A Home for Lydia

Lydia’s mother is from Cameroon, her father from Nigeria, but she and her brother were born in the Netherlands. None of them have a Dutch residence permit, and that’s a worry for Lydia. What if her parents have to go back to their countries of origin? Which one will she have to go with? While her father prepares a meal, Lydia asks him whether he’s scared. Of course he is, he admits, “But I’m not going anywhere. This is my country.” That's exactly what Lydia thinks, too.

Most of the scenes from their domestic life radiate a sense of cheerfulness, positivity and strength. But after they’ve moved for the seventh time, Lydia is sick and tired of it—she doesn’t want to have to make new friends again. Still, it’s not long before her mother manages put a smile back on her face. And as it turns out, Lydia soon finds a new classmate to play with.

Lydia is remarkably candid in front of the camera. She tells her story partly in expressive and moving songs that she made up in improvisation sessions with musician Sean de Vries.

This film is part of the IDFA Junior program and will be screened in Dutch.