Heartfelt Coming-of-Age Story ‘After the Long Rains’ Follows a Kenyan Girl Determined to Break Free From Tradition

As a passionate film enthusiast who grew up with a rich blend of Swiss and Kenyan heritage, I have always felt a deep connection to both cultures but never truly understood the intricacies of my mother’s homeland. The recent release of Damien Hauser’s “After the Long Rains” has struck a chord within me on a personal level.

In “After the Long Rains,” a heartwarming coming-of-age story by Zurich-born filmmaker Damien Hauser, a resilient 10-year-old girl from Kenya defies her village’s traditions and embarks on an inspiring journey to sail across the sea to Europe, pursuing her dream against all odds.

As a movie buff, I’m excited to share that a film I’ve been looking forward to seeing will be screened at the Durban Film Festival this week! This isn’t just any director’s third feature – it made its world premiere at the Red Sea Film Festival last year and was also shown in Rotterdam. For me, it’s particularly special because I first discovered this talented 23-year-old filmmaker’s work when his debut film, “Blind Love,” premiered at Durban’s pandemic edition back in 2020. And the best part? Cologne-based Rushlake Media is handling the world sales, so I’m hopeful that this movie will be available for a wider audience soon!

Hauser, born in Zurich with a Swiss father and Kenyan mother, spent his childhood in Switzerland. He pursued film studies at his hometown’s SAE Institute. As an emerging filmmaker, Hauser utilized his role behind the camera to forge a deeper connection with Kenya – a country he frequently visited as a child but couldn’t truly understand during those trips due to being engrossed in family matters while traveling there with his mother.

During the coronavirus pandemic, Hauser spent six months with his grandmother in a quaint Indian Ocean coastal village. This was where he filmed “Blind Love” and began learning Swahili. Although he’s quick to admit that his Swahili skills are far from proficient, it has ignited his creativity and given him fresh perspectives as a filmmaker. Since then, numerous story ideas have flooded his mind, making Kenya a place of endless inspiration for him.

Following the Long Rains, the movie portrays the intricate details of village existence where age-old customs significantly shape one’s destiny. Hauser was initially motivated to create this film after observing a neighbor’s young daughter who handled household chores with maturity beyond her years. The neighbor’s child serves as a contrasting character in Aisha, a free-spirited teenager who puts less emphasis on her education and instead believes she can chart her own life course, irrespective of societal norms that may be more restrictive.

Hauser revealed that the emotional foundation of the film stemmed from his connection with his mother and his desire to understand her better. He shared that although she frequently discussed her experiences in Kenya, her portrait seemed incomplete to him, leaving him without a clear mental image of her. It wasn’t until he spent time with his grandmother that pieces of his mother’s childhood started to surface. As a result, the film took on a more personal significance for Hauser as he gained insights into his mother’s life before his existence.

Just like his first film “After the Long Rains,” this production showcases the director’s distinctive, minimalist filmmaking style. It harks back to his youth when he made home movies with his pals using a cheap camera given as a gift from his dad during Christmas. The majority of the cinematography is by Hauser himself, who also contributed to the script and production. He led a small team of four local assistants who mostly functioned as fixers throughout the six-week production.

Right from the beginning, this film project broke the norms. According to Hauser, when he joined, he was a newcomer and didn’t recognize anyone. After two weeks, we commenced filming. The majority of our actors, including the main actor, Eletricer Kache Hamisi, hadn’t received formal screen training. Our casting calls were casual, and we continued doing so even after we had started filming. Scouting locations was another task we tackled while production was already in progress. As Hauser explained, “When shooting in Kenya, particularly in the village, you must be flexible. However, it can be quite taxing because you’re constantly making plans day by day.” (Paraphrased) From the outset, this film production deviated from the standard procedures. Hauser recalled that when he joined the team, he was unfamiliar with everyone. After two weeks, we initiated filming. Most of our actors, including lead actor Eletricer Kache Hamisi, hadn’t undergone formal screen training. Our casting sessions were informal, and we even carried them out after the cameras had started rolling. Location hunting was an ongoing process during production. As Hauser put it, “Shooting in Kenya, especially in the village, necessitates agility. But it can be draining as you’re always making plans on a daily basis.”

After spending numerous journeys in Kenya over the last twenty years, Hauser has observed how the internet and cell phones have significantly impacted East African society, including rural areas where his film “After the Long Rains” is set. Younger generations are now exposed to global influences and Western values, which creates apprehension for some. This tension between past traditions and modern advancements serves as the driving force behind the movie’s storyline, as Aisha navigates her own path with the guidance of a local fisherman.

Hauser remarked, “Some folks may mourn the loss of the familiar past, but we must embrace the new, for the world persistently evolves.”

2024-07-18 10:34

Heartfelt Coming-of-Age Story ‘After the Long Rains’ Follows a Kenyan Girl Determined to Break Free From Tradition

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