Gaze into the future: Nawa Sira van Sluijs

For the past two years, Nawa Sira has been immersed in Mirage, a documentary centered around her father. Initially conceived as a narrative about addiction, particularly that of her father, it gradually transformed into a tale of liberation. At the age of five, Nawa Sira's father, the youngest of seven siblings, was sent to Tunis to reside with an older brother. The absence of his parents and the lack of adult guidance fueled the construction of a comforting fantasy world.

Ultimately, his yearning for the tangible manifestation of these fantasy worlds led him on a journey across Europe. This quest culminated in Amsterdam, where the vibrant nightlife held allure. “He believed he had discovered ultimate freedom in Amsterdam, immersing himself in clubs like the RoXY and Mazzo, and embracing the modeling scene. He played music, drums, and sang in a band. In his mind, he inhabited a colorful and creative world, but often reality failed to align with his ideals. The essence of the story lies in his duality. He became ensnared by addiction, which was the antithesis of the freedom he sought. Through the poetry he writes, I aim to offer insight into his emotional realm.”

With a background in dance and theater, Nawa Sira, also a presenter at Omroep Zwart, has now ventured into filmmaking. While she has collaborated on teaser videos and visual concepts for performances, Mirage marks her debut as a filmmaker. “Self-assurance and uncertainty alternate; it involves a great deal of trial and error. Looking back on the past two and a half years, there are things I would have approached differently with the knowledge I have now. I wish I had better prepared shooting days in terms of visuals, narrative, and directorial vision. Practically speaking, having an additional person for cinematography or sound would have been beneficial.”

She emphasizes that filmmaking transcends mere on-set activity. “Someone once likened shooting days to a bowling extravaganza for filmmakers, and that analogy holds true. Ninety percent of the time is spent planning, contemplating, and organizing. There can be sleepless nights at times. You feel extremely vulnerable because everything you create emanates from your identity. There's always the risk of receiving lukewarm responses like 'yeah, it's okay.'”

To avoid being entirely unprepared, Nawa Sira participated in the Generation Inclusion programme by Rose Stories, which encompasses Go Short, IFFR, and IDFA. She was paired with coach Monique Busman. While drawing inspiration from documentaries like Shadowgame by Els van Driel and Eefje Blankevoort, she also finds inspiration in films and music videos by Romain Gavras, who not only directed videos for M.I.A. and Jamie xx but also the feature film Athena.

“I'm particularly intrigued by the upcoming work of Morris Matturbongs. Although he has primarily focused on commercials thus far, he's a compelling storyteller currently working on several fictional films and series, including one about a Moluccan Gospel choir leader attending a subdued Catholic church service. Collaborating with Naomi Wills would be fantastic. She possesses a formidable presence, a strong vision, and a wealth of compelling stories. She's actively seeking to diversify voices in the production realm and is presently working on a documentary chronicling the contributions of Surinamese soldiers during World War II, narrated through the perspective of a Surinamese paratrooper in the Princess Irene Brigade. It'll be a hybrid film blending documentary, fiction, and animation.”

Approaching the Dutch film industry with a fresh perspective, Nawa Sira already offers insights into the status quo. “While Dutch filmmakers generally excel in the documentary realm with their open-minded perspectives, I often find the fiction landscape somewhat uninspiring. Jim Taihuttu stands out as a positive exception, crafting films that deeply resonate with my generation. Overall, the industry seems dominated by individuals with extensive tenure. While their experience and expertise are valuable, resistance to change is noticeable. There's a tendency to cling to traditional filmmaking paradigms and narratives. It's essential to acknowledge the demand for diverse storytelling. I believe grant selection processes need adjustment, with film funds actively seeking younger and more diverse talent. Fortunately, there's been a gradual shift within various funds in recent years, with budgets now accessible to self-taught filmmakers.”

Such budgets are crucial for emerging filmmakers. Without prior experience or formal training, they lack a portfolio to showcase, making both funders and producers hesitant. The solution often lies in independent work. While Mirage garners interest from producers as it nears completion, Nawa Sira continues to work independently. “Mirage is partially funded through personal resources, alongside support from the Amsterdams Fons voor de Kunst and crowdfunding. When embarking on your first film, support from various sources is pivotal. Crowdfunding, in particular, can be instrumental. I've also received individual contributions from companies and producers. However, funds are running low, so the hustle continues.”

Despite the financial challenges, assembling a production team proved surprisingly straightforward. “I quickly identified individuals I wanted to collaborate with. Even without secured funding, everyone I approached was eager to participate, placing trust in me and the project. That assured me I had found the right team.”

Mirage's soundtrack features compositions by DJ, producer, and Nawa Sira's sister, Kyra Khaldi, along with the Amsterdam Andalusian Orchestra. This choice aligns with her ambition to rejuvenate the documentary genre. “The genre should appeal to a broader audience. Ideally, your documentary shouldn't only resonate with like-minded individuals; it should also engage those with differing perspectives, fostering greater understanding. I aim to explore formats that facilitate this. Perhaps by incorporating interactivity into films, and reimagining marketing and aesthetics. Ultimately, I strive to create visually stunning, emotionally resonant films, underscored by captivating music.”

For Nawa Sira, Mirage is just the beginning. She envisions a cascade of transformative projects to follow. “I anticipate completing Mirage around September, but in the meantime, I'm already conceptualizing new ventures. One of my plans has been chosen by NPO 3LAB and Omroep Zwart. While I can't divulge details just yet, I can say they'll address social issues often overlooked. I believe my films should provoke dialogue and shed light on neglected topics. I'm not interested in recounting sorrowful tales but rather showcasing the resilience and fortitude of individuals, celebrating the beauty amidst adversity.”

She particularly encourages aspiring filmmakers to take the leap. “When you're engrossed in crafting a story or screenplay, self-doubt creeps in, questioning the worth of your narrative. This uncertainty often prevents creators from taking the first step, but sometimes you just have to dive in and figure it out along the way. Continuously refine your craft throughout the journey. Explore all available resources, from schemes and subsidies to educational pathways. Engage with producers and fellow filmmakers; networking is invaluable in opening doors. If you believe in your story, persevere, even in the face of rejection.”