‘Memory of Princess Mumbi’ AI Invades and Beauty is Explored
Swiss-Kenyan filmmaker Damien Hauser is making waves in the international film scene with his latest project, ‘Memory of Princess Mumbi’, a unique African sci-fi mockumentary that world premieres at Venice Days and later screens in Toronto’s Centerpiece program. Known for his previous works After the Long Rains and Blind Love, Hauser pushes creative boundaries once again with this improvisational narrative, blending romance, science fiction, and commentary on AI in filmmaking.
A Unique African Sci-Fi Mockumentary
Set in a post-apocalyptic 2094, ‘Memory of Princess Mumbi’ follows the aspiring filmmaker Kuve (played by Abraham Joseph) as he documents the aftermath of the Great War of the 2070s, a conflict that destroyed modern technology and revived ancient kingdoms. Hauser’s narrative takes a profound turn when Kuve arrives in Umata, expecting to find despair but instead discovering a community that has rebuilt itself and found peace. Here, he encounters Mumbi (Shandra Apondi), who teaches him to recognize the beauty in everyday human moments.
The film also explores a love triangle as Prince Samson Waithaka’s character remains tied to Mumbi, adding emotional tension to an already layered story. By mixing historical allegory, sci-fi, and romance, Hauser’s mockumentary navigates themes of loss, memory, and resilience, providing a reflective look at how humanity finds meaning even in broken worlds.
Exploring AI and Human Creativity
One of the most innovative aspects of the film is its commentary on artificial intelligence in filmmaking. Hauser presents two intertwined narratives: Kuve’s documentary and his own journey as a filmmaker trying to balance technology with human emotion. An AI-generated synopsis for the film highlights this tension: “Kuve meets Mumbi, who challenges him to make his film without the use of AI. As Kuve searches for his own voice, he begins to realize that even in a broken world, beauty can be found in the small human moments we often overlook.”
This dialogue between technology and creativity makes ‘Memory of Princess Mumbi’ particularly relevant in today’s cinematic landscape. It raises critical questions: How far should AI intervene in storytelling? Can technology replace the subtlety of human expression? Through Mumbi’s insistence on authenticity, Hauser emphasizes that emotional depth and character development remain central to compelling narratives.
Damien Hauser: A Multi-Talented Visionary
Hauser’s involvement in the film extends far beyond directing. As the writer, producer, cinematographer, editor, production designer, costume designer, and composer, he shapes nearly every aspect of the film’s aesthetic and narrative style. Remarkably, Hauser also appears on-screen as a character named Damien, blurring the lines between creator and participant.
Co-producers Kaleem Aftab and Shandra Apondi supported Hauser in bringing this vision to life, with backing from Swiss Films and the Red Sea Film Fund. The film’s international rights are being handled by Paris-based Paradise City Sales, further cementing Hauser’s growing global presence as an African filmmaker breaking into international circuits.
Breaking Ground for Kenyan Cinema
Shot entirely in Kenya with a Kenyan crew, ‘Memory of Princess Mumbi’ marks a milestone in African cinema. It is the first Kenyan feature to premiere in the independent parallel section of the Venice Film Festival, a section also known as Venice Days (Giornate degli Autori). This historic achievement signals a broader recognition of African storytelling in international cinema and highlights the growing significance of local talent on the world stage.
Kaleem Aftab praised the film’s innovation, stating: “Memory of Princess Mumbi is one of the most original and striking films to emerge from the African continent. A sci-fi romance and a love letter to cinema itself, it reframes current debates around AI in filmmaking – reminding us that, while AI may be a powerful technical tool, it is human emotion and character that truly drive storytelling.”
Cinematic World-Building and Narrative Innovation
Hauser and his collaborators have created a fully realized cinematic universe for the story. Clips released ahead of the premiere introduce viewers to a space station, the ruins of the Great War, a strict technology ban, and, of course, Mumbi herself. These elements establish a visually rich and immersive world where past, present, and speculative futures intersect.
The film’s second clip dives deeper into the philosophical conversation around technology. Characters debate how to edit Kuve’s documentary, with Mumbi questioning whether altering a character’s emotional expression through AI compromises the authenticity of the story. Her line, “Are you guys making a documentary about AI or about people?”, encapsulates the film’s central tension between technological intervention and human storytelling.
Themes of Loss, Memory, and Small Moments
At its core, ‘Memory of Princess Mumbi’ explores how humanity copes with tragedy and loss. Through Kuve’s documentary and Mumbi’s guidance, the narrative demonstrates that even in a world shattered by conflict, there is beauty in small human interactions—a shared glance, a smile, or a moment of kindness. By highlighting these details, Hauser’s film invites audiences to slow down and appreciate the subtlety of life.
The movie also engages with memory as both a personal and collective experience, examining how communities preserve their histories while forging new paths forward. In doing so, it bridges the gap between personal storytelling and epic historical commentary, giving viewers a layered and thought-provoking cinematic experience.
A Fusion of Sci-Fi, Romance, and Mockumentary
By combining science fiction, romance, and mockumentary elements, Hauser pushes narrative conventions and challenges audience expectations. The improvised nature of the performances adds spontaneity and authenticity, while the sci-fi backdrop allows for philosophical reflection on technology, societal collapse, and human connection. Romance is woven naturally into the narrative, offering emotional resonance without overshadowing the film’s speculative themes.
This genre fusion demonstrates the flexibility of African cinema to explore innovative storytelling techniques while remaining grounded in cultural and human truths.
International Recognition and Festival Screenings
Following its Venice Days premiere on September 1, the film will screen in Toronto’s Centerpiece program, further extending its international reach. Festival programmers have praised Hauser for his visionary approach, highlighting how the film combines technical innovation with deeply human storytelling. These screenings position ‘Memory of Princess Mumbi’ as a must-watch for cinephiles and critics interested in global cinema, sci-fi narratives, and discussions on AI in filmmaking.
Conclusion: A Bold Statement in Modern Cinema
‘Memory of Princess Mumbi’ is more than a film—it is a cultural statement, a meditation on humanity, love, memory, and the ethics of technology. Damien Hauser’s ability to intertwine improvisational performance, African storytelling, and cutting-edge themes positions the movie as a landmark work in contemporary cinema.
By emphasizing the beauty in small moments, the resilience found in tragedy, and the ongoing debate about AI in creative industries, the film encourages viewers to reflect on both personal and collective human experiences. As it premieres in Venice and Toronto, audiences around the world have the opportunity to witness a truly innovative African sci-fi romance, and to consider what it means to tell stories in an age of technological transformation.
‘Memory of Princess Mumbi’ not only sets a new benchmark for African cinema but also reminds the global audience that while AI can enhance creativity, it is the human heart and imagination that remain at the center of meaningful storytelling.
