“It’s the topic of rain, and what rain means”: Damien Hauser on After the Long Rains at London Film Festival 2024

Set in the coastal town of Watamu, Kenya, After the Long Rains follows Aisha (Electricer Kache Hamisi), a ten-year-old girl who dreams of becoming an actress. Directed by Damien Hauser, the film offers a tender portrayal of Aisha lives in a vibrant world, surrounded by a loving family and a tight-knit community, where her aspirations for a life beyond her parents’ expectations go unacknowledged. Dreaming of moving to Europe to pursue an acting career, she convinces Hassan, a local fisherman, to teach her how to navigate the waters, believing it will one day help her escape. However, in true coming-of-age fashion, a school assignment begins Aisha’s journey of self-discovery, leading her to a deeper understanding of herself and her place in the world.

In an interview with The Upcoming, Hauser discusses the inspirations for his third feature film, challenges posed by the rain during the filming process, and how he found his leading cast.

Christina Yang

After the Long Rains does not have a release date yet.

Read more reviews from our London Film Festival coverage here.

For further information about the event visit the London Film Festival website here.

Watch the trailer for After the Long Rains here: