BBC To Premiere Film On Murder Of Nigerian Boy, Damilola Taylor [Watch Trailer]

On November 7 at 8:30pm, BBC One will be showing a feature film based on the death of Nigerian schoolboy, Damilola Taylor titled Damilola, Our Loved Boy.

Damilola Taylor was killed on November 27, 2000 less than two weeks to his 11th birthday. He was stabbed by two youths (who later said they wanted his coat) on his way home from a computer class and bled to death in a stairwell.

Two brothers Danny and Ricky Preddie were convicted of manslaughter six years later. Star Wars actor, John Boyega was said to be a very good friend of the family and he and his sister, Grace were the last people to see Damilola alive.

Damilola is played in the film by 12-year-old newcomer Sammy Kamara, born and raised in South London. His father, Richard Taylor is played by Babou Ceesay and his mother Gloria Taylor by Wunmi Mosaku.

The film was written by Levi David Addai and it tells the story of Damilola Taylor and his family, their journey from Lagos to London, the aftermath of his death and the family’s quest for justice.

Speaking about playing Richard in the movie, Cessay said, “It is a real honor to be part of the telling of this story. I feel a responsibility to the family, to Richard Taylor and of course to Damilola Taylor. I hope that in our own small way we can contribute to his legacy.”