Eight years ago, Angela Ruhinda left Los Angeles to return to her homeland of Tanzania, a move that has been both personally fulfilling and professionally challenging. Despite the adjustments, she has successfully established herself as a screenwriter and producer through her company, Black Unicorn Studios.
Her latest project, *Big Girl, Small World*, is a Showmax series that follows a plus-sized woman’s journey of self-discovery after a humiliating scandal. This project is significant for Ruhinda, marking her first experience writing for a TV series and creating content for a Kenyan audience. She collaborated with an all-female team of writers to bring the story to life.
In an interview with OkayAfrica, Ruhinda shared her journey as the lead writer for *Big Girl, Small World*. The show’s director, Nick Mutuma, approached her with the idea, which was initially pitched as a romantic comedy feature. Excited by the opportunity to write for a plus-sized character—something rarely seen on African television—Ruhinda joined the team.
The writing team aimed to portray the main character, Ciku, as relatable and flawed, emphasizing that her size is not her only imperfection. Ruhinda noted that they wanted the audience to see themselves in Ciku, who embodies the messy reality of self-discovery.
Though she faced challenges as the only Tanzanian in a largely Kenyan production, her familiarity with Kenya helped her navigate the cultural nuances. She acknowledged that having an all-female writing team is uncommon in East Africa, emphasizing the importance of diversity in perspectives among women.
Moving back to Tanzania initially slowed her career due to fewer opportunities compared to Los Angeles. However, it has allowed her to tell African stories authentically, and she has no regrets about her decision. She is eager to expand her storytelling to include more Pan-African and international narratives.
Ruhinda is currently in post-production on her second feature, a holiday movie, and is exploring opportunities in West Africa. She believes that streaming platforms are essential for reaching broader audiences, as they provide a more effective distribution method compared to traditional cinema.
Reflecting on her growth since her first feature, *Binti*, released in 2021, Ruhinda highlighted the lessons learned in production and writing. She has become more conscious of audience engagement while balancing her artistic vision with marketability, enhancing her approach to storytelling in the competitive landscape of film and television.
