Haba Na Haba - Get Cameras Into Their Hands - Vignette 3.0

Description

Thank you for joining us on this captivating vignette video. Get ready to immerse yourself in the perspectives of both the subjects and our team as we embark on a unique journey in Kenya. When you think of Kenya, do images from National Geographic come to mind, or perhaps kids making their own films?

In this video, we embrace the philosophy of "Just Do It." As the youngest child among six siblings, I, Patricia Mentor, was never allowed to freely explore my brothers' instruments. Similarly, traditional film schools often require students to undergo several semesters of camera theory before ever getting their hands on the equipment. This approach can be nerve-wracking and intimidating. However, we adopted a different mindset—a "go shoot, see what you get, and let's talk about it" approach. We trusted in the capabilities of the children and offered them step-by-step introductions to the craft. The result was a streamlined process that led to captivating interviews and fascinating outcomes. Children possess an inherent fearlessness and grasp advanced concepts with ease when we make the experience enjoyable. Improv comedy becomes the common language that unites us all. It's a celebration of embracing the unexpected, "For the love of, Mike, can you just give me a piece of my mind!".

Prepare to witness Kenya through their eyes—an exploration that challenges preconceptions fosters creativity, and showcases the remarkable talents of the young individuals we encounter. This is a journey that transcends boundaries, breaking free from conventional constraints to uncover the authentic essence of Kenya.

Haba Na Haba - Get to Work - Vignette 2.0

Description

"Haba Na Haba, Hujaza Kibaba" is a short series of film vignettes that captures the transformative adventure of a diverse team as they embark on a documentary project in Kenya. Guided by the Kiswahili proverb, which means, “Little by little, will fill a big container.'' The film explores their experiences in a land unfamiliar to most Westerners, challenging their preconceptions and igniting their passion for cultural exchange and education.

 Let the Adventure Begin with this second installment:

Join the newly formed team on an exhilarating journey as they adapt and unite, setting out to their new home in Meru, Kenya. In "Embracing the Unknown," witness the extraordinary tale of unexpected friendships, chance encounters, and the indomitable spirit of "Haba na haba hujaza kibaba" that guides their every step. Reflecting on their experiences, some recall the initial unease arising from the Kenyan culture's unique approach to gift giving and endearing attention. The children and teachers' overwhelming gratitude for the American team becomes a source of astonishment, but it is when John introduces the idea of becoming movie stars that surprises truly abound. This is no religious mission; instead, filmmaking itself takes on a profound sense of devotion. The team finds themselves caught in a delicate balance between technical production and embracing Kenyan gratitude, realizing that nurturing friendships and connecting with others is an organic part of their work as both educators and documentarists. After all, we are all human, driven by the innate desire to forge meaningful connections.

With boots firmly on the ground and no time to spare, the team embarks on their documentary endeavor. Amidst a whirlwind of meetings and learning on the fly, they grapple with the challenges of setting up and managing a production in a land where technology hurdles loom large. In the year 2011, when access to basic electricity was not a given, there were no easy shortcuts to powering up or sharing their adventures with the world at the click of a button. Forget about simply ordering batteries, solar power stations, or converters online; the team must navigate the Kenyan landscape in search of solutions. Enter Nakumatt, Kenya's equivalent of a Walmart, where they embark on a quest for batteries—a desperate need that seems to perpetually elude them. As their cameras mysteriously die and overheat without warning, their predicament grows increasingly precarious. Yet, in this time of uncertainty, they discover an unexpected wellspring of resourcefulness among the local students and teachers. Together, they harness their ingenuity and MacGyver-like skills to overcome the obstacles that stand in their way.

"Embracing the Unknown: A Filmmaking Adventure in Meru" is a riveting tale that captures the spirit of exploration, the resilience of the human spirit, and the power of embracing challenges head-on. Prepare to be captivated by this remarkable journey, where bonds are formed, cultures collide, and the magic of filmmaking converges with the vibrant heart of Kenya.

Haba Na Haba Introduction - Vignette 1.0

https://vimeo.com/803725984

Description

Introduction:

"Haba Na Haba, Hujaza Kibaba" is a short series of film vignettes that captures the transformative adventure of a diverse team as they embark on a documentary project in Kenya. Guided by the Kiswahili proverb, which means, “Little by little, will fill a big container.'' The film explores their experiences in a land unfamiliar to most Westerners, challenging their preconceptions and igniting their passion for cultural exchange and education.

Arriving in Kenya:

After months of preparation and long-distance communication, the team finally lands in Kenya, unsure of what awaits them in this foreign land. They are greeted by the enchanting moment of disembarking into complete darkness, which soon gives way to a breathtaking landscape. The film captures the sensory experiences of sights, smells, and sounds, setting the stage for their journey.

A Whole New World:

As the team immerses themselves in the local communities, they discover a world beyond the realms of tourism. Their purpose is not to provide immediate aid but to empower the students by sharing techniques for filmmaking and encouraging creativity to express from their own perspectives. 

Let the Adventure Begin:

The series showcases the team's energy and camaraderie as they adapt and work together to travel to their new home in Meru, Kenya. Remembering how their journey began with unexpected friendships and chance encounters, they embrace the spirit of "Haba na haba hujaza kibaba" every day.

Unveiling Kenya's Reality:

Meru, Kenya, a place relatively unknown to Westerners, becomes the backdrop of their journey. The team's initial uncertainty is replaced by a profound understanding of the country and its people. The series captures the stark contrasts of daily life, where individuals carry fruits to sell while wireless connections permeate the airwaves. 

Teaching and Learning:

The team, comprising media professionals, a nurse, teachers, and a facilities engineer, joins forces to teach and share with Kenyan students and faculty the power of media and information technology. Focusing on schools in the Meru area, their aim is to expand their impact and foster cultural exchange. The series highlights the students' growing interest in multimedia and graphic design, demonstrating the warmth and curiosity of the Kenyan people at every encounter. The team soon realizes that they, too, have much to learn from the locals.

Transformation and Gratitude:

Through their interactions with the people of Meru, the team discovers new insights about life, hard work, and the importance of sharing. They encounter unparalleled hospitality and witness the true essence of cultural exchange. The film captures the ignition of creativity in the students' minds, enabling them to craft their own inspiration. The impact of visual communication as a transformative tool becomes evident, shaping the world in which we live.

Conclusion:

As the team's time in Kenya draws to a close, they reflect on their experiences and the meaningful connections they have forged. Inspired by the Kiswahili proverb, "Haba na haba hujaza kebab," they understand the power of collective effort and hope that the students of Meru will continue to harness the tools they have provided to foster technological growth. Through this short film series, the audience is invited to witness the captivating journey of the team of 8 and embrace the belief that, little by little, the world can become a better place.

For more information check out https://habanahaba.video/