While documentaries about people living with albinism continue to emerge, Covenant ICON Iboyi’s Obobo: Untold Colours places particular attention on the lived experiences of children and young adults, using their stories to explore the emotional and social realities surrounding albinism.
Through research, interviews and an intervention led by Stella Maris Eneh Akpobi, Iboyi’s 20-minute documentary examines experiences of trauma, cultural stigma and the medical challenges associated with albinism.
The film screened at Precious Okpala’s Blue Unicorn Film Festival Africa 2026 (BUFF), where it was among the curated titles for the festival’s Family Open Day. At the centre of the documentary are the personal accounts of people living with albinism, allowing them to speak about their experiences in their own words.
Significance of “Obobo: Untold Colours”
The title Obobo references a word used in Delta State to describe people living with albinism, while Untold Colours speaks to the experiences and identities often overlooked in conversations about the condition.
For Iboyi, his familiarity with the word while growing up, as well as other personal influences, contributed to his decision to tell the story.
“People living with albinism are part of our society that we do not really pay attention to. I wouldn't say their voices are silent but it is not as audible as they should be,” he told The Nollywood Reporter (TNR).
In Nigeria and other parts of Africa, people living with albinism continue to experience stigma and misconceptions. Obobo: Untold Colours addresses some of these realities without positioning its subjects as objects of pity, instead using their experiences to encourage empathy and a closer examination of how society perceives them.
One of the documentary’s most difficult stories follows a young girl who was maltreated by her biological mother after being born with albinism. Other accounts from children and young adults also reveal experiences of parental abandonment, with some left in the care of their grandparents.
Iboyi also points to the role of popular culture in reinforcing stereotypes around albinism, including through comedy skits that mimic people living with the condition.
“We have content creators who mimic them and portray the wrong image of people living with albinism, so there was a need to tell this story for their voices to be heard,” he said.
Debut Documentary and BUFF Selection
For Iboyi, having Obobo: Untold Colours selected for BUFF affirmed his belief that the documentary explores a subject that is not often given attention on screen.
“I think my documentary is very unique. I believe it is something we don't get to see every day. It is not centred around one person but it is centred around a group of people. It is a very unique story and I believe the festival saw it.”
As his directorial documentary debut, Iboyi was uncertain about how audiences would respond to the film. His focus, however, remained on creating an emotional experience that would allow viewers to connect with his subjects.
That response became clearer during the audience interaction session at BUFF, where viewers highlighted the documentary’s portrayal of the vulnerability of children and people living with albinism. Some also noted its educational value in challenging assumptions and misconceptions about the condition.
Iboyi had received similar reactions during post-production screenings among a small circle of people before submitting the film to festivals.
“Some people shed a tear. It was very emotional. It shows that we have really done something strong,” he said.
Production Challenges and Festival Journey
One of the challenges Iboyi encountered during production was encouraging some of his subjects to become comfortable enough to share their experiences.
According to the filmmaker, about 60% of the people he initially worked with were reluctant to speak because of a lack of confidence.
“They were shy and didn't want to speak up about their experiences because of lack of confidence. During the filming, we had to start sensitisation beyond the film to encourage them and boost their self-esteem.”
The production also presented Iboyi with an unexpected lesson about the physical realities of living with albinism. While preparing outdoor shot lists and mood boards, he had not initially accounted for the photosensitivity associated with albinism.
“I had to restrategise to move most of them indoors for their comfort. We got some of them sunscreens to protect them from UV rays,” he said.
Iboyi credits his team and friends with helping him navigate the challenges of the production.
“You know two heads are actually better than one.”
As Obobo: Untold Colours continues its festival journey beyond BUFF, including a scheduled screening at the Warri Arts Festival, Iboyi hopes the documentary leaves audiences with an emotional connection to the people whose stories it tells.
“I want them to be able to see the world through the eyes of these people living with albinism.”
