Masika Learns to Swim

Masika – whose name means “born during rain” – explores her complicated relationship to water, leading to a deeper understanding of herself and the currents around her.

An early concept sketch for the project.

 

At a glance

  • Project scope: 30 minute documentary film & impact campaign

  • Target premiere date: June 2026, during the week leading up to Juneteenth

  • Fundraising goal: $TBD

  • This project is currently in pre-production.

 

Project stages and timeline

The current stage(s) in bold type.

  • Pre-production: Nov 2023 - Apr 2024

  • Production: Feb 2024 - Nov 2025

  • Post-production: Sep 2025 - Dec 2025

  • Premiere: Week of Juneteenth 2026

  • Distribution: Jun 2026+

Another early concept sketch for the project.

Artistic approach

Masika Learns to Swim will be a short documentary film with a total runtime of 30 minutes that will include the following creative elements:

  • Classic follow-me documentary filmmaking

  • Classic documentary interview setups

  • Animated sequences

  • Full custom musical score

  • Narrative voice over from Masika

Premiere

We’re aiming to premiere Masika Learns to Swim during the week of Juneteenth 2026.

Distribution & intended social impact

TBD

Budget & fundraising

TBD

 

Characters & creators of Masika Learns to Swim

 

Masika Henson

Co-Director & Protagonist

Masika is the main character of the film. She’s based in Oakland, CA.

Learn more about Masika here.

Keenan Dailey

Dir. of Photography, Editor, & Composer

Keenan is a multidisciplinary artist based in Atlanta, GA.

Learn more about Keenan here.

Jay W. Austin

Director, Producer, & Writer

I’m a documentarian currently creating out of Atlanta, Georgia.