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In today's episode, I interview Jessica J. Rowlands, the director of the short film "Rise," a heartwarming story of resilience and determination set in Zimbabwe. The film will make its world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival this June.

Listen to hear about the individual who inspired the film, the importance of using local talent both in front of and behind the camera to tell the story, and how the film uses local music to help establish an authentic local identity.

Books mentioned in this episode include:

• Rotten Row by Petina Gappah
• The Book of Memory by Petina Gappah
• An Elegy for Easterly: Faber Stories by Petina Gappah

Films and TV shows mentioned in this episode include:

• "Rise" directed by Jessica J. Rowlands
• Mayfair Witches (series)
• Transformers: Rise of the Beasts directed by Steven Caple Jr.
• Mr. Bones directed by Gray Hofmeyr
• City of God directed by Ktia Lund and Fernando Meirelles
• It's a Wonderful Life directed by Frank Capra
• Billy Elliot directed by Stephen Daldry
• Shawshank Redemption directed by Frank Darabont
• The Big Lebowski directed by Joel Coen
• Mad Max: Fury Road directed by George Miller

Musical Artists mentioned in this episode include:

• Hope Masike
• Flying Bantu

Follow Jessica on Instagram @jessiejrowlands and the film @rise.zimbabwe. And if you're in the New York in June, check out the film at the Tribeca Film Festival on June 8th at 12 PM, June 14 at 8:30 PM and June 15th at 2:30 PM.