Zainab Mejja: Telling Stories Through Film and Photography

Who is Zainab Mejja?

Zainab Mejja is a Mombasa-based photographer, filmmaker, and writer. She loves telling stories, and most of her work focuses on environmental conservation, culture, and social impact. Zainab also finds joy in walking in the park, reading a good book, traveling, comics, learning new languages, and snacking on caramel popcorn.

You have a new film out; tell us about it.

The film is a documentary called Round One, which explores boxing and youth in Mombasa. It was directed by Sonny Mugambi, an amazing filmmaker from Mombasa, and premiered recently at the Kenya International Sports Film Festival, hosted by Alliance Française Mombasa and the Safinaz Foundation.

Round One delves into the passion, dedication, and challenges faced by a young man and a young woman from Mombasa as they pursue boxing. We get a glimpse into their individual journeys and experiences with the sport, alongside the broader context of their lives. If you missed the premiere, too bad! Those who attended seemed to really enjoy it, so I can confirm it's a 25-minute documentary that will tug at your heartstrings and make you appreciate the film even more. I’ll let you know when our next screening is.

This film was made possible by Sinema Mtaani, a film initiative led by Alliance Française and local filmmakers along the Coast. Sinema Mtaani is supported by Creation Africa and the French Embassy’s project to foster cultural entrepreneurship and collaborations.

What did you learn from making the movie?

So much—where to start? I was the researcher, writer, and producer of the film, which meant I was involved in almost every stage of production. I learned how valuable thorough research and pre-production preparation can be in making a documentary. Being well-prepared helped me coordinate different aspects of the production more smoothly.

That said, no amount of preparation can account for everything; I had to learn to adapt quickly to changing circumstances. I also felt grateful to work with a team united by a shared vision and willing to put in the hard work to create a compelling piece of audio-visual art.

On a personal note, I also gained a better understanding of boxing and the industry in my region. I may not have learned how to throw punches (laughs), but I learned about the people and resources involved in training a boxer, the logistics of organizing boxing tournaments, the competitive atmosphere of different boxing clubs, and the challenges boxers face. There was so much to absorb.

Did you ever play any sports yourself?

In high school, yes—I did high jumping and played volleyball. Recently, as an adult, I’ve gotten into golf. That counts as a sport too, right?

How do you approach storytelling as a photographer and writer?

I focus on portraying emotions and connecting with my audience, while delivering a clear message. In photography and writing, unlike filmmaking, I can’t use sound to help convey my ideas, so I rely on visuals, feelings, and thoughts.

With photography, I play with elements like color combinations, positioning, shapes, lines, and natural settings to create certain emotions and connect the components of the image. In writing, I try to paint vivid pictures with words and give purpose to every sentence, aiming to evoke specific feelings—whether it’s suspense, laughter, nostalgia, anxiety, shock, excitement, or relief.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be, and why?

Teleportation, for sure! I love spending time with friends and family, and as much as I enjoy indulging my creative pursuits, I need time to recharge. Teleporting would save me all the time I spend moving from place to place, freeing up more time for work, rest, and play.

How do you learn and grow in your craft?

I read a lot—books, comics, articles—constantly gathering information that inspires new ideas and enriches my storytelling. I also attend as many workshops and masterclasses as I can, where I learn from experts and gain exposure to different perspectives. And of course, I learn a lot on the job. Throughout the year, I’m always working on a film, photography, or writing project, whether it’s commissioned or personal. Each project challenges me in new ways and teaches me to problem-solve, improvise, observe others, think critically, consult, and apply what I’ve learned in theory.

If you were a wrestler, what would your theme song be?

I’d go with Inferno, the opening theme from the anime Fire Force. The chorus really goes hard!

What is your biggest creative challenge?

Oh, that’s a good question. Sometimes, being a bit of a perfectionist slows me down. When I get an idea, I want to recreate it exactly as I envision it, which can lead to overthinking, endless editing, and constantly looking for ways to "improve" it before sharing it with others. This isn’t always helpful. I’ve started to appreciate the value of finishing a project and trusting in my creative instincts, rather than striving for perfection. After all, a good piece completed is better than a perfect one left undone.

The sea or the mountains?

The sea. I love the color blue. Plus, I like to think I enjoy hiking, but, honestly, I don’t.

What would you like to be remembered for?

That’s a tough one. I’d like to be remembered as an exceptional storyteller who could craft powerful, moving stories with or without words. So, remember me for my future award-winning, mind-blowing, earth-shattering, and inspiring sociocultural stories.

What’s one of your secret weaknesses?

Even though I’ve lived near the ocean for a while, I still don’t know how to swim. I know, it's pathetic. But I promise, learning to swim is making its way onto my 2025 New Year's resolution list!

Describe a time when you had to capture a subject or event outside your comfort zone.

In 2021, I participated in the Bahari Huru Residency, an art project that promotes marine conservation, run by Jukwaa Arts. With writing, I can use words to build the story I want to tell, but with documentary photography, I had to rely solely on images to tell my story. This project taught me how to use my photography for social impact, capturing stories of marine pollution and ocean conservation as they relate to human behavior and plastic reuse. It was a transformative three-month experience.

I know you used to write articles. Are you planning to go back to article writing?

Yes! Over the past few years, I’ve focused mainly on photography and filmmaking, with less emphasis on writing—at least outside of scriptwriting. I miss it, though! Some friends and I are currently planning an online publication, so keep an eye out for my articles. They’ll hopefully be coming by the end of the year, and definitely more in 2025, Inshallah.

I see your New Year’s resolution list is growing. Another fun question: What would you do if you won 10 million Kenya shillings?

The responsible side of me would say I’d buy quality telephoto lenses for my wildlife photography, because those don’t come cheap. But the reckless side of me would probably want to buy boots in every color and travel around the world wearing them.

What has been your favorite project to work on?

I’ve worked on a lot of exciting projects, but if I had to choose one, I’d say it’s the one I’m currently working on. It’s a short documentary about urban forests and parks, focusing on one of our urban parks in Mombasa. I was chosen as one of 20 young journalists and content creators in the Tabianchi SOS Project, which aims to amplify African voices on climate change. The project, run by Docubox and supported by Hivos, equips journalists with resources to tell impactful climate stories that inspire action. I’m loving every moment of bringing this story to life.

Any final remarks or advice for readers?

Yes! Don’t forget to eat your vegetables! A reminder to everyone (especially me) that our health and wellness are important. If we don’t take care of ourselves, it can keep us from doing the things we love.