While listening to the album, "Sovenier" resonated with me profoundly, sparking an idea that seemed to come at me with a force. This concept became the foundation for the film, and I was convinced that no other scene could match the grandeur and intimacy of this climax. Recognizing its significance, I decided to take a two-day break to delve into the intricacies of what precedes and follows this pivotal moment.
After spending the following two days contemplating the brilliance of that particular scene, I swiftly returned to work, conscious of the looming deadline before the holidays. Gathering every possible detail about Mereba's life, her journey, and the meanings behind each song and lyric, I meticulously constructed a world that seamlessly complemented that pivotal scene.
At that time, creating this film posed one of the most challenging tasks in my career. I vividly remember the call I made to my mother, expressing my desire to step away from directing. Although she had reservations about my involvement in the arts, citing it as a reason for my previous dropout from school, she encouraged me during this stressful period. She reminded me that I had sacrificed a great deal for this endeavor and advised against quitting. Love you, Mom.
- Production Company: Couscous
- Director: Dawit N.M.
- Exectuive Producers: Salim El Arja & Jordan I Cardoso
- Producers: Ben Narich
- Commissioner: Marissa Ramirez
- Video Coordinator: Shannon Leskowitz
- 1st AD: Javier Montoya
- 2nd AD: John Evangelista
- DoP: Isaac Bauman
- 1st AC: Jefri Meintjes
- 2nd AC: Dusty Sanders
- Gaffer: Kazmo Kida
- Best Boy Electrician: Zachary Perez
- Key Grib: Steve Forbes
- Best Boy Grip: Jason Waguespack
- Grips: Michael Moore, Mike Madrid & Danny Vlahos
- Production Designer: Terry Watson
- Set Decorator: Patty Gonzalez
- Lead Man: Brandon Allen
- Wardrobe Stylist: Penelope Strintz
- Costumer: Mathilde Badji
- Key Makeup: Mel @Makeupactivist
- Key Hair: Kay Cunningham
- Casting: Amen Adane
- Caterer: Naima Genitempo
- PA: Pavle Kujundzic & Marita Gomsrud
- Colorist: Ricky Gausis
- VFX BY: Mathematic
- EP: Alexandre Pagot
- Post Producer: Melanie Parisi & Theo Lemonnier
- Concept: Martin Trepeau
- 3D Assets: Arthur Girard
- Lighting & Look Dev: Arnaud Joli
- Compositing: Alexandre Marlier
- Sound Mixer: Jeremy Emery
Special thanks to:
- Durimel Twins
- Zalma Bour
- Jade Frank
- Sam Hoffman
- Mallory Leisten
- Solomon S. Yenesu
© ABABA STUDIOS INC. 2024