Orphaned by the civil war in Angola, 12 year-old N'dala is bought to the capital by a nun, but he escapes to explore the city Luanda. Wandering through the battered streets he meets a number of characters, including Joka, a delinquent who tries to convince him to help in a robbery. As the harsh realities of survival strip away his naivety and enthusiasm for the city, N'dala yearns for home.