Private Project

Once

Once is a visualization of a relationship that should have ended a long time ago. A metaphorical take on what it looks like when two people force themselves to stay together for whatever reason they can find to convince themselves is worth it. Once, they were sun and moon.

  • Joe-Francis Ngome Kiaga
    Director
  • Joe-Francis Ngome Kiaga
    Writer
  • Josephine Kiaga
    Producer
  • Jane Everest Lyimo
    Key Cast
  • Project Type:
    Experimental, Short, Other
  • Genres:
    Poetic, romantic, experimental, metaphorical
  • Runtime:
    4 minutes 11 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    September 29, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    0 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Tanzania, United Republic of
  • Country of Filming:
    Tanzania, United Republic of
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital, CanonEOSR6
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Joe-Francis Ngome Kiaga

Joe-Francis Kiaga is a professionally trained Tanzanian Photographer and Film Director. His directorial debut was a Limited Series for an NGO, Girl Effect, discussing vaccination and its importance in the local context.

Last year, he had a notable exhibition at Nafasi Art Space showcasing his stunning nature photography in 2023 where he sold several pieces to international buyers. He was a featured artist at Dar Foto Fest, one of Dar Es Salaam’s premier festivals celebrating the brilliance of creative photography. His poetic talents were recognized when his piece 'Two Mirrors in the Sky' was officially published in Rainbug Poetry's Debut Issue, Lua 2023.

Joe is passionately diving into his next project: a solo exhibition that will unveil a captivating documentary project shedding light on the struggles faced by those embracing alternative hairstyles in Tanzania, intertwined with the historical context of bigotry associated with hair in the region.

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Director Statement

This film is one that holds a dear place in my heart. It took a lot of awkward hours with no pay to achieve this, but this result is no doubt something for us to be proud of.