AFROLISTIC: BLACK HEALING FROM ZIMBABWE TO THE BAY, 22min., USA
Directed by Nekia Wright, Shylet Ndarambwa
Black American healer shares about her practice and explores traditional healing, music, and dance in Zimbabwe.

Get to know filmmaker Nekia Wright:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

I traveled to Zimbabwe in 2021 to study traditional healing and prepare for the Liberated Learning Teacher Fellowship. The trip had a profound impact on me and I wanted to share this experience with other Black folx. Especially those who haven't had an opportunity to travel. I recorded entirely on my phone during that trip and began sharing clips during my community performances and sound baths. One audience member was so touched by this one clip from the Binga region that she began weeping. This was the final affirmation for me.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?

I drafted the idea for a grant on April 16th 2023 and completed the production by October 1st.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?

Black Holistic

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

This was my first film and I hadn't taken any film or production classes. I was back in the US when I realized I needed to get releases signed by all the participants. It was a little complicated organizing this from here and took a few months but we all worked together to make it happen.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

I wanted to make a film that engaged people's heart, mind, and spirit as we explore African cultural healing and wellness practices. I felt like I achieved success. Watching audience members share how much they learned and one even expressed a desire to see more. This really affirms my vision of this becoming a series.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?

I began recording interviews with folx using my phone in 2021 during my first trip. This was my first time in Zimbabwe as well as Africa. I'm the first person in my family to travel internationally outside of the military and the first in this generation to travel to Africa. Many of my clients and workshop participants had never been either. I really wanted to be able to share with family and friends. I began to realize that my experience in international education, project management, and communication studies had honed the skills and discipline needed to make a film on a small budget in a short period of time in Zimbabwe. I applied for The Ubuntu grant through the African American Arts & Culture Complex to make the film on April 16, 2023 which was funded by the SF Office of Workforce Development. This was the day I decided to become a filmmaker.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?

My film, Afrolistic.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?

I really enjoyed the process and love the audience feedback videos. I'm a brand new film maker and would love some technical and legal training

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?

It's been good so far. Can you please update my project to reflect the Best Direction award?

10. What is your favorite meal?

Soul food: Smoked turkey and brisket, macaroni and cheese, collard greens, black eyed peas, cornbread and peach cobbler with ice cream on top

11. What is next for you? A new film?

I would like to turn this project into a series. There are several other magical regions in Zimbabwe including Great Zimbabwe in Masvingo. It would be great to explore a different country each season. I'd like to start with other countries where I have ancestral lineage.