Ngarannam: The Homecoming
After losing everything following the attack of the Boko Haram insurgency, members of the Ngarannam community in Northeast Nigeria navigate life in a camp for internally displaced people and prepare to return home.
Interview with Director Joel 'Kachi Benson
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
I am inspired to tell African stories, and the bulk of my work has been dedicated to documenting the impact of conflict on those we would term as the most vulnerable. What I’m most drawn to is not the tragedy, but the resilience and strength of the ones most affected.
As a Nigerian filmmaker, I believe it’s my responsibility to portray my people with dignity no matter the trauma they’ve faced. I also have a very diverse team and we had gender parity on set. We had a good number of people above the line who were women.
Ngarannam: The Homecoming is a story of people who have been displaced by the Boko Haram extremist group finally returning home after a decade of living in a refugee camp. This film was commissioned by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with the hope that it will not only shed light on the hardships faced by displaced people who can be largely invisible, but also showcase their remarkable resilience, inner strength, hope, and desire to be self-reliant.
The theme of returning home was utilized throughout the film to emphasize the people's wants and desires. By exposing the diverse perspectives of those affected, we shed light on the struggles of those displaced and create a greater understanding of the human experience. Anytime we tell these kinds of stories, I am inspired as the storyteller because it shows us what’s possible and how strong we can truly be. I believe that by telling these stories, we can open up a dialogue that can help us create positive change and bring about a better future for those affected.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
Ngarannam: The Homecoming offers a unique perspective on the resilience and strength of those affected by conflict. The commitment to portraying African stories with dignity, alongside the diverse representation on set, adds depth to the narrative. The film not only sheds light on the hardships faced by displaced people but also emphasizes their remarkable resilience, inner strength, and desire for self-reliance.
By watching, you'll gain insight into the human experience and potentially contribute to fostering positive change and a better future for those affected.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
On a personal level, the film delves into the individual experiences of the characters: Amina, Falmata, and Hassan, who have been displaced by the Boko Haram extremist group. Their stories of loss, fear, hope, and resilience provide a humanizing lens through which audiences can connect with the broader issues of displacement and conflict.
At the same time, the film addresses universal themes that transcend cultural and geographical boundaries. Themes of resilience, hope, and the desire for a better future resonate with audiences worldwide, regardless of their background.
By depicting the struggles and triumphs of the people of Ngarannam, the film invites viewers to empathize with the human experience of displacement and to reflect on their capacity for resilience in the face of adversity.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
Initially, the script may have started as a collection of ideas, themes, and character outlines. As we progressed, it also went through numerous revisions to refine the storyline, develop the characters more fully, and enhance the emotional depth of the narrative.
During the filming process, the script continued to evolve; scenes may have been improvised, dialogue adjusted, and new ideas incorporated on set to capture the authenticity and emotional resonance of the story.
The editing phase played a crucial role in shaping the final version of the film: scenes were pieced together, pacing adjusted, and visual and auditory elements refined to enhance the overall impact of the story.
It takes a community to make a documentary and the evolution of the script and film of Ngarannam: The Homecoming reflects the collaborative nature of filmmaking and the dedication of the creative team to craft a compelling narrative that humanises the experiences of those affected by displacement.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
At the film premiere, the audience shared how deeply the film resonated with them; some were moved to tears, some were inspired, and for some, it provoked deep reflection.
Part of the feedback sparked discussions and actions aimed at finding sustainable solutions for the "New Ngarannam," highlighting the film's potential to drive positive change within communities.
There have also been discussions about the film's technical elements, including cinematography, editing, sound design, and production quality.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
Absolutely. It's clear that there's a genuine interest in the African story and experience—not just among those on the continent but also within the diaspora and even among non-Africans who find deep resonance with African narratives and perspectives.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
By increasing visibility on www.wearemovingstories.com for Ngarannam: The Homecoming, our goal is to amplify the reach and impact of the film. We aim to engage a broader audience and raise awareness about the issues of displacement, resilience, and community building portrayed in the film.
Through increased visibility, we hope to spark meaningful conversations, drive advocacy efforts, and inspire action among viewers.
Ultimately, our objective is to leverage this platform to foster greater empathy, understanding, and support for displaced populations and their journey towards rebuilding their lives.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
Distributors
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I envision Ngarannam: The Homecoming as a powerful tool for social impact, one that ignites change and compels viewers to take action. My goal is to inspire people, communities, governments, and organizations in their collective fight against insurgency. By showcasing the resilience and strength of those affected, this film aims to spark empathy and promote change. I hope it serves as a catalyst for meaningful dialogue and concrete initiatives to support IDPs and address the root causes of their displacement.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
Why are people displaced in the first place? What are the primary factors driving displacement, and how can we address these root causes to prevent displacement in the future?
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
I was a co-director of Madu, a coming-of-age documentary produced by Disney+, which recently premiered at the 39th Santa Barbara International Film Festival and is set for release on March 29th, 2024.
Additionally, we are in the final stages of post-production for The Harvest, a sequel to the multi-award-winning short VR film, Daughters of Chibok.
Beyond these projects, we are also actively engaged in developing other social impact stories.
Interview: February 2024
We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTQIA+, POC, First Nations, scifi, supernatural, horror, world cinema. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela
Ngarannam: The Homecoming
After losing everything following the attack of the Boko Haram insurgency, members of the Ngarannam community in Northeast Nigeria navigate life in a camp for internally displaced people and prepare to return home.
Length: 29:10
Director: Joel 'Kachi Benson
Producer: Dominique Turner
Writer: Joel 'Kachi Benson
About the writer, director and producer:
As a Nigerian filmmaker, JOEL 'KACHI BENSON believes it's his responsibility to portray his people with dignity no matter the trauma they’ve faced. He also haa a very diverse team and we had gender parity on set. We had a good number of people above the line who were women. Ngarannam: The Homecoming is a story of people who have been displaced by the Boko Haram extremist group finally returning home after a decade of living in a refugee camp.
Driven by curiosity for the human experience, DOMINIQUE TURNER find purpose in storytelling. Unlike any story she had produced, she was excited to learn about the people of Ngarannam. Each narrative is a symphony of strength and resilience. Their story became her mission and her heart. The film questions the profound struggle of rebuilding life after the devastation of displacement. Stories like this hold transformative power—a power she strives to wield in her journey as a filmmaker.
Key cast: Bulama Hassan - Ngarannam Resident, Falmata Ali - Ngarannam Resident, Amina Modu - Ngarannam Resident, Bulama Dadi Kolo - Ngarannam Resident
Looking for: distributors
Instagram: @kachibenson
Hashtags used: #ngarannamthehomecoming
Website: www.kachibenson.com
Other: Vimeo
Made in association with: United Nations Development Programme