Filmmaker Jennifer Gatero debuted her latest project dubbed “Back to Us” at Nairobi Cinema on April 11. The premier was attended by thespians, filmmakers and media stakeholders, all of whom got to witness Gatero’s magic, as clearly depicted in “Back to Us.”
The film follows former lovers Amana and Kwame, who must confront their past and face hard truths about their relationship. Brought together on a coastal getaway by their friends, old wounds resurface and unresolved feelings threaten to pull them further apart, or bring them back together.
Capital Lifestyle summoned the director for a candid conversation on the new project and more.
Capital Lifestyle: How was the premiere of Back to Us?
Jennifer: The premiere felt so unreal. All the hard work we have put in finally came to light. Seeing people laugh at the right moments, go quiet where it mattered, and really sit with the story… that meant everything to me.
I enjoyed it so much and talking to everyone afterwards. Hearing their thoughts. The fact that people didn’t just watch a movie but they FELT SOMETHING. That’s everything to me.
What do you hope people took away from the screening?
Read Also: Embattled FKF President Hussein Mohammed Dismisses His Suspension, Claims No CHAN Millions Stolen
I hope people walked away thinking about love in a more honest way. Not the perfect version, but the complicated one. The kind where timing is off, emotions are messy, but there is still something real there. I want people to reflect on the idea that sometimes love is not enough on its own, but it is still powerful. And maybe to question whether letting go is always the right choice.
What were some of the highlights you enjoyed during the production of the film?
Shooting in Watamu was fun, fun, fun! Sometimes it didn’t feel like work at all. The behind the scenes when everyone is just present and we are all commited to creating art.. Watching the actors fully become their characters was a big one for me. There were moments in Watamu where it felt like the story was just unfolding naturally and we were lucky enough to capture it. Those are the things I hold onto.
How did you shortlist the cast of the film?
For me it was never just about talent. It was about emotional truth. I needed people who could feel the story, not just perform it. When I was watching auditions, I was asking myself who feels real, who feels like they have lived something close to this. Once I saw that, the decision became very clear. Kate and Quincy did a FANTASTIC job at living out their characters Amana and Kwame. There was no pretense. It was real, it was raw. I couldn’t have chosen a better cast if I tried!
What targets do you want “Back to Us” to hit as it goes on Avant Cinema?
Of course I want it to perform well, to bring in revenue and grow the platform, but more than that I want engagement. I want people talking about it, sharing it, coming back to watch it again. If it can build trust in Avant Cinema as a place for meaningful Kenyan stories, then that is a big win for me.
Read Also: Kip Keino Classic lives up to billing, young talents get platform to realise dreams
The website is www avantcinema.com. That’s where everyone can watch the movie. I am hoping they can come back to this site for more meaningful content.
The biggest thing, is to become fully independent. In that way filmmakers can go straight to their audiences so they don’t need a middle man.
What a big win that would be! For Avant Cinema to be fully funded by its audience. That would be just the beginning of some great things. We just need the numbers.
Why did you settle on Watamu as the primary shoot location for “Back to Us”?
Watamu has a softness to it that matched the story. It is beautiful, but not in an overwhelming way. It allows space for emotion. The ocean, the light, the calmness, it all mirrors the kind of love story we were telling. It felt intentional, like the environment itself was part of the narrative. I also wanted the contrast to exist in my storytelling. Such a beautiful, sunny and colorful place all the while dealing with such heavy emotions.
What were the major challenges you lived through whilst producing this film?
Independent filmmaking is not easy. Resources are always limited, so you are constantly finding ways to stretch what you have. There were moments of doubt, moments where things did not go as planned, but you keep going because the story matters to you. I also had to carry a lot mentally, balancing creativity with responsibility, and that can be heavy. But it teaches you resilience.
Read Also: AFC Leopards, Gor Mahia clash in high-stakes Mashemeji Derby
Future career prospects for you and the company?
I am building something bigger than just one film. Avant is about creating a space where our stories can live and be seen on our terms. I want to keep telling stories that are emotionally honest and visually beautiful, and also grow the platform into something sustainable. The goal is consistency, impact, and eventually scale. This is just the start.its only the beginning The sky isn’t the limit for us. There is no limit.
Back to Us is now streaming on the TVOD platform Avant Cinema, owned by Gatero’s production company Avant Films. Two of her previous projects, This Is Life and A Better Life, are also available on the platform.
The post Jennifer Gatero’s “Back To Us” Premiers at Nairobi Cinema appeared first on Capital Lifestyle.
Read more at original source.
