Watch Take Light

Take Light is a documentary film that was released in 2018. Directed by Shasha Nakhai and co-directed by Rich Williamson, the movie explores the electrical power crisis in Nigeria, particularly in the capital city, Lagos. Lagos is the commercial nerve center of Nigeria, and home to over 21 million people. According to the film, Lagos State needed 10,000 megawatts of electricity to meet the demands of the population, but was only receiving about 2,000 megawatts. This leaves a deficit of 8,000 megawatts, resulting in power outages that many Nigerians struggle to cope with.

The film centers around a number of interviews with Lagos residents about their experiences with electricity in the city. This includes interviews with everyone from factory workers and small business owners, to affluent Lagosians living in gated communities with their own generators. Each interviewee has a unique story to tell about how the power crisis affects their daily lives.

Take Light delves into the social, economic, and political factors that affect the delivery of electricity in Nigeria. The film highlights the infrastructure problems that contribute to the crisis, including outdated power plants and distribution networks. It also covers the corruption and intransigence within the Nigerian government that have hindered progress towards a solution.

Perhaps most importantly, Take Light highlights the human cost of the electricity crisis in Nigeria. One particularly moving interview is with a young woman who runs a small hair salon. She describes how her business struggles when the power goes out, and how she is forced to work long hours with no breaks when her generator runs out of fuel. Her story is emblematic of the many Nigerians who are forced to make difficult choices and sacrifices as a result of the power crisis.

The film is shot in a direct, no-frills style that puts the focus on the people and stories that it portrays. It is clear that the filmmakers were striving for authenticity, as they capture the hustle and bustle of Lagos life, from the morning rush hour to the crowded markets.

One of the highlights of the film is its use of music. The movie features a number of tracks from Nigerian musicians, such as Fela Kuti, Seun Kuti, and Burna Boy. The music gives the film a vibrant, pulsing energy that matches the frenetic pace of Lagos life.

Take Light is a stark reminder of the inequalities and struggles facing many people in Africa's most populous country. However, it also highlights the resilience and ingenuity of the Nigerian people. Despite the challenges they face, many Lagosians are finding innovative ways to cope with the power crisis. From "energy pirates" who tap into the electrical grid illegally, to small business owners who use inverters and solar panels, many Nigerians are taking matters into their own hands.

In conclusion, Take Light is a thoughtful and engaging documentary that should be required viewing for anyone interested in the challenges facing Africa's most populous city. The film is a call to action for those in power to address the electricity crisis in Nigeria, and it is also a tribute to the resourcefulness and determination of the Nigerian people.

Take Light is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 18 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2.