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.
Keenan Dailey
Dir. of Photography, Editor, & Composer
Keenan is a multidisciplinary artist based in Atlanta, GA.
Jay W. Austin
Director, Producer, & Writer
I’m a documentarian currently creating out of Atlanta, Georgia.