The few that I do confide in are very close friends who shall remain nameless for now...the internet is just too small. My closest friend here is also my business partner and an amazingly creative, talented woman. She's Kenyan which has also meant that I learn from her perspective and gain a stronger insight into Kenyan culture that leaves me dazed and confused at times. She was the first person to give me work in Kenya and we plan to make films together forever… She’s also done her best to convert me to veganism which has thus far failed but I have to love her for trying. As for me, I try to slip a hot dog into her veggie stew once in a while but that hasn’t worked so far.
Most of my close friends are part of the filmmaking industry. I haven’t talked about work much because there hasn’t been much to talk about…just enough to almost survive and to have paid rent thus far. I’ve produced various documentaries, adverts, etc. and thins are moving along. I’m hoping that a few of the projects that I’ve been chasing come through as they would mean loads of travel throughout East and West Africa which would absolutely amazing – and the work is dynamic as well. It’s all exciting; and it all means that when I’m not actually shooting, I’m networking every day to find the next great project. It’s exhausting and scary at times – when rent is due and money is tight – but I wouldn’t give up this experience of producing in Africa for anything right now. I am a producer. I love producing. It’s all I want to do and I’m very fortunate to have a chance to do what I love in Africa.
As an update, I am now the Director of Awali Entertainment Ltd. (www.awalientertainment.com). We're doing our best to generate new work (original works) and to also service some jobs with local clients. We're navigating the Kenyan tax system and other challenges (licensing, etc.) but we're getting through it all. Earlier this year we attended the Cannes Film Festival in France and that was a great trip for the company (more on that later)...
We could be busier...but we're not stuck...which is saying a lot right now.
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