Character descriptions
Gripping, feature-length drama that tells the true story of the family of Damilola Taylor, going beyond the headlines to reveal a surprising and affecting portrait of family, fatherhood, loss and love.
Published: 26 October 2016
Husband of Gloria and father of two sons and a daughter, Nigerian Richard Taylor misses his family terribly when they seek urgent medical treatment for his daughter in the UK. When his youngest son Damilola is killed on the streets of Peckham, Richard struggles with inconsolable loss, guilt and blame, placing all his faith in British justice, and when that is denied him, fighting for answers and a new purpose. Richard’s epic struggle with loss, grief, anger and redemption, and his experience of fatherhood, are the heart of this film.
Gloria Taylor played by Wunmi Mosaku
Devoted wife and mother of three, Gloria Taylor can’t bear to be parted from her children when she accompanies her eldest daughter to the UK for urgent medical treatment, so she takes her two boys, Tunde and Damilola, with her to London. Unexpectedly having to make a new home in a relative’s council flat in Peckham, Gloria succeeds in holding her family together - until they’re shattered by tragedy. Her fortitude and love persistently bind the family through unimaginable pain.
Tunde Taylor played by Juwon Adedokun
Ten years older than Damilola, Tunde is a typical young man on his way to adulthood, when his parents decide to send him to the UK to look after his mother, brother and sister. He tries to combine responsibilities to his family with studying and a part-time job, while also building a new identity as a young Londoner. When his little brother is suddenly killed, Tunde’s world falls apart. He struggles to overcome his grief, and rebuild his future.
Gbemi Taylor played by Juma Sharkah
Gbemi Taylor is the eldest child of three and a loving big sister to Tunde and Damilola. British-born Gbemi’s epilepsy leads her to travel to the UK with her mother and brothers for life-saving treatment. When she unexpectedly falls ill during a family visit to Peckham, she is admitted to hospital nearby.
Damilola Taylor played by Sammy Kamara
Damilola is a bright, energetic and cheeky ten year-old, full of life and humour. The baby of his family, his infectious joie de vivre brings a smile to everyone. When his mother, brother and sister travel to the UK, Damilola is desperate to go with them and persuades his father to let him go. In London, Damilola blossoms as he finds new friends and new pastimes. He is independent and determined to look after himself, and like all little brothers, enjoys winding his elder brother up. Damilola’s ambitions and determination to succeed inspire his family - in life, and in death.
DCI Nick Ephgrave played by Robert Pugh
When the Taylor family are denied justice by the failure of the first police investigation, Detective Chief Inspector Nick Ephgrave is assigned the task of beginning afresh by re-examining all the evidence, to identify Damilola’s killers. Through dogged detective work and forensic investigation, he brings charges against three new youths and eventually secures justice for Damilola.
