Q: What inspired the story behind your short film?
A: The film was inspired by the artist Araba Opoku’s work and her preparations for a solo exhibition, as well as my desire to depict a shared experience from our childhood in the same neighborhood. We both dealt with water shortages and rationing, a problem that persists today. I felt deeply connected to Araba’s new body of work and wanted to collaborate with her. I combined my own experiences with our conversations about her memories, creating a film that serves as a remembrance of that time.

Q: Can you discuss any unique challenges you faced during production?
A: We shot for long hours, which was tiring and took a toll on the cast and crew, but they pushed through to get it done. Setting up the lighting between scenes also took time because I was determined to achieve the perfect look and feel for the story.

Q: How did you approach character development within the limited runtime of a short film?
A: I developed the characters by focusing on their internal struggles with sleep, their bond through sisterhood, and their routine of fetching water. This was conveyed through body language, expressions, and silent interactions. Visual and sensory details helped to reveal their personalities and emotions, complemented by the voiceover that explored their perspectives.

Q: What message or emotion do you hope the audience takes away from your film?
A: I hope the audience feels a sense of reflection and stillness, appreciating the beauty in routine and the deep connection we can share with others during these moments. It’s lovely to relish in simple moments sometimes.

Q: How do you see your short film fitting into your broader body of work or future projects?
A: This film fits into my broader work as I continue to explore themes of identity, sisterhood, and cultural and societal issues. I am interested in intimate stories of people navigating complex relationships. Future projects will delve deeper into these themes and explore more complex storytelling dynamics.

Q: If you could cast any actor, living or dead, in your next project, who would it be and why?
A: Alexandra Duah; she was convincing in every role and had immense passion and zeal for her work, significantly contributing to the Ghanaian film industry.

Q: What’s the most unexpected or funny thing that happened on set?
A: Some crew members and the cast, especially the art director, struggled to stay awake. When anyone was caught sleeping, we took pictures as proof in case they tried to deny it.

Q: If you could have a superpower to help you with filmmaking, what would it be and how would you use it?
A: As a visual person who values sensory experiences, I would want the ability to instantly capture and visualize any scene exactly as I imagine it in my mind.

Q: Why are festivals like the FAME Shorts Film Festival so important?
A: They provide a platform for filmmakers to showcase their work to diverse audiences and create opportunities for connections and collaborations. Festivals inspire filmmakers by allowing them to engage with and learn from the work of others, pushing them to achieve wider recognition and appreciate the value of their craft.