Behind the Silence: Oluyinka Davids Tells the Untold Immigrant Story in “KNOCK”

For Nigerian-born, U.S.-based filmmaker Oluyinka Davids, storytelling has always gone beyond entertainment. It is his way of peeling back layers of silence, fear, and societal neglect, a mission that continues with his latest film, KNOCK.

Recently wrapping principal photography, KNOCK is a harrowing yet tender depiction of the undocumented immigrant experience, set against the backdrop of an ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) raid in the United States.

Unlike most immigration dramas that rely on dialogue-heavy courtroom scenes or political debates, KNOCK chooses a quieter, more intimate lens.

The film follows an African immigrant navigating a sudden wave of anxiety, isolation, and paranoia as ICE agents conduct a nationwide sweep.

Told with minimal words but deeply expressive visuals, the story immerses viewers in the emotional world of a man whose only crime is seeking a better life, and whose peace is shattered by the sound of a knock on the door.

“This isn’t just a film,” Davids explains, “it’s a reflection of real lives lived in fear, in hiding, and in uncertainty. It’s my hope that it will start deeper conversations about humanity, compassion, and dignity beyond immigration status.”

The filmmaker’s decision to anchor the story in visual storytelling was intentional. It captures what words often fail to express: the inner chaos of waiting, hiding, and praying that the knock on the door never comes. It’s an experience many immigrants across the U.S. know too well, and one that Davids believes the world needs to see, not just hear about.

Knock arrives at a time when immigration remains a divisive issue in American politics. In an era of rising deportation fears, complex visa processes, and racial profiling, Davids offers an alternative view, one that centers humanity over headlines.

His work avoids heavy-handed judgment; instead, it leans into empathy, pushing audiences to question the systems that dehumanize vulnerable communities.

The completion of filming marks a major milestone for Davids, whose career has been steeped in socially driven narratives.

In 2024, he was named Distinguished Filmmaker of the Year at the Men of Honor Awards and also received a West African Youth Ambassador recognition from the West African Youth Council, an arm of the Presidency. These honors reflect his rising influence as a cultural storyteller bridging Africa and the global stage.

From his acclaimed documentary series PERCEPTION: The Nigerian Narrative to feature projects that highlight African excellence and resilience, Davids continues to push boundaries with stories that matter. KNOCK is no exception it is a film that doesn’t just observe from the sidelines, but steps into the lives lived in the shadows.

Now in post-production, KNOCK is set to make its debut on the festival circuit, with plans for a broader release thereafter.

If early buzz is anything to go by, it may become one of the most important immigration stories of our time, not because it’s loud, but because it dares to whisper.