I don’t give up on my dreams. I guess I am one of the few mad people who keep fighting in order to build a Kenyan Film Industry. We are very few on the field right now but more producers are gradually joining us, which makes our battle valid.
What drew you into filming?
I always had a natural tendency to create and tell stories. I was also addicted to watching films on the cinema halls. But it wasn’t until I watched Tim Burton’s film, Ed Wood, with Johnny Depp, that I realised that making movies is what I want to do for a living.
Tell us about your journey to joining the film industry. How did you find yourself in Kenya?
After graduating from the International Film School of Wales where I did both a BA and an MA in Film Directing, I got a job offer from a Kenyan media house called Vivid Features. They were looking for someone to set up a pattern of making low budget films quickly and effectively. I came to Kenya for six months and we set up Jitu Films and that time we produced 25 films! The project became bigger than I expected, therefore, I extended my stay for an extra year and then another one and now I have been here for close to eight years. In the process, I moved from Jitu Films and together with my wife Lizz Njagah, we created our own film company Historia Films where we continue making films like Me, My wife and Her Guru; The Return of Lazarus and House of Lungula.
How did you know that your wife (Lizz) was the one?
When I first saw her photo on an email she sent to me with her acting CV. I turned to a colleague of mine at that time and told him that I will date this girl! But when she came to visit me and my family in Greece in the early stages of our relationship, I felt that she was not only the woman I wanted to date but also marry.
You were recently named by local media as one of the trendiest couple in Kenya. How do you manage to always dress perfectly?
That’s a question you should ask Lizz! She is amazing when it comes to picking dresses and outfits, especially for red carpet events. I just stand next to her and smile! Having said that, I have a friend, Diana Nekoye aka Simbaress Fashions, who makes wonderful clothes for me, especially in African fabric.
Why do people keep calling you ‘Lupita’s ex-boyfriend’?
Maybe we can ask people to tell us why! I believe when Lupita started getting all the publicity and exposure in Hollywood, journalists naturally started digging her past and the closer they found related to her love life was some old articles questioning if me and her were dating or not. That was just before she left for the USA — four to five years ago. Lupita and I were hanging out a lot those days and enjoying each other’s company, as we have many things in common. Some people translated that as a “romantic affair”.
What are some of the challenges you have faced in Kenya?
I guess security is the main issue. I have had to learn to be conscious of my safety and security every time. This is especially after I got robbed a couple of times.
What is the most annoying habit that you wish Kenyans could drop?
Kenyans enjoy hating on someone’s success, especially their own people. They do so for the sake of it, even without getting the facts right. I also wish Kenyans could drop their fascination with politics. If only they could see how much time they waste in something that doesn’t help their livelihood. The Greeks loved politics and you can see how it has negatively affected the country. The most unpopular people in Greece are nowadays the politicians.
What don’t people know about you?
I did many odd jobs, including housekeeping in a hotel when I was in university. I worked in a food factory and in an old people’s home where there were mentally challenged people.
What has been the biggest struggle in your life?
Whispering. I have a natural loud voice and it’s a struggle for me to talk in a low voice.
What do you do in your free time?
I watch TV series with Lizz and take care of my pet, Terrapin Chura.
Photo: facebook/Alexandros Konstantaras