MAJI – meaning water in Swahili – premiered at Curzon Soho last week. The adventure documentary takes a closer look at the impact of the world’s water crisis from the perspective of five countries; Nepal, Jordan, USA, Iceland and Uganda.
Water scarcity is a harsh reality for many people across the globe. The UN predicts that between two and three billion people experience water shortages worldwide and 26% of the world’s population does not have access to safe drinking water.
MAJI, directed by Charli Doherty, and presented by TGB Films and Biscuit Bunker, in association with West One Entertainment, lays bare the unseen consequences of the water crisis. It follows non-athlete Leo Gripari taking on an extreme physical challenge in five locations across the globe, unveiling the effect that the water crisis is having on communities, leaders, and wildlife worldwide.
As we watch Leo’s journey unfold, the viewer meets experts, local communities and groups fighting to protect and conserve water. From the ecological impact of melting glaciers in Iceland to the social, cultural, and political ramifications of water scarcity and degradation in Nepal and Jordan, MAJI weaves together personal narratives and expert insights to create a captivating exploration of this shared global issue.
The story crescendos in a community ultramarathon around Lake Mutanda in Uganda that sees Leo spurred to complete his final challenge by the local community. It is a moment that highlights the need for community and collective action to solve the ongoing water crisis, humanising the lives it affects the most.
Charli Doherty, MAJI Director comments: “MAJI ultimately serves as a platform to unite the voices of people from all walks of life. It brings together the knowledge, experiences, and emotions of people we’ve encountered along our journey, highlighting the importance of collective action and global solidarity. We hope to inspire audiences to recognise that the water crisis is not someone else’s problem; it’s our collective responsibility.”
Leo Gripari adds: “Embarking on this adventure was life-changing: what started as a way for me to raise money for conservation projects became so much more. I am so glad that we can communicate the scale of the world’s water crisis through this documentary. I hope that it will provide people with a greater sense of the urgency of the crisis and help drive collective action on the issue.”
The film’s production was supported by Blackmagic Design, who provided camera equipment and technical support.
The MAJI trailer can be viewed here.