Welcome to part two of our interview with the brilliant Senegalese-born producer Rehanna Ngom. Ngom is the mind behind the short film The Prophecy.
AGN: African horror is gaining global recognition but is still underrepresented in film. How do you think The Prophecy contributes to shaping the African horror genre?
Ngom: I hope The Prophecy can be one of the precursors of African horror before the genre fully takes off – because it is taking off. But reducing it to just horror feels limiting, as it also blends adventure and fantasy. Moves like Paramount Pictures acquiring Children of Blood and Bone are encouraging for filmmakers like me.
I still have so much to learn and create—I’m still young. But I’m proud that The Prophecy is my first real work in the film world. Seeing other creators embrace the genre and gain recognition as well is incredible. It’s a beautiful moment, and I hope we can all keep inspiring one another.
AGN: Your production company, Studio Réveil, carries a name that loosely translates to “awakening.” What vision do you have for it, and how do you see it shaping African cinema?
Ngom: I love that you caught that. I am obsessed with dreams and sleep, and “awakening” with Studio Réveil is my mission in the real world. My company is here to bridge gaps, to elevate African creators and narratives on the global stage—where they’ve too often been pushed to the side. Our cinema is deemed as “exotic”, it is “inclusion” to have us at festivals, but we are so much more than that. I want to redefine how our stories are perceived. African cinema can be just as entertaining, thrilling, impactful, and inspiring as any other. With Studio Réveil, I aim to bring unconventional African stories to the screen, working with creatives across the continent and globally who share this vision.
AGN: You’ve showcased The Prophecy at various film festivals worldwide. What has been the audience’s response, and have any reactions surprised you?
Ngom: The response has been generally positive, which is encouraging. It is a bit daunting to put work out there – especially something you’ve poured your soul into – it means exposing it to criticism and judgment. But I’m learning that the audience is an essential part of filmmaking.
The Prophecy has been described as innovative because it tackles sexual violence, trauma, and misogynoir. It has stirred conversations in some spaces, which makes me happy because that means it made people think.
One reaction that truly surprised me was a scene between Tabara and her grandmother. When Tabara tells her she’s seeing a monster in her dreams, her grandmother reacts in a way I intended to be serious. But at the U.S. premiere, the audience laughed. Meanwhile, African audiences saw it as an expression of genuine worry. And interestingly, when we were filming, my actress felt the reaction carried disapproval.
It’s fascinating how a single moment can be read so differently, completely shifting the energy of a scene depending on cultural context!
AGN: You’re considering a full-length version of The Prophecy. Can you give us a sneak peek into what we can expect if the film expands?
Ngom: Yes, a feature is in the works! We’re still in the very early stages of development, but this full-length version dives much deeper into the ancestral dimension of the story. This time, Tabara gains the ability to travel back in time, uncovering the story of her royal ancestor and introducing us to a fantastical African kingdom.
The feature expands on everything, more characters, richer family dynamics, and a fully fleshed-out backstory for the djinn. It’s an exciting adventure that blends fantasy and horror, with Tabara fully stepping into her role as a true heroine.
AGN: What was the most challenging part of making this film? Were there any unexpected moments or obstacles during production that shaped the final product?
Ngom: The most challenging part was having to do it all by myself—self-producing is no joke! Being both the producer and creator of a project takes involvement on a different level. The experience toughened me up. As the director, I also had to make sure my team was happy, and communication wasn’t always smooth, especially with so many emotions involved. When you add in the different cultural influences, it becomes such a unique experience.
The limited budget for such a rich and ambitious story was also a challenge. But I’m grateful I got to experience it, running the machine to the end. I must thank a few souls who helped me along the way—without them, this film would never have been made.
AGN: Beyond horror, are there other genres or themes you’d like to explore in future projects?
Ngom: I am diving deep into fantasy. I love magical stories like Harry Potter and Dune. I want to create worlds like that, inspired by African folklore, with a few monsters but also divine creatures, landscapes, textures… I want my stories to show the beauty of African mythology, which has already been too demonised in its history.
AGN: What advice would Rehanna Ngom give young African filmmakers wanting to enter the industry?
Muster up all your courage and go for it! The industry is calling for us, and it needs our voices. We may have to push through barriers and overcome some obstacles, but we can make it happen together. Stay determined; remember: we have what it takes to create the space we deserve.
AGN: Where can people watch The Prophecy, and how can they follow your work?
Ngom: It was just released on YouTube and is now available for everybody to watch. I post a lot of my work and my life on Instagram, so I would tell anybody who wants to keep up to follow me, Rehanna Ngom, @reh.eye!
AGN: Lastly, if you were to describe The Prophecy in three words, what would they be?
Ngom: Dreamy, mystical, healing.
