About People of the Horizon: Director's Statement
My name is Alex, and my fascination with Tanzania—and the Maasai people, in particular—started with my grandmother. She spent time there as a refugee during the Second World War and would share these vivid stories that sparked a deep curiosity in me. So, when I finished school in 2019, I decided to explore Tanzania for myself. That’s where I met Matambile at his Boma in Tungamalenga, on the outskirts of Ruhua National Park. He welcomed me into his home for two months, and during that time, I gained a genuine appreciation for their values, resilience, and approach to life. Living alongside them gave me a new perspective—one rooted in gratitude and respect for simplicity and community. It’s an experience that’s stayed with me and quietly shaped how I see the world.
My journey with the Maasai began in 2019 and continued through 2020, allowing me to spend significant time living among the community and gaining a deeper appreciation for their unique way of life. This film is born from those experiences and the profound respect I developed for the Maasai, one of the last remaining semi-nomadic pastoralist tribes in the world. Their unwavering connection to cattle and their ancestral lands, coupled with their ability to preserve their rich cultural heritage amidst rapid change, makes their story truly exceptional and deeply relevant.
Why This Film?
The Maasai are more than a symbol of East African heritage; they represent resilience, identity, and the strength to remain true to one’s roots despite the pressures of modernization. Their traditional way of life, centered around cattle herding and a semi-nomadic existence, is a living testament to human adaptability and environmental stewardship. With globalization and modernization advancing at an unprecedented rate, I felt compelled to document their story to capture the delicate balance they strive to maintain between tradition and change.
Personal Connection
Having lived with the Maasai, I have witnessed firsthand their deep sense of community, respect for the land, and the grace with which they navigate an ever-evolving world. Their commitment to preserving their cultural identity while embracing elements of modern education and technology inspired me profoundly. The Maasai's worldview, shaped by centuries of tradition, offers vital lessons on sustainability and cultural resilience that are increasingly rare in our interconnected world. This personal connection is what drives my passion for sharing their story with the world.
Vision for the audience
In a rapidly globalizing world, cultural traditions are at risk of being eroded within a single generation. People of the Horizon seeks to remind audiences of the profound value of these traditions in maintaining identity and continuity. While modernization can bring progress and opportunities, it can also diminish the ancestral knowledge and practices that have been passed down through centuries. I want the audience to reflect on the importance of cultural preservation and to see the Maasai not as a relic of the past, but as a community actively striving to shape a sustainable future without losing the essence of who they are. This film is a tribute to the strength of cultural heritage and a call to action to safeguard it amidst the rapid pace of change.