After the Long Rains is an exquisite coming-of-age story about Aisha (Electricer Kache Hamisi), a ten year-old girl who dreams of becoming an actress.

In Watamu, a beautiful coastal town in Kenya, children are expected to follow in the footsteps of their parents, but Aisha wants something different for herself and dreams of moving to Europe to become an actress. Through her imaginative spirit and charm she convinces Hassan, a local fisherman, to teach her how to navigate the waters so she can one day, sail away to fulfil her dreams. Then a homework assignment sets her off on an adventure of self-discovery. In this intimate and formally freehand portrayal, we are introduced to the colourful and saturated world of Aisha, her beautiful family and a tight-knit community where neighbours, teachers and the local fisherman function as extended family members.

After the Long Rains is the third feature film from Swiss-Kenyan director Damien Hauser, a cinematic Renaissance man and piano player who not only wrote and directed, but produced, edited and created the film’s sound design.

– Lyse Ishimwe Nsengiyumva