This morning, I received an email from my friend Tatenda reminding me that there are only 19 days to go until I step onto African soil again! This will be my second trip to Zimbabwe. There are many reasons for me to go…the most important is simply that I love the country, its people, music and sweetness. I’ve been drawn to do filmmaking work there, and this year, I go with the support of National Geographic’s All Roads. I’ll be documenting village life for a film that I hope will reach a national, and even international audience.
Last year, I went to Zimbabwe for the first time on a filmmaking mission to complete Rhythm Bridge, a documentary about how music creates friendships and connections between our vastly different cultures. The film was already structured around experiences here in the U.S., and I thought it would be easy to integrate new footage from Zimbabwe, the music’s source. I was overwhelmed with the images and stories from that trip. It was such a personal experience of growth and realization for me, and I haven’t yet added those images to the existing version of Rhythm Bridge. Now I wonder if I will. That trip served as an initiation into a world I don’t fully know, and as a result, my intention has changed. Rather than completing a project begun on U.S. soil, I want to approach the storytelling from the other side, beginning with the lives and realities of the Zimbabweans themselves. Perhaps, the two films will merge someday. Who knows?
For now, I’m starting a new project with a life all its own. Sharing the breath of this film’s life will be Tatenda Muchiriri, my friend and co-filmmaker, who lives and studies in Zimbabwe. His life story inspired me to apply for the National Geographic grant. We were awarded the seed money in May to start our film, and now, after months of planning and preparations, the time to begin the film is almost here! I’ll be in Zimbabwe for only two short weeks, but Tatenda has been making arrangements so that we can cover all of the elements within that time. We will have a small crew of Zimbabweans who I am excited to meet and work with.
Also, Jaiaen Beck and Cosmas Magaya have been supporting the project with their assistance and wise counsel. The culmination of this project will be the result of many hearts and minds working together! I’m grateful for the support of my family, friends, co-workers and community!
