The 2025 Alexandria Film Festival, to be held November 7-9, will screen nearly a dozen films by emerging filmmakers in two showcases at The Treehouse, located at the Virginia Tech Innovation Campus in Potomac Yard. The films span continents and genres, telling stories from Africa, Asia, and North America as documentaries, dramas, science fiction, and animated shorts.
Here, we introduce one of the emerging filmmakers whose documentary will be screened on Friday, November 7, at 6:00 p.m. in our “Emerging Filmmakers I” showcase. The second showcase will be held on Saturday at the same time and location.
Note: Filmmakers’ answers have been edited for length and clarity.
Teairrah Green, “Shadows of the Past” (26 mins., documentary)
Screening times and information
What was your inspiration for this project?
The film was born out of a desire to give the erased history of the Herero and Nama genocide the visibility and reverence it deserves. Today, the Joint Declaration between Germany and Namibia [that would officially recognize the genocide] continues to be excluded from serious German legislative discourse. I hope this film helps reignite public and media attention.
What did you enjoy most about shooting this film or putting this project together?
The most meaningful part was connecting with people in Namibia. Sharing meals and conversations after interviews gave us insights that reshaped our understanding, moving us from abstract politics to the lived experiences of those most affected.
Do you have a behind-the-scenes story fans would love to hear?
While filming, we were spontaneously invited to record a car interview with poet-activist Jephta U. Nguherimo. On winding dirt roads, I twisted in every direction with the camera as he pointed out the landscape—transforming the car into an impromptu moving set.
What are you most excited about for your film screening at the AFF?
I’m excited for AFF audiences to learn about the Herero-Nama genocide and to spark dialogue around a history too often excluded from public conversation. My hope is that this screening inspires reflection and brings wider recognition to this important story.
View Screening times and information for “Shadows Of The Past” here.