The African Filmmaking Diaries: Episode 0

I had the privilege of attending the Maisha Filmmaking Lab this summer, and the experience was eye-opening, tiring, exhilarating and very rewarding. I went in with a half-baked script (In retrospect, only God knows how it got selected) and I came out with a short film that I’m proud to have my name on.

I learnt a whole lot, and I felt it only fair to share my experiences from Maisha on:

• Writing – From a concept to a screenplay.
• Rewriting – The unmistakable process that makes screenwriting what it is.
• Pitching – The 15 Minute pitch to direct film as experienced by me
• Pre-production – Casting, Reccies and Planning, Planning and some more Planning.
• Directing – From making short lists to your Shot List. Working with Actors, etc.
• Editing – Make room for the cutting room.

Now, I am by no means an expert on any of these things, nor do I claim to be, but I want to share my experience and hope it will inspire or teach something to someone. I will be doing this all from the perspective of Dawa, my short film.

Along with my film, I’ll also showcase a couple Kenyan and East African Films that you ought to have a  look at. Some in post-production, some that have been released and some that are ongoing projects. I’ll include videos and hopefully examples that can help inspire and encourage you to do capture light and do something with it.

Hope you enjoy the ride over the next couple of blog posts…

Sit tight for the African Filmmaking Diaries!