Human Rights & Arts Film Festival 2019 – The Third Sorrow
Third Sorrow follows single mother Yejide as she prepares for her daughter's rite of passage into womanhood. The burdens of tradition and duty bring Yejide's maternal instincts into conflict.
Interview with Writer/Director Myriam Raja
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
The Third Sorrow was made during my first year at the National Film & Television School. I really wanted to make something which explores the inheritance of pain (both physical and emotional) from mothers to daughters. Very early on I had the image of a mother cutting her daughter's wings for fear she might fly too far, and the script developed from that idea.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
The film isn't politically biased in any way; I set out to make something which would remain truthful to the main character's experience, with no judgement on my part being passed on her. So the audience is free to watch the drama unfold, and make their own judgements without me pointing them into any direction. It's a difficult topic to talk about. Female genital mutilation is a sensitive and difficult topic and I didn't want to alienate or judge the characters in the film. That being said, I hope it might spark a new way of seeing the experience; questioning what a mother might go through when perpetrating this? The narratives of FGM (female genital mutilation) that I came across during my research were almost always those of the survivors, and so this might provide a different perspective for the audience.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
The film is ultimately a character-driven drama about family. We follow a single mother, Yejide, who looks and feels a little displaced in the grey and busy streets of London. The film touches on this identity dilemma many migrant parents go through; the desire and protective need to tie their children to their heritage and roots, while trying to understand what they might grow to be in this foreign landscape. The film really is about motherhood, its burdens and the way tradition can come into conflict with maternal instincts.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
The script initially had Somali characters, however during casting it became apparent we might have trouble finding young Somali speaking actors. The nationality was then changed to Nigerian, specifically Yoruba speaking. Initially, the narrative revolved more around the little girl's experience but as the script developed it became clear this had to be the mother's story. The protagonist in the mother's story is her daughter, but this is her story.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
The feedback received so far has been overwhelmingly positive and touching. The film had two separate Q&A events at the BFI London Film Festival, during which I got the chance to speak directly to a lot of the audience members. Audiences have been very moved by the film, which is probably one of the greatest compliments any filmmaker could receive. They have been disturbed, touched, and some have even confided in being able to completely relate to the characters. Our main actress Kemi is absolutely incredible as Yejide and the film really is propelled forward by her. There is a lot of portraiture in the film, with shots often lingering on her face, and she is incredible to watch so a lot of people have commented on this.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
It's been a huge relief to hear from Nigerian audiences that the film felt completely truthful - I myself am of Pakistani origin and do not speak a word of Yoruba. I was very nervous about making a film which had nothing to do with "my own culture or experiences" and so hearing comments affirming that the film was sensitively made, with a focus on universal themes, made me feel assured. The script was mostly translated by the actors and it was a very collaborative process.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I hope more people will hear about the film, and that it may travel out further to reach more audiences.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
It would be great to have the film reach audiences through more film festivals.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I hope the film can provide audiences a new perspective on the topic of female genital mutilation.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
This is quite a hard question. I think when people hear the words female genital mutilation, they know exactly what their stance is on the issue. The film asks you to consider the mother's experience. Do you think you would be able to sympathise with her? Despite what she is about to put her daughter through?
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
Myself and the core team went on to shoot our graduation film together, Azaar, which is now being developed into a feature-length script and has recently been shortlisted for the BAFTA Student Award.
Interview: May 2019
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
The Third Sorrow
Third Sorrow follows single mother Yejide as she prepares for her daughter's rite of passage into womanhood. The burdens of tradition and duty bring Yejide's maternal instincts into conflict.
Length: 10:30
Director: Myriam Raja
Producer: Paidamoyo Mutonono
Writer: Myriam Raja
About the writer, director and producer:
MYRIAM RAJA is an award-winning writer and director based in London. Myriam's shorts have screened at numerous film festivals across the world, with her most recent short being nominated for a Student BAFTA Award. She has recently graduated from the National Film & Television School and is developing her debut feature.
Key cast: Kemi Durosimni (Yejide), Juliet Okotie (Odunayo), Annelle Olaleye (Ade)
Looking for: film festival directors
Instagram: @myriam.raja
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month? Human Rights & Arts Film Festival / Melbourne - 16 May & 21 May; S.O.U.L Event / London - 31 May