Djon Africa

Miguel, who also goes by the moniker Djon Africa, hears about his estranged father from a man on the street: «He was a crook. And you’re his spitting image». Miguel’s grandmother, who was the one left with the task of raising her grandson, adds more detail: His father was in prison for some time, and was then deported from Portugal to former colony Cape Verde on the African coast – all of which took place while Miguel was still a toddler.

Slacker Miguel decides to turn his back on his suburban Lisbon life, and goes to Cape Verde in search of his father. Once there, he is introduced to the local nightlife by a group of girls; he is put to work on a farm; and he becomes acquainted with the infamous local liquor. His original aim for the journey seems to grow further away with each passing day.

Just like its main protagonist, Djon Africa is endearingly laidback and charming. It possesses many of the qualities which have made Portugal such an exciting film nation in recent years; not least in its playful approach to the art of narration.