Take Light

Take Light is a 2018 documentary movie that digs into the gripping and complex issue of energy crisis in Nigeria, a country with robust oil wealth but a power sector that is steeped in corruption, mismanagement, and systemic failure.

Directed and written by Shasha Nakhai, Take Light is a riveting portrayal of the immense energy problems faced daily by Nigeria's 200 million residents, who live with frequent power cuts and have to consistently deal with the chaos caused by intermittent and unreliable electricity supply. It's a paradox that Nigeria, despite being an oil-rich nation producing 2 million barrels of oil a day, only supplies about half of its citizens with electricity.

The carefully woven narrative of the documentary offers a window into the realities and consequences of the energy crisis Nigeria is grappling with. Through a blend of personal storytelling and comprehensive investigative journalism, Take Light the documentary spotlights the micro and macro aspects of the nation's power struggles. It encapsulates the broader issues of energy policy and infrastructural fragility while also giving us some unique human perspectives on the situation.

The documentary tells us the story through two main protagonists. One is Martins, who works for the electricity company and has the unenviable job of cutting down illegal connections to the power grid and collecting bribe payments in exchange for more regular electricity. On the other hand, we have the community health worker, Mrs. Ifeoma, who must navigate the hurdles of performing her duties in a maternity ward often left in the dark due to failing power.

The juxtaposition of these two characters enlightens viewers about the paradoxes and pressures at play in the lives of ordinary Nigerians. Take Light not only confronts the grand issue of energy policy but also focuses on the quotidian challenges of people caught up in these failures. The narratives of Martins and Mrs. Ifeoma capture the human dimensions of the crisis, painting an intimate portrait of the face of uncertainty and disruption that inhabitants have to confront daily.

Take Light concurrently draws attention to various aspects of the terrain: the dangerous electricity networks, the hazardous role of ‘NEPA Boys’ - young men who risk their lives on a daily basis to keep the lights on, the rampant corruption within the electricity company, and the unflinching spirit of Nigerians who constantly endeavour to keep going despite the many trials and lack of basic amenities.

With a range of beautifully shot scenes, audiences are given glimpses of everyday Nigerian street life, from bustling marketplaces to solitary moments of suffering due to power interruption. The visuals capture the juxtaposition of Nigeria's contrasts, from immense oil wealth and the potential for prosperity to the harsh reality of poor and inadequate infrastructure, which results in prevalent energy poverty in both urban and rural areas.

From the perspective of policy activism, Take Light touches on the historical backdrop of Nigeria's energy crisis and how numerous attempts at reform failed. It critiques the privatisation of Nigeria's power sector and provides a wide-ranging probe into the mired system.

The documentary is poignant, highlighting the stark contrast between Nigeria's massive oil wealth and its dilapidated power infrastructure. It enlivens the stories of ordinary people navigating an extraordinary crisis, endowing it with a socio-political depth and human-interest perspective. Take Light illuminates the pressing need for reform in Nigeria's energy sector and paints a compelling narrative, urging viewers to engage, empathise and motivate change.

In conclusion, Take Light is an earnest and well-crafted documentary that sheds light on one of the most critical and complicated issues Nigeria is facing. Underscored by a genuine concern for the country’s energy future, this film is at once enraging, illuminating, and affecting. Balancing personal narratives with an in-depth exploration of broader systemic issues, Take Light is a must-watch for anyone interested in energy policy, social justice, or the myriad ways ordinary people adapt to extraordinary circumstances.