Omar S. Kamara | USA | 2024
First-generation Sierra Leonean American, Omar S. Kamara, writes and directs his first feature debut in AFRICAN GIANTS. A native Virginian, and a graduate of the College of William and Mary, as well as the AFI (American Film Institute), Kamara presents a personal story of brotherhood. He notes that it touches on his first-generation experiences to showcase and honor the spread of the African people to other lands, specifically in Kamara’s case, the United States.
Kamara recalls, “As an older brother, I was taught by my mother in her thick West African accent, ‘Be careful how you behave. Your little brother is watching you. You’re his hero’.” Adding, “I remember feeling an immense amount of pressure from that point forward.” It is this particular teaching that Kamara unravels in a wonderful portrayal of taking to heart the true meaning of brotherhood in AFRICAN GIANTS. The creative style of storytelling Kamara uses to intermingle recollections of a certain parental proverb, in order to advise during brotherly confrontations is clever and relatable. One doesn’t need to be African to glean from each proverb Kamara shares. Impressive is how Kamara visualizes each truth and the impact thereof. It’s beautiful imagery!
Kamara says of AFRICAN GIANTS, “It’s a love letter to brotherhood. A film that we hope captures what it truly means to grow, change, and navigate the shifting relationship dynamics of siblings.”
Synopsis:
Two first-generation Sierra Leonean American brothers decide to spend a weekend together at the older brother Alhaji’s residence in Los Angeles. Alhaji is pursuing an acting career. Sheku, the younger brother is studying law—a career choice that makes his family proud. The brothers have not seen each other for a few years due to their career endeavors, so both are anticipating a special weekend for just the two of them to hang out.
Sheku shares his intense desire to drop out of law school, move to Los Angeles, and pursue acting. Alhaji is not happy with his younger brother’s idea and tries to reveal the downside of such a choice. Tensions rise between the two and with each confrontation the brothers take a time-out for reflection. It’s during these moments that memories of a fitting proverb their parents would say come to mind. The weekend events test the brothers’ love and devotion as each expose their deepest need. In order to hold onto their family’s heritage, each will pay a price; but the outcome is a surprise—a change in their relationship for the better.
“If I see further, it’s standing on the shoulders of Giants”…We are African, We are Giants…