Bradford, UK – In a powerful and intimate documentary, director Leo Regan showcases the remarkable journey of Lanre Fehintola, a former photojournalist who battled addiction while capturing the lives of addicts in Bradford during the 90s. Despite facing personal demons, Fehintola never let go of his passion for photography, which he credits as a lifeline during his darkest moments.
Regan’s deeply personal film, which draws from more than 25 years of footage, is the third installment in his series about Fehintola. Through this lens, viewers witness the captivating personality of Fehintola, a young man who exuded vitality and lived life on the extremes.
The documentary opens with Fehintola, now facing a terminal lung cancer diagnosis, addressing the camera with a charismatic smile. Doctors have given him a mere six months to live, but Fehintola remains unyielding in his spirit.
In their earlier years, both Fehintola and Regan were driven by their shared dream of becoming acclaimed reportage photographers. Guided by Robert Capa’s famous words, “If your photos aren’t good enough, you’re not close enough,” the duo embarked on a journey to photograph addicts in Bradford, Fehintola’s hometown. It was during this time that Fehintola made a fateful decision to experiment with hard drugs for the sake of research. Unintentionally, he found himself spiraling into addiction.
Piecing together Fehintola’s tumultuous life, the film showcases his upbringing in a strict household and his time in a children’s home, where he fiercely fought against racism and authority. The raw and unfiltered narrative offers a poignant insight into Fehintola’s character. Remarkably, even during his most challenging moments, such as going cold turkey, Fehintola’s magnetic personality shines through.
“My Friend Lanre,” set to be released in UK cinemas on January 29th and on Curzon Home Cinema on February 1st, offers a compelling look into the enduring friendship between Fehintola and Regan. As the film explores the complexities of addiction, it serves as a testament to the power of art and the resilience of the human spirit.
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