What inspired the story behind your short film, “Mawimbi”
Wanjohi Ian (Writer): The inspiration came from my time living on the Kenyan Coast during the COVID pandemic. Watching fishermen head out to the vast, intimidating ocean daily, I wondered about the personal struggles they carried with them and how these could be resolved. The idea was to show how people could emerge from the water changed, reflecting their internal transformations.
Can you discuss any unique challenges you faced during production?
Ivy Kiru (Producer): Filming in the middle of the Indian Ocean was a significant challenge, especially with limited time and resources. Seasickness on the first day affected our schedule and budget. Additionally, our cast had to learn the Giriama language as the film was based on the community on the Kenyan coast.
How did you approach character development within the limited runtime of a short film?
Wanjohi: We focused on setting up the context of Kazungu’s return home and the pivotal moment of the fishing trip. We didn’t have the luxury of a full character arc, so we aimed to show the characters’ dynamics and their eventual change through these key moments.
What message or emotion do you hope the audience takes away from your film?
Wanjohi: I hope those who identify with strained interpersonal and parental relationships feel seen. By seeing themselves in our characters, they can experience vulnerability that leads to empathy.
How do you see your short film fitting into your broader body of work or future projects?
Wanjohi: I aim to tell more stories inspired by the everyday realities of ordinary people in Africa. These stories will cover the exciting, mundane, triumphant, and tragic aspects of life, blending the personal and political to reflect society’s peculiarities.
What’s the most unexpected or funny thing that happened on set?
Wanjohi: The entire crew got seasick within hours of starting filming in the water. Aligning and realigning both the picture and crew boats took much more time than anticipated between setups.
If your short film had a theme song, what would it be?
Wanjohi: “The Light” by The Album Leaf.
If you could cast any actor, living or dead, in your next project, who would it be and why?
Ivy: I would choose Donald Glover. His range of talents, from music and dance to acting, and his collaborative energy make him a versatile and dynamic choice for any project.
What’s the strangest piece of advice you’ve ever received about filmmaking?
Wanjohi: The most honest form of filmmaking is to make a movie for yourself. It’s the paradox of specificity—creating something for a specific audience often makes it more universal and likely to reach a broader audience.
If you could have a superpower to help you with filmmaking, what would it be and how would you use it?
Wanjohi: The ability to read minds. Understanding human nature better would lead to crafting richer, more nuanced characters.
Why are festivals like the FAME Shorts Film Festival so important?
Wanjohi: They amplify the work and creativity of filmmakers on the African continent, especially those at the beginning of their careers. These festivals provide crucial exposure and opportunities to connect with wider audiences and the industry.
Mawimbi,” written by Wanjohi Ian and produced by Ivy Kiru, is a poignant exploration of familial relationships and personal transformation set against the backdrop of the Kenyan coast. Catch it at the FAME Shorts Film Festival.
