University of Buea student Ashunganya N.N Precious, a young filmmaker, is not one for letting a lack of fancy equipment hold her back. Fresh off her win for Best Documentary at the Cameroon International Film Festival (CAMIFF), Precious is making waves with her phone-made documentary series, “Ocean Stories.”
“It’s crazy!” Precious exclaims. “I never expected this kind of spotlight, but now I feel a responsibility to share these stories even wider.”
“Ocean Stories” dives deep into the world of African marine science, storytelling, and the coastal communities that call the ocean home. Precious, a performing and visual arts student, says the inspiration for the series came during a life-changing experience: her first dive training programme with Nature Environment Wildlife Filmmakers (NEWF).
“Honestly,” Precious admits, “the ocean wasn’t a big deal to me before that trip. It was just where my fish came from.” But witnessing the awe and excitement of her fellow trainees after their dives sparked a fire within her. “I knew I had to share this feeling, to show people the magic that lies beneath the waves.”
The award-winning episode, “Promise’s Wish,” tells the story of Promise Mafuleka, a young South African girl from Sodwana Bay who dreams of exploring the ocean’s depths. Filmed in Zulu with English subtitles, the documentary highlights the growing movement of Black scientists and storytellers entering the field thanks to organizations like NEWF.
“There’s so much incredible work happening in African marine conservation,” Precious says. “But most people never hear about it. ‘Ocean Stories’ is about changing that.”
Precious embraces the limitations and possibilities of phone filmmaking. “It can be tough,” she laughs. “You can’t exactly control everything like you can with a fancy camera. But that forces you to get creative!”
“I started with an iPhone 5s, believe it or not,” Precious says with a grin. “And you know what? Those iPhone cameras can be pretty amazing.”
While phone filming presents challenges with sound quality and advanced editing options, Precious sees them as opportunities to hone her skills. “I practically became an InShot editing wizard,” she jokes. “But hey, those early struggles helped me build a portfolio that’s opening doors now.”
Looking ahead, Precious has ambitious plans. She’s setting her sights on establishing a film production company and crafting a new season of “Ocean Stories” with even more immersive storytelling techniques. But her ultimate dream goes beyond awards and recognition.
“I envision an Africa where stories like these aren’t a luxury,” Precious explains. “I want them to be as common as listening to your grandparents tell tales around a fire.”
“This award,” Precious says, her voice filled with determination, “means I have a responsibility to reach more people. I want to show them what it feels like to be underwater as an African – surprised, inspired, at peace, welcomed by this incredible world.”
Ashunganya N.N. Precious’s journey from a phone-filming student to an award-winning documentarian highlights the power of storytelling and the endless wonders waiting to be discovered beneath the ocean’s surface.
