Tori and Lokita 2023

Two undocumented African migrants in Belgium, Tori (Pablo Schils, aged 11) and Lokita (Nadège Ouedraogo, aged 16), masquerade as siblings in a bid to secure legal documentation for Lokita. They find themselves entangled in the murky world of illegal drug trade under the exploitative eye of their boss, Betim (Alban Ukaj), who subjects Lokita to not only labor but also sexual exploitation. Their earnings are desperately funneled towards repaying the human traffickers who brought them to Belgium, as well as supporting Lokita’s siblings back home.

As the duo navigates this perilous existence, Tori dedicates himself to preparing Lokita for the stringent interviews necessary to obtain her legal status. Although Tori possesses a visa granted due to his “witch child” label, Lokita’s plea for documentation is denied. The authorities require proof of their fraternal bond through a DNA test, a challenge that is destined to unravel their charade. In a desperate move, Lokita agrees to labor for Betim in exchange for counterfeit documents, which involves tending to cannabis plants in a concealed grow-op.

Trapped alone in the dank shelter, Lokita experiences profound isolation, especially when her phone is confiscated, severing her only line of communication with Tori. Desperate to reconnect, Tori devises a plan to infiltrate the grow-op hidden in Betim’s vehicle. Together, they manage to pilfer some cannabis to sell, hoping to send much-needed funds to her family. However, during Tori’s second visit, he is caught by Betim but narrowly escapes by incapacitating him.

As their fortunes darken, tragedy strikes when Lokita is spotted and shot dead by Betim’s accomplice, Luckas (Tijmen Govaerts). Remarkably, she refuses to betray Tori, who remains hidden and eventually evades capture. The film concludes on a somber note, showcasing Lokita’s funeral, where Tori poignantly delivers a heartfelt eulogy. He reflects on what could have been, stating that Lokita would have been living her dream in Belgium, working as an assistant, had she been granted the legal papers she so desperately sought.