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Tuesday, 19th March 2024
Sinemite is brought to you by Rushlake Media.
Recognition at International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR), in partnership with Rushlake Media and Unseen Nairobi present After The Long Rains, a film by Damien Hauser, premiering in Kenya at Unseen Nairobi on 5 & 6 April, 2023 with writer and director Damien Hauser in-person.
After the Long Rains (Baada ya Masika) is an exquisite coming-of-age story about Aisha (Electricer Kache Hamisi), a ten year-old girl who dreams of becoming an actress.
In Watamu, a beautiful coastal town in Kenya, children are expected to follow in the footsteps of their parents, but Aisha wants something different for herself and dreams of moving to Europe to become an actress. Through her imaginative spirit and charm she convinces Hassan, a local fisherman, to teach her how to navigate the waters so she can one day, sail away to fulfil her dreams. Then a homework assignment sets her off on an adventure of self-discovery. In this intimate and formally freehand portrayal, we are introduced to the colourful and saturated world of Aisha, her beautiful family and a tight-knit community where neighbours, teachers and the local fisherman function as extended family members.
After the Long Rains is the third feature film from Swiss-Kenyan director Damien Hauser, a cinematic Renaissance man and piano player who not only wrote and directed, but produced, edited and created the film’s sound design. – Lyse Ishimwe Nsengiyumva
Filmmaker Damien HAUSER (2001, Switzerland) studied film at SAE from 2016-2020. He has worked for Filme von Draussen, a commercial production company based in Zurich. With the help of friends, he has created various short films, music videos, plays and commercials. After the long rains (2023), selected for IFFR 2024, is his third feature-length film.
Recognition is a Brussels based community film screening program that focuses on the work for and by people of African descent, founded by curator Lyse Ishimwe. Founded in 2016, Recognition is also a safe space that aims to break barriers, build a community and foster a spirit of citizenship, belonging and inclusion of audiences in Belgium and abroad.
International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) is an annual film festival and leading cultural platform accessible to all, that champions compelling cinema and audiovisual art. Through screenings, talks, exhibitions, and various networking opportunities, IFFR enables discovery, dialogue, learning and people coming together. Through IFFR’s distinct programming, they open a space for ideas that captivate, engage and entertain, pushing creative boundaries that have the power to transform. Since its foundation in 1972, IFFR has supported independent storytellers and advances the impact of their work in the world.
Kalasha International Film and Tv Market happening from March 27th to 29th at KICC’s Tsavo ballroom, Nairobi. For 3 days, local and international professionals from the Audio-Visual and Film industry coming from around the world, get a unique opportunity to boost their business through trading content, partnership opportunities and networking.
More Details Here: https://kalasha.kenyafilmcommission.go.ke/
GRANTS & SUBMISSIONS
New festival grants open for applications
Festival Connect Fund are inviting festivals from across Africa to submit grant proposals for the Festival Connect Fund grants for 2024/5. Whether you’re into dance, theatre, film, literature, music and/or multidisciplinary arts, they are all ears!
Festival Connect is a space where connections are made, creative exchanges happen, and contemporary arts from across Africa take centre stage. This call is open to festivals engaging with all art forms in the following countries: Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe.
Deadline: 1 April 2024.
Apply Online: https://t.ly/pzEYw
TAKE 5!
We had a chat with Damien Hauser, a 22 year old Filmmaker who has been making films since he was 7 years old. In 2020, he graduated from the SAE Institute Zurich Film School and has been self-employed ever since, managing to produce several feature films that have been shown at numerous international festivals. Damien is the Director and Producer of AFTER THE LONG RAINS
We had a chat with Damien Hauser. a 22 year old Filmmaker who has been making films since he was 7 years old. In 2020, he graduated from the SAE Institute Zurich Film School and has been self-employed ever since, managing to produce several feature films that have been shown at numerous international festivals. Damien is the Director and Producer of AFTER THE LONG RAINS
Q: What do you like most about your job as a producer / director?
A: My name is Damien Hauser. I’m 22 years old and have been making films since I was seven. In 2020, I graduated from the SAE Institute Zurich Film School and have been self-employed ever since, managing to produce several feature films that have been shown at numerous international festivals.
Q: What do you consider your artistic process when it comes to making a film?
A: My process is often very free and not limited to my own vision. I like to be inspired by my surroundings, and when on set, I’m always very open to ideas. I enjoy improvising and often try to create and capture moments, rather than sticking to a clear vision.
Q: Why did you start making films?
A: I was very young when my father gave me a rather low-quality camera for Christmas. Then, I started making films with my neighbors, but we didn’t take it too seriously; it was more like a game to us. Over the years, however, my projects became bigger and more serious.
Q: What are you currently watching?
A: A lot of different things. I just saw Dune 2 in the cinema. It was really great. But otherwise, I watch a very diverse range of films, from arthouse and anime to Bollywood and action movies. Everything, really.
Q: Any advice to those starting out in the film industry ?
A:I think we have the privilege of living in a time where almost anyone can make films, whether it’s with a phone and with family. So, it’s not about the technology anymore, but about us, whether we make films or not. For me, that was always a huge motivation. My advice to those who want to make films is to just try it out without overthinking it. Often, you can get lost in those thoughts, so much so that the project never actually gets realized.
TIDPIX MARCH 2024 HIGHLIGHTS
EDITOR’S CHOICE
Title: Kabi and Kalo
Director (s): Charlie Kobong, Andrew Omuna
Producer(s): Dilman Dila
In Kampala, Kabi, torn between her musical dreams and her mother’s engineer expectations, navigates a wild journey of crime and con artistry while hilariously cohabitating with her boyfriend and his overbearing mother.
