0 0 Read Time:2 Minute, 18 Second Opening the 10th Mashariki African Film Festival: After the Long Rains (Baada ya Masika) by Damien HauserThe 10th edition of the Mashariki African Film Festival (MAAFF) in Kigali is off to a powerful start with the premiere of After the Long Rains (Baada ya Masika), directed and produced by Damien Hauser. This poignant film, distributed by Rushlake Media GmbH, has already captured the hearts of our audience in Kigali, and we are thrilled to showcase this compelling story at the festival. Set against the picturesque yet challenging landscape of East Africa, After the Long Rains follows the journey of Aisha, an eleven-year-old with dreams bigger than the village she calls home. When given a school assignment to envision her future, Aisha realizes that while her peers are expected to inherit their family trades, she has her sights set on becoming an actress in Europe. Her unconventional dream is met with skepticism, especially from her mother, who believes that fishing—a path Aisha sees as her ticket to Europe—is strictly a man’s profession. But with the help of a local fisherman named Hassan, who himself is grappling with addiction, Aisha begins to learn the ropes of the trade and navigate a path toward her dreams. After the Long Rains explores themes of ambition, tradition, and gender roles, with a relatable and courageous protagonist at its center. The film’s narrative sheds light on the resilience of African youth, especially young girls who must often fight against societal expectations to pursue their own visions of success. This year’s MAAFF, an essential gathering for creatives across the African continent, offers an invaluable opportunity for filmmakers, storytellers, and industry professionals to connect, collaborate, and celebrate African cinema. If you’re in Kigali for the festival or MashaRket (the accompanying content market), be sure to connect with Vito Marchiano, our colleague who is eager to foster meaningful connections in the industry.The film’s international reach is supported by Film- und Medienstiftung NRW and SWISS FILMS, bringing After the Long Rains to a global stage and further amplifying the voice of African cinema. For distribution, Rushlake Media GmbH, with Philipp Hoffmann at the helm, has been instrumental in bringing this touching narrative to audiences beyond the continent. We look forward to welcoming you to the festival as we celebrate ten years of MAAFF and the power of African storytelling. Join us in supporting After the Long Rains, a film that will not only inspire young girls like Aisha but also challenge viewers to consider the impact of dreams, tradition, and resilience in shaping one’s identity and future. Let’s come together to celebrate African stories, voices, and dreams at MAAFF 2024! Share Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn About Post Author Rahab Kimani [email protected] Happy 0 0 % Sad 0 0 % Excited 0 0 % Sleepy 0 0 % Angry 0 0 % Surprise 0 0 % Related Post navigation KITALE FILM WEEK ANNOUNCES THREE NEW MEMBERS OF ITS 2025 SELECTIONCOMMITTEE AND OPENS FILM SUBMISSIONS ACROSS AFRICA