GENRE: romantic comedy/drama set in a Nigerian community in the South of France [95 minutes] by HandMade Films [and Paragon Entertainment, European Co-Production Fund Ltd and The Arts Council of England]

SCREENPLAY: O. O. Sagay

DIRECTOR: Peter Schwabach

COSTUMES: Louise Stjernsward

PRODUCERS: O.O. Sagay and Jon Slan

PRINCIPAL CAST: Colin Firth [Matthew], Nia Long [Nimi], Fizzy Roberts [Sammy], Caroline Goodall [Matthew's wife Jenny], Ariyone Bakare [Rev. Fola], Jake Jacobs, Bella Enahoro, Rakie Ayola, Joy Elias-Rilwan, Thomas Baptiste, Dan Lett, Ellen Thomas, Willie Jonah et al

SHOOTING DATE: March 1997 in Antibes [France] and London.

SLOW was shown at the London Film Festival (LFF) November 1999:
From the London Film Festival site: "This sunny, likeable comedy about the rocky road to cross-cultural romance has enough wit and humour to raise it above the norm, and scores highly with its depiction of the closely knit, protective group of women, bound by their belief in duty and respectability."
In an interview 1998, Nia Long said she was "uncertain the film would ever be shown in the United States". [WAN Entertainment News, March 1998]

ABOUT THE FILM: Nimi leads a relatively peaceful life as a landscape gardener, looking after her eight year old son Sammy and attending exuberant masses at Church. Her unmarried status are frowned upon by her traditionalist neighbours and her bustling mother Nene. When Reverend Fola moves into town and shows interest in Nimi, it is like a godsend for Nene.

Young Sammy however, has other ideas. He tries at length to persuade his friend Matthew [an English writer] to marry his mother instead, using every means at his disposal to bring the two together.

Nimi is intrigued by Matthew in spite of herself. She is also very aware of Matthew's married status, distrust of women and general unwillingness to commit to a relationship.

In contrast, Matthew is drawn to Nimi not just for her beauty but the stability of her African way of life; her sense of community, responsibility, duty, sacrifice and an innate goodness that he has never before encountered and throws him completely off-guard.

Both underestimate the might of Nimi's no nonsense female protectors. Together they make a formidable adversary and none are predisposed towards Matthew's and Nimi's relationship. Nimi must fling away her head-tie and stand up to the outspoken women whilst Matthew must learn to trust again in order for their love to survive. [Source: HandMade film]