Malih returns to her community as the first Maasai filmmaker—both an insider and an outsider, a woman amongst men—so that she may carry on the sacred tradition of storytelling.
Supported by
Community Partner
Dukuya Lekominga, Nderi Lolinge, Patrick Ole Saikong, Reuben Legei, Clinto Lekominga, Rupes Caro
Kenya
2024
In Maasai, Samburu and English with English subtitles
This short is featured in:
VIFF Short Forum 4
Indigenous & Community Access
Credits & Director
Executive Producer
Tracy Rector
Producer
Kavita Pillay, Tracy Rector, Adam Mazo, Taylor Hensel
Screenwriter
Laissa Malih, Kavita Pillay
Cinematography
Franklyne Mudulia Manono
Editor
Sauli Pillay
Original Music
Soundstripe, Moments
Laissa Malih
Laissa Malih is the first female Maasai filmmaker. Her work focuses on documenting, linking, amplifying, and scaling up youth and women’s voices across diverse Indigenous cultures in Kenya and the world. Her 2020 documentary, River of Brown Waters (2020), looks at the significance of the Ewaso Ng’iro, a river that serves as a lifeline for pastoralist communities surrounding Mount Kenya. In addition to film work, Malih has participated in international conferences and fellowships focused on climate adaptation and cultural legacy.
VIFF Short Forum
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VIFF Short Forum 1
The Short Forum kicks off with an all-Canadian program.
VIFF Short Forum 2
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VIFF Short Forum 3
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VIFF Short Forum 4
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VIFF Short Forum 5
Shorts from Belgium, Canada, France, South Korea, Taiwan, and USA.
VIFF Short Forum 6
Shorts from Australia, Canada, Finland, France, Lebanon, Palestine, Slovenia, and Ukraine.
VIFF Short Forum 7
Shorts from Armenia, Canada, Tibet, Colombia, Japan, and Turkey.
VIFF Short Forum 8
Shorts from Canada, Hong Kong, Estonia, India, Japan, Mexico, and Spain.
VIFF Short Forum 9
Shorts from Australia, Canada, France, and South Korea.
Short Fuse
A unique collection of Canadian and International shorts: charming, funny, even a bit scary. These filmmakers bring unique stories to screen, showcasing animated imaginary and natural worlds, Indigenous futurist tales, and experiences from the everyday.