Fatimah Binta Gimsey has unveiled her latest project, the short film Laraba and Balarabe, featuring Susan Pwajok and Mallam Arik.
The film, set for release on Saturday, November 22, on YouTube via Pwajok’s TV channel, explores themes of love and timing while blending Hausa and English to provide authentic northern representation.
Gimsey took on multiple roles as writer, director, and producer. Speaking on the inspiration behind the film, she said, “I wanted to tell an intimate story that many people would relate to. It’s fragile and needed to be told. We used Hausa and English for representation, which has always been important to me. This project stretched me as a producer and director, and I hope it resonates with the audience.”
This is not the first collaboration between Gimsey and Pwajok, who previously worked together on the young adult romance Lowkey Adults. On working with Pwajok, Gimsey explained, “Susan has been part of this story from the start. Directing her is always interesting because we shift between production and creative decisions, allowing room for disagreements and finding middle ground. Our priority is delivering a strong project.”
Pwajok, serving as both executive producer and lead actor, expressed her excitement: “I feel empowered and excited. With more projects, I can see growth and I look forward to doing more work in both production and acting.”