Ngozi Nyeusi
POST-PRODUCTION PRODUCER, EDITOR
Run Time: 4:25
Genre: Drama
Langauge: English
A message by Dir. Joe-Francis Kiaga:
The title ‘Ngozi Nyeusi’ means ‘Black Skin’ in Swahili and reflects my realization that I carry my identity with me wherever I go. Arriving in Cape Town, I was excited for new experiences and friendships, but 2020 brought the global COVID-19 pandemic. Unable to visit home and facing an online photography course while friends returned to quarantine, I felt isolated. My room began to feel like a prison, and watching xenophobic global injustices against people like me deepened my sense of displacement and fear. This film captures the emotional and mental strain through editing, color, and music, reflecting my fragmented experience of controversy, fear, and uncertainty. Welcome to my world.
Inspiration Strikes!
This film was inspired by snippets from a documentary Joe had assembled for his photography class. He experimented with these clips, leading to the creation of an experimental documentary. Upon seeing his work, I immediately recognized its potential as a compelling poetry film and was confident it would perform well in festivals, despite Joe's initial reluctance. I personally edited the footage into a film format, incorporating music from friends and songs Joe had composed. To our amazement, the film was selected for festivals across three continents, with the most notable being the 'Video Poem Competition of La Factorie' in Marseille, France.
