If you didn't already know, when he's not busy adapting what has been deemed unadaptable, while working with the Wachowski siblings on Cloud Atlas, German filmmaker Tom Tykwer (Run Lola, Run, Perfume) is producing Kenyan films via his alternative film production company, One Fine Day Films , which he co-founded in 2008 with his girlfriend/partner, Marie Steinmann, with the goal being to promote and support filmmaking for aspiring filmmakers in Nairobi (Kenya), with Nairobi-based producing partners Ginger Ink.
S&A has covered every film that's been developed under the One Fine Day Films banner – Soul Boy, from director Hawa Essuman (which had its official world premiere at the Göteborg International Film Festival in Sweden, in February 2010; later screened at the Rotterdam Film Festival, the Berlin Film Festival, and the Africa Diaspora Film Festival here in New York, among others); and, most recently, the crime drama titled Nairobi Half Life, from director David Tosh Gitonga, which made its world premiere at the Durban International Film Festival in South Africa, where its star, Joseph Wairimu, won the Best Actor award, and has since screened at several international film festivals, in the AFI Film Festival, where it won the Audience Breakthrough Award. It continues to be generally very well received, although none of us has seen it yet. Waiting for its NYC premiere.
This week, we learned of an upcoming 3rd and 4th feature film project from the One Fine Day Films/Ginger Ink production collab – one, which is said to be in post-production currently, and another, which is currently casting.
The first, in post-production, is titled Something Necessary. The film will introduce us to the talents of yet another Kenyan filmmaker in Judy Kibinge; although, for some familiar with her work, it'll be more like a re-introduction, because she's made 2 feature films already – one in 2002 titled Dangerous Affair, and the other in 2004 titled Project Daddy. Unfortunately, neither appears to be readily available for rent or purchase here in the USA.
Maybe someone reading this can help with that information.
From a screenplay written by Mungai Kiroga & JC Niala, the synopsis for Something Necessary reads:
SOMETHING NECESSARY is an intimate moment in the life of Anne, a woman struggling to rebuild her life after the civil unrest that swept Kenya after the 2007 elections claiming the life of her husband, the health of her son and leaving her home on an isolated farm in the Kenyan countryside in ruins. Once a nurse, with a solid career and loving family, she now has nothing but her resolve to rebuild her life left. Joseph, a troubled young gang member who participated in the countrywide violence is drawn to Anne and her farm seemingly in search of redemption. Both he and Anne need something that only the other can give to allow them to shed the painful memories of their past and move on – but will either of them find it?
Tom Tykwer, Marie Steinmann, Sarika Lakhani, Ginger Wilson & Guy Wilson are all listed as producers on the film, which is expected to debut, likely on the film festival circuit, in 2013.
Most recently, it was selected to receive post-production financing from the Rotterdam Hubert Bals Fund.
The photo at the top is from the set of Something Necessary.
The second film, which is currently casting, is title Veve, written by Natasha Likimani, and directed by Simon Mukali.
Unfortunately, plot details on Veve are being kept underwraps; we've reached out to One Fine Day for a synopsis, so, if one is provided, it'll be posted here, so stay tuned… I'm sure we'll find out eventually.
But as noted, the project is currently casting and crewing for the film – in Kenya of course, with a shoot start date planned to start in February for 4 weeks.
Here's the info released on needed crew, with casting to come later (again, this is all local to Nairobi, Kenya):
Following SOUL BOY, NAIROBI HALF LIFE and SOMETHING NECESSARY (to be released early 2013) we are now crewing for our 4th movie, VEVE.
We are beginning casting and scouting in December, and full preproduction gets into full swing 2nd week January.
We are set to shoot for 4 weeks in February. We have confirmed our Director, DOP, editor and sound apprentice….and we looking for
• Casting director(s)
• Locations Scout(s)
• Location Manager(s)
• Production Office (Prod Manager / Prod Coordinator / PA’s)
• Ad’s (1st / 2nd / 3rd)
• Script Continuity
• Costume Department
• Make up Department
• Art Department
• Production Stills Photographer
• Set operations (inc. Set Manager / PA’s & Runners / transport Coordination)
Pls remember that this is a Masterclass Training Film and our structure as always is that each person gets 1,500 per day only. You need to be able accept that allowance for the number of weeks you are on the project (1 to 4 weeks prep depending on role and 4 weeks shoot). In return we promise some wonderful training, hard work, a lot of fun and the satisfaction of making a great film! If you want to work with us please send a short email with a short paragraph about what role you are requesting, why you would like to work with us, and a brief synopsis of your work history/experience! [email protected]
Pls put the crew position or department you are applying for in the subject header. Preference given to OFDF Workshop Alumni and all applications considered!
PS: we will be announcing auditions for cast shortly. Please do not apply for cast via this posting / this email…!
Thank you everyone!
