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Ajuma tells fashion story in African languages
A close-up shot of the head-dress worn by the ruler of Dream Country. PHOTO | COURTESY
Having a nightmare has never been as fashionable as is with 'To Catch a Dream', a short fashion film by The NEST Collective in conjunction with Chico Leco. Its theme, rather heavy for a fashion film, is so well executed that the 13 minutes just fly by.
Two years ago, and under the same collaboration, they produced eight short films showcasing the creations of local designers. The four-minute films were all about the clothes and accessories with moving soundtrack, this time there is a story and the soundtrack kept at a minimum.
“There was a period when Jim [Jim Chuchu – the writer and director] was having nightmares, he talked about it in the office once and Dan Muchina, the director of photography, said “Why don’t you catch it?’,” says Sunny Dolat, the executive producer and creative director. He also did the styling of the film. In his other life, Dolat is a fashion stylist.
According to press statement, “the tale of love lost and found, is a darkly whimsical detour into the nebulous imaginary space where fairy tales crash irreversibly into lived reality.”
Featuring the famous model Ajuma Nasenyana as the lead actor, we are indeed taken to the world of pain of losing a loved one and being haunted by them. The statement continues, “It is also an exploration of the role of fantasy in African art, and an audio-visual commentary on the essential place of storytelling in contemporary society to reclaim our stolen pasts.”
Like fashion, which hopes to bring perfect beauty and glamour in design, details and to every stitch, the film is oozing these features, if not more. The film is not really about the actors; the focus on the clothes and accessories is subtle yet cannot be missed. The angles carefully choose to bring them to your attention.
Like the close up on Ajuma holding the phone, you see a ring by Adele Dejak or when she turns to look around in the Dream Country, a 360-view of Namnyak Odupoy’s dress shows the long silver zip and ruffles at the back. The details cannot be missed.
The film features other designers; Katungulu Mwendwa, Kepha Maina, Jamil Walji, Azra Walji, Ami Doshi and Ann McCreath.
“Each character was dressed according to the individual designer’s creative interpretation of the script with the input of the set stylist. Ajuma’s vibrant urban outfits and statement jewellery by day, with vivid make up looks, clearly contrast with the simple, clean lines and straight cut of her night gown, which are an ode to her nocturnal vulnerability,” says Dolat.
The film also saw the work of make-up artist Kangai Mwiti for Bellesa Africa; from the natural look to the dramatic like Ajuma’s cobalt blue smokey eyes. She took creative licence to show her talent and it worked. Jim Chuchu – who is also the creative director at The NEST Collective and Muchina, choose to keep the film dark and play with shadows.
There are plenty of wide shots to appreciate the magnificent Kenyan landscape and close-up shots to see the clothing, accessories and make-up.
The dialogue is in indigenous African languages; Turkana, Meru, Kamba, Sheng/Kiswahili, Luo and Tigrinya. Ajuma, who is from Turkana, speaks it while all the other actors answer her in all these other languages. The unique take on dialogue will keep you glued to the screen to read the subtitles. Again, you will not to miss the details.
‘To catch a dream’ is truly fantasy as only is this story can one turn a Katungulu Mwendwa dress into a night gown. The short film, which was released two weeks ago, is free online.
