EP 104: Reimagining Futures with Director/Writer Alicia Mendy

In this episode of Visual Intonation, we dive deep into the world of Alicia Mendy, a Swiss filmmaker whose works are shaping the future of cinema with a bold and unique vision. Born in 2000 in Lausanne, Switzerland, to a Senegalese father and an Italian mother, Alicia brings a rich cultural perspective to her films. Graduating in 2023 with a Bachelor’s in Cinema from HEAD-Geneva, she is rapidly becoming a fresh voice in the industry. But what truly sets her apart is her ability to merge African spirituality, fantasy, and science fiction into stories that not only entertain but also enlighten. Her films give life to African and Afro-descendant experiences through captivating narratives and striking visuals. 

We explore Alicia’s artistic journey, from her early studies in sociology to her pivot into cinema, which now bridges the gap between African traditions and contemporary filmmaking. Central to her work is a deep reverence for African spiritualities, storytelling, and oral traditions. Whether crafting utopian worlds or dystopian futures, Alicia’s films are infused with themes of identity, belonging, and the power of culture to transcend time and space. Her short films, such as 'Beutset', 'Souvenirs du sable', and 'Dysutopia', reflect her profound connection to West Africa, particularly Senegal and Guinea-Bissau, blending history, myth, and futuristic imagination into a singular cinematic voice. 

But Alicia’s talents don’t stop at directing. She’s also a composer, creating original soundtracks that span genres from classical to electro and Afro rhythms. Her score for 'Beutset' is a testament to her versatility, capturing the emotional essence of her films with music that speaks directly to the soul. In addition to composing for her own projects, Alicia has contributed to the works of other filmmakers, including Myra Lou Ana Thiémard’s 'Gavilán'. The synergy between her music and visuals creates a multi-layered experience for audiences, making her films not just a visual feast but an immersive auditory journey. 

Alicia’s impact is already being recognized on the international stage. Her film 'Beutset' won the prestigious Best School Film Award at the Internationale Kurzfilmtage Winterthur, cementing her place as a rising star in the global film scene. As she continues to push the boundaries of genre and storytelling, Alicia Mendy is quickly becoming a filmmaker to watch, one whose work challenges, inspires, and invites audiences to rethink the future of African cinema. Join us as we explore her creative vision, influences, and the power of cinema to connect us to deeper truths about our world and ourselves. 

Alicia Mendy's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alimmendy/?hl=en

Alicia Mendy LinkTree: https://lnk.bio/alimmendy?

Alicia Mendy's Mubi: https://mubi.com/en/cast/alicia-mendy