There is not a lot of science fiction films coming out of Africa these days, with the very notable exception of District 9. Well the producers of Neill Blomkamp’s viral internet short film, Alive In Joburg which eventually ended up as District 9 offer this short, from Kenya, and it is handsome and exotic if a wee bit reminiscent of George Lucas’ THX1138. But with the success of smart and homage heavy science fiction, like Moon, in 2009 things are looking good for director Wanuri Kahui, who may be the next big director to emerge from Africa if someone like Peter Jackson wants to pony up some real cash for a feature.

A 20 minute-long science fiction short about futurist Africa, set 35 years after World War III – The Water War. Asha is a curator at a virtual natural history museum in the Maitu Community located in the Eastern African territory. Outside of the community, all nature is extinct. When she receives a box in the mail containing soil, she decides to plant a seed in it. The seed starts to germinate instantly. Despite repeated instructions from her superior to throw out the soil sample, she appeals to the Council to grant her an exit visa to leave the community and plant the seed. Her visa is denied and she is evacuated from the Museum. Asha decides to break out of the inside community to plant the seed in the ‘dead’ outside. She battles with her own fear and apprehension of the dead and derelict outside world to save the growing plant.

Hat tip to Twitch and Movie Jungle. Trailer is tucked under the seat.