Daniel Itegboje's "On Your Own" is a Portrait of the Forgotten [#TAFM24]

It explores the lives of strays in Edo State and the struggles of survival.

On Your Own (O.Y.O.) is a documentary film, about 15 minutes long, directed by Daniel Omokhagbo Itegboje. It was screened at the Annual Film Mischief 2024.

On Your Own (O.Y.O.) takes us deep into the heart of Edo state, introducing us to the world of “Elemas”—strays living on the streets, navigating the complexities of a world that neither notices nor cares about them. It’s a vivid, sobering portrayal of a forgotten group of people who are often left behind by society. Kids who should be in school are instead wandering aimlessly, without direction, and adults who have spent their entire lives on these streets still find themselves lost, trapped in a cycle of survival, engaging in anything from fraud to acts more unspeakable, just to get by.

Daniel Omokhagbo Itegboje’s On Your Own attempts to harmonize this common story from different individuals into a cohesive narrative that asks an essential question: How do you find your way when you’re truly on your own? While the documentary is short and simple in its structure, it packs a punch, delivering a sobering message about the harsh realities of life on the streets for those society has chosen to forget.

What makes On Your Own stand out even more is not just the subject matter, but the intentionality of its filmmaking. Itegboje brings a keen visual eye to this documentary. His framing is careful and thoughtful, capturing the Elemas in ways that do not exploit their condition for emotional appeal, but instead present them as individuals caught up in circumstances beyond their control. There’s a certain restraint in how the subjects are presented—not as objects of pity or judgment, but as human beings whose stories are worthy of reflection. Each shot feels deliberate, emphasizing the isolation these people feel while subtly forcing the viewer to confront the uncomfortable reality that they are, indeed, on their own.

As the film played out, there was a palpable sense of empathy in the room, as though the audience was processing the weight of what they were seeing. By the time the documentary reached its conclusion, the hall erupted in deserved applause, a sign that On Your Own had struck a chord. It’s clear that the story resonated, not just because of its subject matter, but because of how Itegboje chose to tell it—with honesty, care, and a lack of sensationalism.

While short at only 15 minutes, On Your Own still manages to be thought-provoking, presenting a story that feels complete despite its brevity. The documentary doesn’t just document life on the streets—it asks us to consider the complex circumstances that lead to such a life and the difficulties of escaping it.

In the end, it delivers exactly what it sets out to do: it offers a glimpse into a harsh reality and leaves us with a lingering question—when the world has left you to fend for yourself, where do you go from there?