I AM RAJA

I AM RAJA is a short film about a young Berber girl from the Sahara desert and how she copes mentally and physically with the every day chore of collecting well water in a large and desolate landscape.

Synopsis

In the unbearable vastness of the Sahara Desert, Raja doggedly perseveres against the height of the dunes, the dryness of the wind, the instability of the sand and the bright light to collect water for her family. Over the course of journey we get insights into her aspirations and dreams and are reminded of the sheer joy that physical playfulness in childhood can bring. Raja finds an unexpected challenge on her return - just one of endless variations of the same journey that she repeats day in, day out. 

Why Avatâra wanted to tell this story?

Avatâra has been a frequent visitor to the Sahara Desert since she was nine years old, experiencing the extreme landscape and the survival of its inhabitants at close quarters. Inspired by some of the strongest characters she found along her way - women and girls - she set out to share one of the Moroccan stories from the Merzouga region.
Empowering women for an equal society has been a constant motif for Avatâra throughout her life and her dance work has been her primary channel to continue and strengthen this mission. As an emerging film maker, Avatâra has created I AM RAJA as a tool to empower young girls everywhere, encouraging them to believe in themselves by showing how one girl survives and lives, despite the difficulties she encounters. 

I AM RAJA, the first film in the trilogy, is a memorable charmer marked by a sense of rhythm and imbued with an atmosphere of quiet wonder. Clearly there are hardships the film's young protagonist might be facing, but she meets them with a thoughtful purpose and joy. I look forward to seeing the others
Donald Hutera (veteran journalist, curator and writer in the UK)

I AM RAJA is a beautiful screendance portrait; anchored in a stunning physical location and a natural performance from its lead.
Gitta Wigro (Independent Dance Film Programmer and Director of ID in the UK)

Why I AM RAJA matters?

I AM RAJA gives visibility to the Berber community. Originally, Berbers were nomads who would live travelling across the desert and the mountains of the North of Africa. During XX and XXI century some Berbers have acquired houses and have settled down in the mountains or villages, still they are not common in the cities where most of the population is Arab. Consequently, there is now a coexistence of the Berbers who are nomads and live on trading and the ones who no longer live like that but still speak Berber language. Our protagonist, RAJA, represents the Berber community who still carries a nomad life. 

The adventure of filming I AM RAJA

It’s easy to imagine that filming in the middle of the desert is quite different from filming in an urban location. But even typical outdoor filming challenges (no power, changeable weather, daylight hours....) do not come close to the challenges of filming in the desert. You may not find any electricity points in hundred of miles, nor drinkable water for your cast and crew. Cars might not be able to make it through some dunes and you would have to walk, hike...whatever it takes to get to the exact point and, of course, carrying all the equipment on your backs. The team and the equipment would experience drastic temperature changes. Both the human bodies and the high technology equipment may not answer properly to those circumstances. Batteries may start dying but the crew has to keep it up... After surviving to the filming day,  there is such a labour of cleaning the equipment needing to be done, otherwise it might not be possible to film the following day. Although thermal blankets fight against the cold, and waterproof cases against the occasional rains, we found no effective protection against sandstorms!" 

Truly remarkable experience working with a superb hard working team in one of the most majestic places in Earth! Estela Merlos.

Working with no professional actors is a very enriching experience.  Creating a fun and safe environment was essential for them to trust me Avatâra Ayuso. 

Behind the scenes of I AM RAJA

The Production of I AM RAJA has been possible thanks to the support of Arts Council England, AVA Dance Company and Braunarts Ltd.  The Cultural Office of the Spanish Embassy in London has supported the distribution of the film.
We want to thank all the people who have already supported us. Special thanks to Blair Tookey, Mike Burnham, Hayley Ryan and one special individual donor who have helped us to make I AM RAJA happen.