Prisoner Of The Soul

Mikayla Nzaani finds herself stuck in a very tight area—a chilling representation of both physical claustrophobia and the mental barriers we build for ourselves. As her breathing becomes quick and her movements limited, Mikayla’s poetic storytelling creates a haunting image of what it feels like to be really trapped. The film explores the heavy burden of loneliness, fear, and the continuous struggle with one’s personal challenges, providing a powerful reflection on the delicacy of the human mind. Through striking visuals and intense emotions, Trapped encourages viewers to face their own areas of restriction and the bravery needed to escape.

  • John Mark Chege
    Writer
  • Austin Nginga
    Writer
  • John Mark Chege
    Director
  • Austin Nginga
    Director
  • John Amulele Wakhu
    D.O.P
  • Austin Nginga
    Producer
  • Elizabeth Nyambura Gikuni
    Producer
  • Jonathan Muchira Muchiri
    Producer
  • Betty Njambi Kimani
    Key Cast
  • Betty Njambi Kimani
    Voiceover
  • Peter Opiyo
    Camera Operators
  • Arthur Mbugua
    Camera Operators
  • Andrew Ater
    Camera Operators
  • John Mark Chege
    Editor
  • Trevor Bruno Emodo
    Sound
  • Mike Ernest Wakhu
    Sound
  • Catherine Namnyak Koikai
    Continuity
  • Nicholas Olumbe Ahago
    Key Grip
  • Ryan Gwimba Omugah
    Lighting
  • Project Title (Original Language):
    Mfungwa wa Nafsi
  • Project Type:
    Short, Student
  • Runtime:
    2 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    September 27, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    60 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Kenya
  • Country of Filming:
    Kenya
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital, 50mm, Sony Alpha 7
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Africa Digital Media Institute
Director Biography - John Mark Chege, Austin Nginga

Lead Director and Writer - John Mark Chege

My name is John-Mark Chege. I am an aspiring animator and filmmaker located in Nairobi, Kenya. I love bringing interesting stories to life through animation and film. Focusing on 2D animation and film production, I have developed my abilities in character design, editing, and directing. My creative inspirations come from various genres, including the thrilling excitement of action films, the unique style of arthouse cinema, and the endless creativity of adventure tales. With a solid background in programs like Storyboard Pro, Toon Boom Harmony, and Adobe Premiere Pro, my work shows my commitment to expanding the limits of storytelling and delving into the emotional richness of visual art.

Fueled by a desire to create stories that connect with viewers, my journey in filmmaking has been enhanced by experiences in editing, directing, and working with professionals in the industry. I envision myself in the near future being a significant figure in the film industry in Africa and beyond.

Co-Director and Writer - Austin Nginga
Hey, I’m Austin Nginga—Jinja, if you know me well. I’m a film maker based in Nairobi, Kenya who enjoys sharing tales that explore the human experience. I have a passion for genuine, heartfelt stories that inspire people to think, laugh, or even feel a bit uneasy. Whether I’m directing, writing, acting, or producing, my aim is always to create something that connects and leaves a lasting impression. I thrive on being versatile and love switching between roles in a project—from casting to editing, I’m involved in every part of it.

One of the proudest moments of my career up to now was winning the 48-Hour Film Project(Kenya) with Chronoshift which managed to scoop Best use of Prop and Best Acting. It was wild—writing, shooting, editing, and scoring a complete film in just two days, but the experience pushed me to my limits and showed me how far you can go with dedication and a strong team.

I’m motivated by stories that address important questions, whether it’s about identity, relationships, or just dealing with the chaos of life. I don’t avoid hard topics, and I’m always aiming to encourage discussion through my work. I believe film has the ability to change viewpoints, and that’s why I’m fully committed to this journey, prepared to make an impact and tell the stories that are important.

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Director Statement

Lead Director and Writer - John Mark Chege

Mfungwa wa Nafsi (Prisoner of the Soul) explores the personal struggles of anxiety and the heavy weight of fear. It draws the audience into the emotional and mental turmoil of being confined, not only in physical locations but also in the mental traps of guilt, trauma, and societal pressure.

The idea came from seeing how frequently we overlook inner battles, particularly in environments where showing weakness is not accepted. I wanted to create a genuine, powerful experience that captures the inner conflict—a story that feels both isolating and understandable. Through our main character, I aimed to showcase the quiet battles many people encounter.

What makes this film unique is the collaboration involved. With a limited budget, a small but devoted team turned scarce resources into a remarkable visual tale, emphasizing acting, sound, and impactful imagery. These limitations actually enhanced the story, leading to a simple yet striking aesthetic.

At its core, Mfungwa wa Nafsi reflects my dedication to authentic storytelling. Mikayla’s journey resonates with anyone who has faced anxiety or comprehends its challenges. This film seeks to inspire discussions about mental health, especially in communities where these subjects are often shunned.

Co Director and Writer - Austin Nginga
Mfungwa Wa Nafsi is not just a tale—it’s an emotion. The short examines the burden of being confined, both in body and mind, through Mikayla Nzaani’s very personal storytelling. As she fights to breathe in a small and stifling place, her expressions draw us into the narrowness of her thoughts, showing the heavy weight of fear, isolation, and self-created limits.

Visually, the movie is close and simple, with tight shots and soft colors enhancing Mikayla’s seclusion. Every scene feels intentional, every breath filled with significance, pulling the viewers nearer to her feelings. It’s not solely about being trapped—it’s about how being trapped *feels*.

This was a joint creation developed at ADMI, where I collaborated closely with John Mark Chege, my co-director and editor. Together, we invested our emotions into crafting something genuine, heartfelt, and widely relatable. To me, this movie isn’t just about sharing a story; it’s about helping people feel recognized. As a writer and filmmaker exploring my own identity and breaking free from societal expectations, *Trapped* feels very personal—a mirror of my own path and a message for anyone who feels stuck: you’re not alone, and there’s always a way out.

With Mfungwa wa Nafsi, we aimed to produce more than just a movie—we aimed to ignite connection and discussion. Because sometimes, confronting what confines us is the initial step toward liberation.