Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Exploring Inequality Through Film: Isaac Kasende's Belinda delves into themes of greed and unseen labor, inspired by personal experiences and stories from hotel staff.
- Trusting Your Team: Kasende emphasizes the importance of trusting actors to elevate the story, describing it as trusting his "babies" in the right hands.
- Pushing Boundaries: At the core of Kasende's work is a desire to challenge norms and push creative boundaries.
Isaac Kasende brings a captivating narrative to life with Belinda, a film set to screen at this year's HollyShorts Film Festival.
The film stars Mandla Gaduka, Daniel Janks, and Muadi Llung in a thrilling story about hotel workers discovering a magical, yet ominous, cash-spewing machine.
Inspired by conversations with hotel staff and his upbringing in the DRC, Kasende explores the divide between rich and poor, while weaving a tale of ambition and moral dilemmas.
What drew you to make this film?
The idea came during a quiet hotel stay while on a break from a shoot. I had time to speak with the staff, especially a young chef, and their stories about entitled guests stayed with me. Growing up in the DRC, I’ve seen how deep the divide between rich and poor can be, and this experience echoed that reality. It felt like the right moment to explore these themes—greed, inequality, and unseen labor—through a story that’s both personal and timely.
What surprised you most during the filmmaking process?
I’d say it was my actors’ approach to the characters—they brought unique elements that truly shaped where the story went. I learned to trust these “babies” in the right hands, knowing they’d be cared for and elevated.
"Trust your actors—it's like trusting your 'babies' in the right hands."
Is there a moment in the film that feels the most 'you'?
Very hard one to pinpoint if I can't say the whole film, but I think what the machine represents and the first thing it says. The combination of everything in that moment feels like me. Push boundaries.
What do you hope audiences take away from your film?
I want the audience to laugh and enjoy the ride, but also reflect on ambition, greed, and the heavy cost they often carry. We all have a bit of that “green monster” inside, wanting more than we should. I also hope the film reminds people to treat service workers with respect—they often see more of us than we realize.
"At the core of all my work is a desire to push boundaries."
How has this film shaped the kind of stories you want to tell next?
The story has made me more intentional about exploring the layers within filmmaking—creating complex characters who aren’t simply black or white, and embracing the blurred lines that exist, no matter the genre used to tell the story.
"Perseverance is the greatest lesson in independent filmmaking."
What does it mean to you to have your film selected for HollyShorts?
It's an incredible honor given the festival's reputation as one of the best in the world right now. It is also encouraging knowing that your voice is heard and your hard work is seen.
Where do you see this film going next?
I’ve already written a mini-series and a feature based on the film, as there are so many threads to explore and deeper layers still to uncover. Hopefully, it’s something that can come to life, as the lore extends far beyond what we see now. At the same time, I’m glad the short film, in its current form, can continue to be enjoyed by audiences on its own.
Watch the trailer for Belinda below.
Official trailer of Belinda
