Experiencing Interruptions?

Tabaka Gem

Tabaka Gem documentary shows the art and culture that revolves around soapstone carving. Soapstone carving has been the culture of the people of Tabaka for over a hundred years but it is rapidly becoming a dying culture. The documentary follows the stories of soapstone miners and carvers as they go about to create soastone art and sculptures, while also delving into the process involved in making market ready soapstone products.

  • Weldaline Biyaki Nyabuto
    Director
  • Weldaline Biyaki Nyabuto
    Writer
  • Weldaline Biyaki Nyabuto
    Producer
  • Joseph Orina Oinde
    Key Cast
  • Roseline Nyanchera Omonyi
    Key Cast
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Runtime:
    30 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    October 22, 2021
  • Production Budget:
    1,500 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Kenya
  • Country of Filming:
    Kenya
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16.9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Weldaline Biyaki Nyabuto

I am an independent filmmaker with three years of active participation. I have produced three films, and directed two of those. Tabaka Gem was my second film to direct.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

I decided to do a film on soapstone mining and carving because it is the culture of my vlllage. I have grown up seeing people curve soapstones, and also witnessed as the art continues to die slowly. I wanted to make this film to capture the art and culture that revolves around soapstone carving, so that I could share it with people beyond my village and community.