White Nanny, Black Child

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Documentary

Summary

Documentary in which a group of Nigerians fostered by white families in the 1970s reveal the heartfelt impact of their challenging upbringing. Each of the contributors take turns delving into their past, revealing the confusion and trauma of dealing with such change at a young age

Review

Michael Hogan

It’s a fascinating but relatively unexplored part of our social history. Between 1955 and 1995, more than 70,000 West African children were unofficially fostered by white Britons in a practice known as “farming” — usually while their parents pursued dreams of a better life. Intended to ease the burden of childcare for economic migrants, it cast a long shadow over many lives.

Now nine Nigerians raised this way attend a retreat to delve into their past and discuss the impact of such upheaval at an early age. For some, it’s the first time they’ve met others with the same experience. A raw, heartfelt film about identity, belonging and, ultimately, healing.