Swiss-Kenyan filmmaker Damien Hauser has unveiled his latest feature, Memory of Princess Mumbi, which made its world premiere at the prestigious Venice Film Festival as part of the Giornate Degli Autori program. This innovative sci-fi romance, set in a futuristic Africa, is poised to screen next at the Toronto International Film Festival starting on September 8, 2023.
The film tells the story of aspiring director Kuve, played by Abraham Joseph, who in the year 2094 embarks on a documentary project about the Great War of the 2070s. This conflict obliterated modern technology and reestablished ancient kingdoms. Contrary to his expectations of despair in the war-torn region of Umata, he finds a village thriving in peace. There, he meets Mumbi, portrayed by Shandra Apondi, who reveals the beauty of everyday moments amidst adversity. The narrative also includes a love triangle involving a prince, played by Samson Waithaka, who is bound by a promise to marry Mumbi.
Exploring AI’s Role in Filmmaking
In addition to its rich themes, Memory of Princess Mumbi serves as a platform for Hauser to explore the implications of artificial intelligence in the film industry. He discussed his journey into AI with The Hollywood Reporter, revealing that his initial experimentation involved generating AI images simply for fun. As he began to connect these visuals to the film’s overarching themes, he recognized AI’s potential to enhance storytelling.
Hauser emphasized that while AI can be a valuable tool in filmmaking, it should not replace human creativity. “I hope it doesn’t replace the whole thing,” he stated. “Even if AI creates the ‘perfect movie,’ once we see it, we yearn for something else.” His perspective reflects a belief that audiences will always seek new and original narratives, something AI cannot fully replicate.
The Editing Journey and Creative Freedom
The editing process for Memory of Princess Mumbi was extensive, taking place over a year, with Hauser beginning in February 2022 and concluding post-production just weeks ago. The filmmaker noted that the unique documentary shooting style resulted in over 44 hours of footage, offering a wealth of material for creative exploration. “I really wrote the film in editing,” he explained, as he reshaped the story to maintain viewer engagement.
When asked about influences such as Afrofuturism or blockbuster films like Black Panther, Hauser clarified that his focus was primarily on creating an authentic African sci-fi narrative rather than adhering to established trends. He described the film as an experiment, allowing for a freedom that larger budget productions often lack. “If I could use AI as a tool, I would have complete freedom to make a film that is very niche,” he added, expressing optimism about the future of African cinema.
Hauser believes that as access to AI technology increases, filmmakers across Africa will have greater opportunities to tell their own stories. “Once people are able to tell their own stories, there will be many new perspectives,” he said. His vision for the future of cinema is bright, suggesting that the next decade will see an influx of diverse narratives emerging from the continent.
As Memory of Princess Mumbi continues its festival journey, it highlights the evolving landscape of filmmaking, where technology such as AI can coexist with traditional storytelling, enriching the cinematic experience for audiences worldwide.