The Dream The Refused Me is split across four aesthetically distinct chapters that ties together myths, attitudes, and rituals from across Africa. Powerful and emotionally stirring, a Xhosa poem narrated by Siyabonga Jim creates draws a narrative line between the ancestral specters and incandescent landscapes.

The story of Africa’s rich cultures and traditions is constantly being retold, remade, and reimagined. The Ethnicify App segment of Newman’s film, which is a satirical take on influencer culture, highlights how cultural nuances can become lost in translation among the diaspora. The question remains: If we, as a new generation of global Africans, are meant to embody the hopes and dreams of our forefathers, would they even recognise that us today?

The Dream That Refused Me does not aim to carry a singular message but to exist as a creative expression; a kaleidoscope of colors, shapes, and prints that for those who have inherited the key through birth, culture or education can unlock the film’s abundance of coded connotations.

Director: Jabu Nadia Newman (@jabunewman) Collage Artwork: Zas Ieluhee (@ieluhee) Poet: Siyabonga Jim (@siabonga72 ) Dancers: Lolwethu Sdumo, Mthetheleli Dlakavu, Amanda Guma (@ashka_amanda), Chumande Ngqakotye, Yolanda Ntanyana (@pearlntanyana) Indoni Dance, Arts and Leadership Academy (@indoniacademy) CGI Model: Kim Zulu (@kimzulu_) by Emoji Digital (@emoji.digital) Hello Nice Vlogger: Natalie Paneng (@nataliepaneng_) Executive Producer: Rozanne Rocha-Gray (@r.o.z.a.n.n.e) Producer: Didi Exelby (@didi_xlb) Director of Photography: Deon van Zyl (@deonvnzl) Art Direction: Wendy Fredriksson (@wendingmachine) Styling and Costume Design: Unathi Mkonto (@unathimkonto) Beauty Artist: Marchay Linderoth (@marchay_linderoth) Hair: Kelvin Takudzwa (@kelvintakudzwa6) Edit: Paul Speirs (@pwspeirs) and Thabo Nhlapo (@thabo._n) at New Creation Collective Post Production: Monstrum Online Grade and VFX by Rusty Ruthven (@rustyruthven) Blogger Interface VFX and 3D Artwork: Nick Ellis-Brown (@smart_slumz) VFX Production: Iconic Agency (@iconic.agency) iPhone Footage: Francesco Mbele (@franadilla) Sound Post Production Facility: Welcome Park Studio (@welcomeparkstudio) Location Sound Recordist + Final Mix: Luis Trujillo (@luisluis93) Foley Artist: Quanita Allie Music Composer: Likhona Camane (@seventhgaze) First AD: Rozanne Rocha-Gray (@r.o.z.a.n.n.e) Focus Puller: Mark van Zyl (@markvanzz) 2nd Assistant Camera: Alex Ortscheit (@alex_orscheit) DIT: Mike Mtsinje Camera Trainee: Tafadswa Pasi Props Master: Gerald Abraham Art Assistant: Eddie Kawonga Gaffer: Bernie De Wet Best Boy: Nathan Erasmus Spark: Brian Thompson Lighting Assistant: Miles Ritchie (@milesritch) Key Grip: Judas Banda Grip: Vuyani Nkomo Wardrobe Assistant: Sarah Hugo Hamman (@sarah_hugo_hamman) Co-Executive Producer: Leanne Sanders (@lil_lea_) Production Assistants: Elmaree Bohm (@elm_streeet), Kyle Hyde, Jonathan Baju Unit Production Manager: Isaac Farm at Discovery Film Location and Unit Management Medic: Colin Tucker Security: Dynamic Events Catering and Craft: Candid Catering The Producers wish to thank: Imran Hamdulay (@imranhamdulay) Iconic Agency (@iconic.agency) Sbonakaliso Ndaba Discovery Unit and Locations Lourensford Wine Estate (@lourensford) Medic 8 Viviers (@viviers.studio) Onesimo Amanda Laird Cherry (@alc_woman)