Kenyan Sci-Fi Film Memory of Princess Mumbi Makes Historic Venice Premiere

Damien Hauser’s new film, Memory of Princess Mumbi, will premiere at the Venice Film Festival. This is a historic moment for Kenyan cinema. The movie is the first Kenyan feature ever selected for the festival’s Venice Days section.

The project is an improvised sci-fi romance mockumentary. It explores deep themes of memory and human connection. It also uniquely integrates artificial intelligence into its narrative.

A Unique Story Set in a Future Kenya

The film’s story is set in Kenya in the year 2094. It follows an aspiring director named Kuve, played by Abraham Joseph. He is making a documentary about a great war that erased modern technology.

Kuve travels to the village of Umata expecting to find despair. Instead, he discovers a community at peace. There, he meets a woman named Mumbi, portrayed by Shandra Apondi.

Mumbi shows him the profound beauty in small, everyday moments. Their connection forms the heart of this unconventional love story. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the film uses a unique blend of narrative and behind-the-scenes footage.

Exploring AI’s Role in Art and Storytelling

A central theme of the film is the role of artificial intelligence. Characters debate using AI to alter emotional expressions in footage. This directly questions whether technology serves or hinders authentic human stories.

Co-producer Kaleem Aftab calls the film a love letter to cinema itself. He states it reframes current AI debates in filmmaking. The movie argues that human emotion, not technology, is what truly drives storytelling.

The production itself was a Kenyan and Swiss collaboration. It was shot entirely in Kenya with a local crew. Support came from Swiss Films and the Red Sea Film Fund.

Memory of Princess Mumbi marks a significant milestone for African cinema on the global stage. Its Venice premiere brings a powerful Kenyan story to a world audience.

Info at your fingertips

What is Memory of Princess Mumbi about?

It is a sci-fi mockumentary set in 2094 Kenya. A filmmaker documents a post-war society and meets a woman who changes his perspective on life and art. The story explores memory and the use of AI.

Why is this film’s premiere significant?

It is the first Kenyan feature film ever selected for the Venice Days section of the Venice Film Festival. This represents a major breakthrough for the Kenyan film industry.

How does the film incorporate AI?

AI is a narrative theme within the movie’s plot. Characters discuss using AI to edit documentary footage, sparking a debate on authenticity versus artificial enhancement in storytelling.

Who is the director of the film?

Swiss-Kenyan filmmaker Damien Hauser directed Memory of Princess Mumbi. He is also known for his previous works After the Long Rains and Blind Love.

Where was the movie filmed?

The film was shot entirely on location in Kenya. It was produced with a Kenyan crew, highlighting local talent and landscapes.