Creative of the Week: Kenji Gathecha

Kenji Gathecha is a Writer/Director based in Nairobi. Kenji has worked on some of the biggest shows on television including Tusker Project Fame and Cokestudio Africa. He is currently directing the TV shows Hullabaloo and Sue na Johnnie for MNET Maisha Magic.

1. Did you always know you wanted to be a filmmaker?

No, I had no idea. I discovered my interest in film in my last year of university studying for a business degree.

2. What is your creative process like?

On my own projects I usually have many ideas as I go on with my day so I try my best to always write them down. I flesh out the ideas that are good (rarely) then I write a treatment. After feedback from a few trusted people, I write the script. Again after feedback I then look to see if the film can be done.

3. How much do your life experiences influence your work?

When you’re working on your own projects, your life experience is always going to be your point of view but when you’re working in television and are telling different stories every day, you have to incorporate a lot of different life experiences.

4. Do you watch any of the shows you direct when they air?  If you do, what is it like to see your work on the screen?

Yes, I do. It’s a mixed bag of emotions. As a human being you always feel like you can do better but now I’ve learned to let it go as soon as I approve an edit.

5. What are your thoughts on filmmaking especially writing and directing in Kenya and how do you think we can improve on the craft? What would you like to see change or happen in the industry?

I think the Writers/Directors in Kenya need to be bolder in getting their films made. Waiting for a Producer to discover you and find funding for your film is thinking of the past. Writers/Directors need to get a team together, find actors and pick up a camera.  I would like to see filmmakers start gearing their content to a wider audience online than just sticking to creating content for the same audience.

6. What challenges have you faced as a Writer/Director in Kenya? Do you think commerce affects your craft?

Getting funding for films is always a challenge. Marketing films is a challenge. Distributing of our films is always a challenge. Yes definitely, money is an issue. In other regions investors are always keen to invest in films because there is potential to reap huge returns. In Kenya, it’s not easy to reap returns from films as of yet so investors shy away from funding films.

7. What advice would you give an aspiring filmmaker that you wish you had gotten when you were starting out?

If you are an intern/PA/boom operator and you have the ambition to be a director that is awesome, but first be the best inter/PA/boom operator there is and take it from there. Also, just go out there and make a film.

8. You dabbled in music as well. What was that experience like especially compared to working in TV and Film?

Music takes a lot of self-investment. And self-discipline.  In TV you will most of the time have the money from a broadcaster or investor before you make a Film or TV show. In music, you have to put in all the money yourself (unless you’re signed to a label) and hope that your content is good enough to make people want to see you perform. If not, you keep putting out content until the day the do. It’s a tough life.

9. What work/project are you most proud of?

I shot a short film last year that is in post-production that I’m really proud of. We had an amazing team and I can’t wait for people to see it.

10. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Hopefully still working in the film industry.  Hopefully I’ll have also mentored a few people in the industry.

Bonus Question

11. If you could direct a remake of an existing Film/TV show, which would it be and why?

Remember Tahamaki? I’d love to remake Tahamaki! I think it would be so cool!

Check out Kenji’s profile and work below.

Twitter: @kenjiandthe44

Instagram: @directorkenji (IG Stories has a lot of behind the scenes on set)

YouTube: Kenjiandthe44