Bimwili & the Zimwi

Adapted from a children’s book originally based off of Zanzibar folk lore, ‘Bimwili & the Zimwi’ tells the story of a young Swahili girl who sets out on her first unchaperoned trip to the beach with her two older sisters. Once there she encounters the Zimwi- a powerful, shape-shifting ogre who, enchanted by Bimwili’s singing voice, snatches her up, forcing her to sing inside of his ‘magical drum’ that he tours with from village to village. Faced with an opportunity to free Bimwili, she and her family must use their wits and courage to outsmart the Zimwi.

[UCLA MFA thesis project]

Credits: Adapted from the children’s book written by Verna Aardema and illustrated by Susan Meddaugh