djon África

The kindhearted Miguel – alias Tibars, alias Djon África, born and raised in Portugal – loves women and lives a carefree life. If anyone criticises him, he quotes the old Frank Sinatra song: “I do it ‘My Way’.” Until one day a stranger tells him he’s the spitting image of his father, “a player and a crook”. His father, whom he never even knew!

This intriguing discovery makes him change tack. Particularly when his grandmother, who always took care of him, finally tells him more. About how his father was in prison; how sad Miguel was as a toddler when he couldn’t see him; how his father was banished to Cape Verde. Miguel goes there to visit him. Who is this man?

The impressions of Cape Verde and the characters’ authenticity show that this filmmaking duo have lots of experience with documentaries. Oscillating between playful and melancholy in tone, a capricious odyssey unfolds at a calm pace, with unexpected twists and colourful meetings, drawing Miguel into the city’s nightlife and the solitude of the countryside. Peregrinations that not only show him Cape Verde – including an introduction to the secrets of the national drink, grogue – but also raise questions about his identity, where he belongs and where he is heading. The songs at the beginning and end round off Djon África with a slightly political accent.

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