“MILK” by Fariba Buchheim
MILK is a tender and powerful short film that explores the emotional landscape of motherhood in Nigeria. Through the intimate story of a new mother, it captures the quiet strength required to navigate breastfeeding in the face of societal pressures, personal doubt, and financial strain. The film sheds light on the everyday decisions women must make—balancing care, cultural expectations, and economic realities—and emphasizes the importance of informed choices when it comes to nurturing both child and self.
FROM THE DIRECTOR
“As a director, I’m drawn to stories that reveal the quiet, often unseen complexities of our lives — especially those shaped by social expectations, cultural beliefs, and emotional weight. MILK emerged from my deep interest in female autonomy and my desire to challenge narratives that are rarely told with sensitivity.
This film is a reflection of my commitment to authentic storytelling — shaped through research, instinct, and close collaboration with creatives based in Lagos, Nigeria. Working across cultures demands openness and trust, and I believe that’s where the most honest work happens.”
-Fariba Buchheim
CREDITS
Written and Directed by Fariba Buchheim/ @faribabuchheim
with:⠀
Nene Aliemeke/ @nenealiemeke⠀
Chukwuka Aliemeke
Production// We Make Them Wonder/ @wemakethemwonder
Client// Herconomy/ @herconomy ⠀
Supported by Serviceplan Innovation/ @serviceplan.io
Executive Producer// Maximilian Valentin/ @maximilian_valentin & Paul Jax/ @paul_jax
Producer// Daniela Boldt/ @__d.a.n.ii ⠀
Production Assistant// Nina Koch/ @ninaakoch
Post-Production Supervisor// Maximilian Porsche/ @maximilian.porsche⠀
Line Producer// Korbinian Meier/ @korbimaier
Service Production// Soldedad Productions
Service Producer// Ade Bantu/ @adebantu
Production Manager// Oyetunji Ibrahim Olamilekan/ @ibroolamilekan
Casting// Afrowren Productions/ @afrowren_productions
Casting Director// Olasunkanmi Adebayo
Casting Associate// Victoria Okogwu, Opeyemi Dada
Driver// Ogunshola Opeoluwa
Director of Photography// Manuel Lübbers/ @manuel.luebbers
First Assistant Camera// Sebastian Krenn/ @sebastian.krenn
Second Assistant Camera// Silverlyne Asugo/ @silverlyne_asugo
Equipment Support// Noah Nitschke/ @noah.nitschke, Linus Oswald/ @linus.1202
Set-Design// Bola Belo
Set-Design Assistant// Gbolahan Ifeoluwa Jacob
Outfit for Final Scene Designed by Éki Kéré/ @eki_kere
Editor// Marie Izard/ @marie.iz
Colorist// Adrian Honsberg/ @adrian_honsberg ⠀
Score & Sounddesign// Martin Linka/ @thatsoundsmart⠀
Directors Agency// Match Berlin/ @match_berlin
DoP Agency// Trinity Agency Berlin/ @trinityagency_berlin
Thank you
Kristina Schreitel, Jasna Lohr, Caroline Jeorgakopulos, S EC Studio/ @sec.studio , LUFASI Nature Park Lagos, Stefan Oster, Dynamic Frame/ @dynamic.frame, The Church Community of Christ Salem Church / Kilo, Surulere
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