Oluwaseun Babalola's film 'Fighting Giants' explores her family's seven-year struggle to uncover the truth behind her sister Massah KaiKai's disappearance in Sierra Leone in 2018. The film highlights the misogyny and racism encountered during their search, as authorities provided scant information and the family was not informed of a trial that sentenced a man for KaiKai's murder.
From New York to Sierra Leone: a sister’s search for ‘just another missing black woman’
Global developmentWomen's rights and gender equalitySierra LeoneAfricaWorldUnited StatesCultureSocietyLife and styleSiblingsWomen
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Oluwaseun Babalola's film 'Fighting Giants' explores her family's seven-year struggle to uncover the truth behind her sister Massah KaiKai's disappearance in Sierra Leone in 2018. The film highlights the misogyny and racism encountered during their search, as authorities provided scant information and the family was not informed of a trial that sentenced a man for KaiKai's murder.
Trending- 1 August 14, 2018: Massah KaiKai disappears.
- 2 2019: Investigation into KaiKai's disappearance begins to peter out.
- 3 2020: Ibrahim Mansaray sentenced to 50 years for KaiKai's murder and unlawful burial (family not informed of trial).
- 4 2025: Oluwaseun Babalola releases 'Fighting Giants'.
- The film 'Fighting Giants' raises awareness about the challenges faced by families of missing black women.
- The family of Massah KaiKai still seeks full resolution and DNA confirmation of remains.
- Oluwaseun Babalola's non-profit Kosinima offers grants to black filmmakers globally.
What: Oluwaseun Babalola's film 'Fighting Giants' documents her family's search for her missing sister, Massah KaiKai, and the challenges faced due to misogyny and racism.
When: Massah KaiKai disappeared on August 14, 2018. The film 'Fighting Giants' was released in 2025. The article was published on June 6, 2025.
Where: Sierra Leone (specifically Freetown) and Queens, New York, United States.
Why: To shed light on the disappearance of Massah KaiKai, the systemic issues (misogyny, racism, institutional failures) encountered by her family in their search, and the impact of grief.
How: Oluwaseun Babalola, a filmmaker, created a short film titled 'Fighting Giants' based on her family's experiences, blending factual accounts with fantastical elements to convey the emotional toll.