‘Ashima’ follows Natacha Maboma, a young Cameroonian-American woman who, at the time of making the film, had been living and travelling abroad in Asia for 3 years. Whilst visiting Hong Kong for the first time, Natacha reflects on the experience of being a young woman – and specifically, a black woman – living away from home and travelling the world on her own. Her thoughts are interspersed with the lyrics from 3 songs that have had a special significance for her during her travels. ‘Ashima’ was filmed across the Hong Kong islands before the COVID-19 pandemic and also before the pro-democracy protests. It is the third film in a series exploring the importance of music in people’s lives.

Director’s Vision

It was a real pleasure to work on this film with Natacha and to be able to capture just a fraction of her story, all while exploring Hong Kong, which is probably my favourite Asian city. I’ve been humbled by the positive reception to the film, and I’d just like to acknowledge and say “thank you” to all the people that have supported the film so far. Thank you!

Sometimes life can be as simple as knowing what you want, and then going after it. There can and always will be challenges in whatever path we take, even the wrong one. The key is in taking that first step on the path that feels the most honest and fulfilling, however challenging. All credit to Natacha for illustrating this through her actions, and through her life itself.

I’d also like to take this moment to join my fellow Africans and people of African descent around the world, in calling for an end to the violence and police brutality in Nigeria. We’re all tired of the bad governance, bad leadership and mismanagement that’s plagued our continent now for too long. It’s time for something new. #EndSARS