UMURAGE | HERITAGE

After working on this short film for over two years with so many amazing and talented people, I’m beyond thrilled to finally be releasing it! There’s so much to say, but for now I want to start by thanking Aline Mushimiyimana for trusting us with her story, @ingomafilms for producing like a magician, @sebasnieves for his creative partnership, @theonlyshakiuknow and @uwa_mahoro for beautifully embodying their characters, @lamphousefilms for all the support, and @hope_intl for funding this project. We’re so inspired by Aline’s life and are so excited to share her story with you!

My respect for mothers has only grown since watching my wife become a mom. When I first started developing Aline’s story with @tinebean246, my wife @sarithasees and I didn’t see a baby on the near horizon – so one of my first thoughts was, how do I make a film centered around a mother when I’m not as familiar with that life experience yet? Thankfully, like most things in film, telling this story was a team effort. Kristine, @dpsouthwell, and others spoke into the story at different points. On top of that, the real Aline was able to be on set for parts of the filming – she gave us feedback on the script and even helped us fine-tune our fake baby belly placement!

I felt deeply the responsibility of directing such an amazing story, and was so glad to have a great team through the whole process.

@lamphousefilms Presents
in association with @ingomafilms
in association with @cursivefilms

Produced by @ingomafilms Andrew Bilindabagabo
Written by @dpsouthwell Dan Southwell
Directed by Michael Rothermel

Executive Producers: @joshhenry190, @realschmucker

Executive Producers: @hope_intl HOPE International, @kevintordoff Kevin Tordoff, Rebecca Svendsen, Kristine Frey, @jonathanrothermel, Carley Bilindabagabo

Director of Photography: @sebasnieves

Edited by Michael Rothermel

First Assistant Director: Daniel Gahima

CAST
Aline: @theonlyshakiuknow Shaki Mukiza
Teta: @uwa_mahoro Malaika Uwamahoro
Principal: Alfred Mbaraga
Aline’s Mother: Clautrida Umutesi
Pastor: Alphonse Nzabonakura
Other Women: Umwiga Savings Group

“A” Camera Operator: Sebastian Nieves
“A” Camera First Assistant: @swallows

Production Sound: Théophile Rugagaza
Key Grip: Maurice Mulisa
Production Coordinator: Rosemary Uwineza

Head Chef: Manuel
Driver: Fiacle Muhire

DI Colorist: Michael Schmucker
Titles & Credits by LampHouse Films

Sound Editor: Jonathan Rothermel
Sound Mix by @kinseyaudio

Special Thanks:
Ahmed, @ingomaevents, @sarithasees, Anglican Diocese of Gahini, Gahini Secondary School, Bishop Bilindabagabo & Family, Bishop Manasseh Gahima, @eliu.tv , Rugarama Church, Josue Igiraneza, Gahini Local Government