I followed my heart, Kenya Institute of Mass Communication graduate says of career choice

GN: Before anything, give us a little bit of your background?

DW: I am an Environmental Studies graduate currently pursuing Film Production at Kenya Institute of Mass Communication. My family consists of a younger brother and our father following the sad demise of my mother two years ago.

GN: Sorry for your loss. What was the drive behind your pursuit for a film course?

DW: Initially, I was at a crossroads on whether to pursue a course on Environment or Film. I, however, was really passionate about the latter, but got discouraged when many advised that film was not lucrative. I went on to pursue Environmental Studies and was employed at Gibb Africa as an environmental specialist soon after graduation. After three months, nonetheless, I realised that my passion for film was greater than I had assumed. It did not take much for me to take a plunge of faith and follow my dreams on Film Production.

GN: Have you shown your initial career the door?

DW: Not at all. I am still an environmentalist albeit in a more arty way. The documentaries that I have produced as my school projects revolve around environment.

GN: How do you support yourself then?

DW: I earn a living thanks to a very supportive network through which I help churn professional productions. For starters, I act, produce, and direct at Tripple-E Productions. Speaking of which, an exciting television series I have been working on with director Basil Rota titled Majirani Apartments is due out soon, so look out for it. I also act for two other production houses, Kikwetu Limited and Next Level Productions. In addition, through my Orion Kenya company, I lease out filming equipment while directing plays for institutions that compete at the annual drama festivals any chance I get. So far I have directed plays for Kenyatta University, Baricho, Gaichanjiru, and Mange High Schools. Last, I am an event organiser.

GN: That is quite a mouthful, how do you balance all these with your studies?

DW: I have learnt how to work on a schedule, delegating task that I cannot handle personally. You would be amazed at what proper planning and discipline can achieve.

GN: You are probably best known for your role in the Gavana TV series, tell us about that?

DW: I auditioned for the role of the governor severally. On my third attempt, I clinched the role of the Captain.

GN: What do you consider some of your crowning moments?

DW: Getting the role of in the Gavana TV series, the response I got after playing a role in the play My Husband is a Woman two weeks ago, and the win in the national drama festivals by Hello Adults —a play that I directed for Kenyatta University are, without a doubt, gratifying. I have to mention that being part of a group of four who worked on a documentary titled Soul Hope was special. Joining forces with anti- jigger ambassador Cecilia Mwangi, we created a documentary about the effects of jiggers that was so powerful it received a standing ovation in its first minute of screening during the KIMC Film Week two weeks ago. The jigger menace, in my opinion, should be termed a national disaster.

GN: You seem to have the Midas touch in all that you do?

DW: It is not entirely my making. The stewardship of Wycliffe Buhere, our school’s drama patron and lecturer through the school’s drama club, Powerhouse has been a major influence.

GN: What challenges, in your opinion, ail the environment and film sectors?

DW: Poor quality productions are a big let-down caused by naivete in media technology and the existence of many great yet ‘silent’ script writers. To add to this the Kenyan audience is very impatient while the producers are quick to make a quick buck as opposed creating quality productions. Most environmental issues are not given the attention they deserve.

GN: How would you describe yourself?

DW: I am simple, God-fearing, hard-working and creative guy. After the day’s work, I sleep or watch comedy.

GN: Are you seeing anyone special?

DW: It is a bit complicated. Word has been going round that I am dating a socialite but I have to clarify that those are just rumours created by people who want to make me famous in a negative way.