THE BRIEF
Hand in Hand reached out to us, asking for the creation of a video that would effectively communicate their work and mission. The film was intended for use in conferences, on websites, and as a tool to attract new clients to support their mission.
PROJECT IN NUMBERS
KODAK FILM MIN
45
TEAM NUMBERS
47
NUMBER OF HOURS
1009
BACKGROUND
For the past 5 years, we have worked closely with Hand In Hand on numerous projects, ranging from small case videos and photo stories to longer format films.
Hand In Hands vision is to create a world where each and every one of us is given the opportunity to escape poverty, and where the next generation can grow and contribute to a sustainable future. Through self-learning groups, Hand In Hand provides people with knowledge, skills, and the capacity to develop as entrepreneurs who can sustain their own livelihoods and contribute to local communities.
The long-term goal is to help create 10 million jobs and contribute to improving the living conditions of 50 million people.
CREATIVE PROCESS
We assembled the entire team and conducted an internal workshop where we delved into the work and brand of Hand In Hand to create three compelling pitches for presentation. The pitch that was accepted involved developing a film centered around the perspective of a daughter. This approach allowed us to showcase the world through her eyes, fostering an emotional connection between the setting and the viewer.
We aimed to build a strong narrative that highlights the commonalities shared by all humans on Earth. Therefore, all scenes were carefully chosen but depicting daily tasks in a documentary-style manner involving the mother and daughter.
THE SOLUTION
The final film is just under 3 minutes and represents everything that Hand In Hand stands for. Through thoughtful editing, sound designing, and color grading, we managed to convey a short snippet where the advertisement and documentary fields intersect in a colorful symbiosis. In Nairobi, we conducted the voice-over recording in one of the up-and-coming studios just outside of Westlands. The entire project was shot in and around Machakos.
We shot the films on classic old Kodak film in 16mm. The Director of Photography, Mika, insisted on this approach to capture the amazing colors of the Kenyan landscape. What we didn't realize was that flying with these rolls was more challenging than we initially thought, as they couldn't be opened without damaging the films. Despite these challenges that we managed to solve, the result turned out to be incredible.
MIKA ABERRA
DOP
"This was truly one for the books. Personally such a special experience for me. Being half African but never really explored that side of myself since my biological father left earth early on, it was so heart warming to have the people in Kenya embrace me and most of all look at me like I was one of them. As soon as i stepped foot in Kenya it was like that but times a billion. So being there and using my craft for the amazing people at Hand in Hand who works for such a valuable cause, I couldn’t express how much it means to be a part of it. Thanks to all you all and all the people from Kenya taking part in this "
BEHIND THE SCENES
CREDIT LIST
Producer: Johan Selin
Director: Louise Whitehouse
Cinematographer: Mika Aberra
1st AC: Theodor Lundqvist
Talent the mother: Beatrice Mbula Ngei
Talent the daughter: Apple Mwende Ngei
Talent future daughter: Elizabeth Nduku Ngei
Laboratory: Nina Boriri Focusfilmlab
Editor: Johan Eriksson
Music composer: Oliver Reid
Colorgrade: Kajsa Kiuttu Tintpost
Sounddesign & mix: Andreas Andersson & Felicia Holm Tintpost
Still photographer: Kegen Lorentzon
Graphic Design: Fredrik Forsberg
Local Equipment: Jim Bishop & Ronald Ronics
Fixer: Tony Rimwah
VoiceOver Producer: Mũthoni Njerũ
VoiceOver Talent: Wambũi Waiyaki
