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JOAN KABUGU, 26, is a storyteller. She tells stories through film, drama and children's books. She is the author of Boom Boom Bus, a children’s book about courtesy. NJOKI CHEGE spoke to her.

Tell us how you got into story telling.

I have never studied film making or writing. After I completed my degree in Sociology from Moi University in 2008, I got my first job as an intern writer at Bird Life International, a conservation based organisation. My job was to write about flamingos, something I really enjoyed. Afterwards, I freelanced for local newspapers as a features writer.

Joan Kabugu

How did you get into film?

In 2009, I heard about a training opportunity in TV and Radio production being offered by Media Development in Africa (Medeva), a local production house. Within a short period of time, I had learned a lot about camera skills, video editing and filmmaking. I developed an interest and a passion that I never knew I had.

When and how did you make your first short film?

Again, I came to know of a training workshop offered by Maisha Film Lab — a Uganda-based training initiative for emerging East African filmmakers. They offer training in screen-writing, directing, producing, cinematography, editing, sound recording, and acting. I attended one of their screen-writing workshops in 2009, here in Kenya and got to write my first script. Unfortunately, it did not go through that year, but last year, I wrote an award-winning script through which I got funds to make my first short film.

Tell us about your first short film.

The film is known as Madame Chief’ and is about a lady chief who has access to scholarship forms, but is reluctant to give them to a bright needy student because he cannot afford a bribe. During the Maisha Film Lab workshop in October last year, I was encouraged to polish this script, and did more than ten drafts. After the ten-day competition cum workshop, I was declared the winner. The final cut for the film was finished in June, marking the completion of what was a great learning process. I have submitted it for the Kalasha Awards and the Kenya International Film Festival. I am trying to put together resources and hope to premier it soon.

How was the experience of writing and directing a film at the same time?

It was eye-opening. To write and direct a film gives you the power and absolute control of your film; therefore, you can dictate the path that your film will take. I learnt to take charge of the set and handle whatever pressure came my way.

How did you start writing children’s books?

I heard about this writing for children workshop convened by Muthoni Garland of StoryMoja. I applied and got in and for two months, I was trained on how to write for children. During the workshop, we were encouraged to write a manuscript for a children’s book. I wrote mine and it was published by StoryMoja in October last year.

What is the book called?

It is called Boom Boom Bus . It is about a girl called Zambezi, who in her exploits in discovering moving objects such as a bus, learns how to use courtesy words and magic words such as please.

What does it take to write for kids?

The first rule is and has always been, ‘don’t bore’. If you read your book to a five or six-year-old and they don’t like it, then you need to go back to the drawing board. Writing for children is very exciting for me. I love to watch young minds grow.

You keep talking about ‘workshops’ and ‘trainings’ what’s new?

You can never go wrong with the appropriate training in whatever field. It is important to sharpen your skills and keep yourself up to date with the latest trends in your field of expertise. So yes, workshops and training bring out the best in you and it is important for any young person to get involved in such to ensure they are informed and equipped for their careers.

What are you working on currently?

I am working on a sequel for my book, and I am also working for Al Is On Production as a story liner and scriptwriter. We are working on a new soap opera and I am enjoying the art of storytelling.

What advice would you give to other youth who want to succeed in their careers?

Learn, learn and learn. It is important to get as much training as you can because it will help you in your career. Keep your ears on the ground for relevant courses, workshops and training in your fields, also be keen to learn from those around you who have mastered the craft you are interested in.