Meet Honeymoon Aljabri

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Honeymoon Aljabri. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Honeymoon , so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

As an African woman navigating life in the Western world, I have found my purpose in the imperative to share African stories from our unique viewpoint. Too often, the voices of African women are silenced or overshadowed by stereotypes that dictate we should be louder or conform to certain narratives. I firmly believe that if we don’t actively contribute to telling our own stories, we risk perpetuating misrepresentations that cast us as the ‘bad guys.’ There’s a powerful African proverb that captures this sentiment: ‘Until the lion writes its own story, the hunter will always be the hero.’ My mission is simple yet profound—I want to celebrate the beauty of Africa and its people. From East to West and South to North, Africans are a diverse and beautiful people, and it’s essential that our stories are told by us, for us.”

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

“I am a Tanzania-American indie filmmaker and author, having written 13 children’s books and one novel, and produced five films. My children’s books are not only educational but also fun. Among them, five belong to a series called ‘Amani,’ centered around a curious African girl who travels across the continent, exploring its rich history, tourism, culture, and traditions. Through Amani’s adventures, I aim to offer children around the world a virtual journey to Africa within the pages of my books.

My debut novel, ‘Leila,’ tells the story of a Sudanese girl, with the subtitle ‘Grin and Grief.’ As readers follow Leila’s journey, they witness the highs and lows of her relationships, love, and career.

You can find my first film, ‘Daddy’s Wedding,’ on YouTube, and my second film, ‘Perfectly Oblivious,’ on Vimeo. ‘Mulasi,’ my third film, is available on Tubi, while ‘Mulasi: The Death and Dodoma’ is currently in search of a streaming platform. Being an indie filmmaker and author has been a challenging journey, often requiring 16-hour workdays to fund my storytelling dreams. The struggle is compounded by the difficulty of convincing others to believe in my vision.

I recall a particular instance where I submitted a script to a potential producer who sought to collaborate. However, she expressed a desire for a ‘real African story’ with elements like war or disease, conforming to certain narratives perpetuated by organizations like UNICEF. I stood my ground, emphasizing that my mission is to showcase the beauty of Africa, challenging stereotypes and offering a fresh perspective. Unfortunately, I missed an opportunity for funding, as I refused to conform to the stereotypical narrative she was seeking. Despite such challenges, my dedication to highlighting the positive aspects of Africa remains unwavering.”

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

1. **Storytelling:** As a storyteller, I feel a profound obligation to narrate our own stories. I firmly believe that if Africans don’t take charge of telling our narratives, others will tell them from their own perspectives. Through storytelling, I aim to provide an authentic and diverse portrayal of Africa, countering stereotypes and presenting our stories in a way that resonates with our experiences.

2. **Determination:** My second skill is determination. I see every ‘no’ as a step closer to a ‘yes.’ The journey of an indie filmmaker and author is often paved with rejections and setbacks. However, I embrace these challenges with unwavering determination, knowing that each rejection brings me one step closer to success. This mindset fuels my resilience and keeps me moving forward, even in the face of adversity.

3. **Wholehearted Commitment:** The third skill that propels me forward is my commitment to giving everything I have. I want to reach the end of my journey and look back without regrets, knowing that I poured my heart and soul into my work. When I’m old and sitting on my doorstep, I don’t want to say, “I wish I had done this or that.” Instead, I want to proudly declare that I gave everything I had. Whether my efforts are deemed ‘good enough’ or not, history will be the judge of that. What matters most is that I contributed my all to the stories I wanted to tell and the dreams I wanted to achieve.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

“Every single day, I write proposals to potential producers, seeking collaboration, but the resounding ‘No’ has become a constant refrain. Despite the challenges, I persist, sending out hope with each proposal, believing that one day, people will recognize the importance of telling African stories, particularly those of African women. My grandmother’s wisdom echoes in my mind—’If you want to know the history of Africa, simply ask an African woman.’ African women are natural storytellers and secret keepers, and I am fortunate to be an African woman with the gift of storytelling.

I continue this journey with open hands, hoping to find someone willing to join me in bringing these narratives to life. Currently, I have 20 movie scripts written, am working on three novels, and am passionately crafting the Amani book series. The goal is ambitious—54 books, each dedicated to a different African country. I’ve completed five books, with 49 more to go. This project is not just about storytelling; it’s about preserving and sharing the diverse narratives that make up the fabric of Africa. I remain steadfast in my belief that these stories deserve to be heard, and I press on, eager for the day when others will join me on this transformative journey.”

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honeymoon Aljabri

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