Pie dan lo (Black Tide) tells the story of the MV Wakashio oil spill. On 25 July 2020, the bulk carrier ran aground on a coral reef off the east coast of Mauritius. Twelve days later, oil began spilling into the surrounding waters, resulting in one of the worst environmental disasters in the country’s history.
What inspired the story behind your short film?
The film is an animated documentary based on the Wakashio oil spill, which occurred in Mauritius in 2020 and caused devastating pollution across the Mauritian lagoon. What struck me was not only the scale of the environmental disaster, but the extraordinary response from ordinary citizens who came together to protect their environment in the face of inaction from the authorities.
What do you hope audiences take away from your film?
I hope audiences remember that we are part of the environment, not separate from it. We are living through multiple environmental crises, and while many are caused by political and industrial failures, their consequences affect us collectively. We all have a role to play. There are many challenges and many possible solutions, but ultimately, we can only move forward by working together.
Why are short films so important in today’s media landscape?
Short films give filmmakers the opportunity to get straight to the heart of a story. With animation especially, having limited time forces you to focus on what is essential and find the most effective way to communicate it. Short films are also an incredible space for filmmakers to learn, experiment and develop their craft.
What advice would you give to someone making their first short film?
Don’t give up! Making a film can be a long journey, so you need to have a story you genuinely believe in. That passion is what keeps you going when the process becomes difficult. Our stories have value, and if you have something meaningful to say, trust that instinct, keep going and tell it.
Why are festivals like the FAME Shorts Film Festival important for filmmakers?
Festivals like the FAME Shorts Film Festival give short films a platform and recognise the format as an important creative medium in its own right. Short filmmaking offers incredible freedom to experiment, take risks and explore new ideas, often without the same pressures associated with longer formats. Festivals create a space for that work to be seen, for filmmakers to connect with audiences and each other, and for new creative voices to be discovered.
