Delays, Dreams, and Divine Timing: The Journey to KAYAMATAH Short Film
As we step into 2025, I’ve been reflecting on a profound lesson that has shaped my life and career: delays are often blessings in disguise. This truth has carried me through the incredible highs and crushing lows of creating KAYAMATAH (A Black Soul in a White Body)—my latest supernatural-horror film. This project wasn’t just another creative pursuit. It became a journey of resilience, faith, and surrender—a lesson in trusting life’s divine timing.
When Dreams Are Tested
In 2022, fresh off the success of my first short film, I’m Not a Nurse, I was ready to dive into my next big project, one I had been developing since 2019: KAYAMATAH. When a producer I deeply admired offered to bring the story to life, I felt like my dreams were coming true.
But her terms demanded full ownership of the project.
I was devastated. This story wasn’t just a film—it was part of my soul. Giving it up felt like losing a piece of myself. At the same time, the thought of waiting indefinitely for funding or another opportunity seemed unbearable.
For a moment, I wanted to give up.
But life has a way of teaching us through its twists and turns. What I’ve learned is that rejection is often redirection. It’s the universe nudging us toward a path that better aligns with our essence.
Trusting the Process
Two years later, KAYAMATAH became something greater than I ever imagined. With funding from two sources, generous in-kind support (including from Murdoch University), and a breathtaking location gifted by sheer fate, the film came to life.
And the best part? I own 50% of the film’s rights.
The delays gave me time to focus on marketing I’m Not a Nurse, which went on to win four awards and earn twelve festival nominations worldwide. It also gave the story of KAYAMATAH space to evolve and attract the right people.
One of the most serendipitous moments came when I realised my partner’s property—someone I met during those two years—matched the vision I had written for KAYAMATAH back in 2019. This wasn’t coincidence; it was alignment.
Walking the Path with Courage
During those two years, I also worked on another low-budget feature film. It sharpened my skills, deepened my confidence, and prepared me for KAYAMATAH.
The waiting wasn’t a pause—it was preparation. A time to grow into the bold, brave filmmaker I had to become to do justice to this story.
Sometimes, life asks us to wait, not to punish us, but to prepare us for something even better than we imagined.
Soulful Lessons from Life
KAYAMATAH isn’t the only time I’ve seen divine timing at play.
In 2020, I thought I had it all: a funded film, I’m Not a Nurse; a business ready to launch with a partner; and the comfort of co-parenting with my ex. Then, in one week, everything fell apart.
The business partner pulled out. My ex disappeared, leaving me to raise my kids alone. The producer for my film withdrew.
Three blows in one week. I remember falling to the ground, laughing uncontrollably because the pain was too deep for tears.
But life had other plans. Today, I’m Not a Nurse has won awards, inspired a book of the same name, and attracted global attention. I built a personal brand rooted in resilience and purpose—all while raising my children.
That chapter of my life taught me to trust the timing of the universe, even when it feels like everything is falling apart. What feels like rejection is often a redirection to something greater and truer to who we are.
A Soulful 2025
What’s Next?
This year, I’ll be sharing behind-the-scenes stories, exciting updates, and release news about KAYAMATAH. Along the way, I’ll also be sharing soulful insights and wisdom that have been gifted to me—so I can pass them on to you.
I can’t wait to take you on this incredible journey.
Here’s to a year filled with boldness, love, and fulfilment. Let’s create something extraordinary together in 2025.
With love,
Jessica Bailey
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