''BLOOD LINES'' - SHORT FILM PROJECT

Intention behind Bloodlines

I come from a family of nine children, with five boys and four girls. Over time, we've experienced great loss, love, betrayal and deceit. This reality of family dynamics, of love, betrayal and deceit, deeply influences my desire to tell the story of Bloodlines.

My intention for creating Bloodlines is to shed light on betrayal, especially within the supposedly safe and sacred walls of a family. Families are meant to be havens, places where trust is built, love is nurtured, and support is unconditional. Yet, this is not always the case, and Blood Lines is a painful, realistic portrayal of what can happen when those bonds of trust are broken.

This story doesn’t shy away from the taboo topics of betrayal and deceit in intimate relationships, which can have devastating consequences. The forbidden relationship between Aminata and Ken unveils how manipulation and betrayal, even from someone trusted, can shatter the lives of those who fall prey to them. It is a cautionary tale of how easily trust can be misused and how powerful a misplaced loyalty can become when one's guard is down.

Beyond betrayal, however, Blood Lines is also about the unbreakable bond between a mother and her child, and the power of forgiveness and love to heal the deepest wounds. Memuna’s love for her daughter, even after learning of her transgressions, speaks to a mother’s resilience and ability to forgive — a quality that, though often unacknowledged, holds incredible strength. Through this story, I aim to honour that unique, sacrificial love that mothers give and the importance of family reconciliation, even after betrayal and heartbreak.

At its core, Bloodlines brings to life the complexity of human relationships, the hidden dangers of misplaced trust, and the enduring power of a mother’s love and forgiveness. I hope that viewers will be moved by this story, gaining a greater understanding of the consequences of betrayal, the gravity of secrecy within family ties, and ultimately, the beauty of redemption and healing.