Nigerian filmmaker Oluyinka Davids has concluded principal photography on his latest film, KNOCK, a drama focused on the experiences of undocumented immigrants in the United States.

The film, shot in the U.S., follows the story of an African immigrant grappling with fear and anxiety in the aftermath of an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid on his community. Told primarily through visual storytelling with limited dialogue, KNOCK explores the psychological effects of living without legal immigration status.

In an interview, Davids described the project as a reflection of the realities faced by many undocumented individuals. “This isn’t just a film,” he said. “It’s a mirror held up to real lives, people living with uncertainty, with no voice, no safety, no peace. I wanted to create something that makes us pause and consider what dignity means beyond legal documents.”

The film uses minimal dialogue to portray the protagonist’s growing paranoia and heightened sensitivity to everyday sounds, particularly the knock at the door. According to Davids, this approach was intentional, allowing the film’s imagery to carry its emotional weight and broaden its accessibility across language barriers.

Davids is based in the U.S. and is known for work that addresses both African and global issues. In 2024, he received the Distinguished Filmmaker of the Year award at the Men of Honor Awards and was named a West African Youth Ambassador by the West African Youth Council.

His previous projects include PERCEPTION: The Nigerian Narrative, a documentary series examining representations of Nigeria and its people.

KNOCK is currently in post-production and is expected to enter the festival circuit soon.