By Water

BY WATER follows an unlikely hero's journey into his memories, which transform into a vehicle for reconciliation and healing. Based on a true story, the film was written and inspired by Iyabo Kwayana’s experience with her brother. Upon receiving an unexpected voicemail from him after his disappearance, Kwayana heeded her brother’s message and created this film as a way to “complete” his story.

BY WATER follows an unlikely hero's journey into his memories, which transform into a vehicle for reconciliation and healing. Based on a true story, the film was written and inspired by Iyabo Kwayana’s experience with her brother. Upon receiving an unexpected voicemail from him after his disappearance, Kwayana heeded her brother’s message and created this film as a way to “complete” his story.

A voicemail from filmmaker Iyabo Kwayana's brother sparks inspiration for what would become BY WATER. The message walks us through the idea and the memories they share, and provides an understanding of her brother.

In a self-written poem, filmmaker Iyabo Kwayana's brother shares an intimate moment about himself through words, and gleans his own presence and future.