A brief film history...
It all started with a film called Kikulacho. During my Master's in Film Studies, I found myself surrounded by classmates with industry experience while I primarily possessed literary expertise from my BA in English Language and Literature. Despite being more of a film critic than an active participant in the creative process, I recognised the imperative need to acquire practical filmmaking skills. Following unsuccessful attempts to learn through internships and volunteer work, coupled with discouragement from unsupportive mentors and the industry at large, I took matters into my own hands. Equipped with a camera and fuelled by a desire to learn through action, I embarked on my filmmaking journey.
In 2017, Filmmaker Charles Dart and I joined forces to create Kikulacho, an experimental thriller short for the Nickel Independent Film Festival in St. John's, Newfoundland & Labrador, Canada. Our efforts were rewarded with the accolade for Best Art House Film, and we received a special commendation from the festival years later. Since then, I have continued to produce films at a steady pace, typically one or two per year. As others have joined me on this endeavour to build a digital portfolio, I coined the term the '20-Film-Portfolio'. While these films may not be flawless, they serve as a collective learning experience for beginner filmmakers through mentorship. I firmly believe that by the time we reach the 20th film, we will have honed our craft and perfected our skills.
On 6th April 2024, we had a public screening where we wound the first season of the portfolio, and premiered the first film of our second season, Carrot Story (2024), an active move into producing environmental film.
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Season 2
Carrot Story
The story of the carrot, as depicted in the tale symbolises a profound lesson, the carrot, once strong and unyielding, softened and weakened when faced with life's uncertainities. Our premier Eco Film, Carrot Story, is a unique approach to environmental storytelling.
This film made its debut at the 20-Film-Portfolio Screening at Braeburn Garden Estate on the 6th April 2024 with a phenomimal first viewing. The roles I undertook were Producer, Co-writer, and Editor on this project.
Season 1
Paint the Spectrum
Paint the Spectrum made its debut with an exclusive first viewing at Unseen Nairobi on July 2nd, 2023. Nervous yet filled with anticipation, we approached the event with cautious optimism. To our surprise and delight, the film garnered recognition and acclaim when it was officially selected for the First-time Filmmaker Sessions at the Lift-off Global Network Film Festival 2023. Crafted with passion and dedication, Paint the Spectrum is a testament to the creative vision of its writer, director, co-camera and editor, yours truely.
Kikulacho
A man grapples with the festering wound of guilt, delving deep into the Swahili saying 'Kikulacho ki' nguoni mwako', which translates to "Whatever eats you comes from within." Co-written, co-directed, and co-produced with by Charles Dart, with editing by Charles, the film explores the profound impact of inner turmoil and the weight of personal responsibility. The protagonist confronts the haunting shadows of his past compelling journey of self-discovery and redemption.
Bare
A young woman captures the essence of life in the 21st century inviting viewers to explore the mundane nature of modern existence. The topic of capturing the essence of life in the 21st century through film has been looming over me. As the Writer of the screen play, and Editor, it felt right to tell this story today, at the height of social media. It also provided a paced learning experience for our mentees, Bhakita (Director & DOP) and Steve Nyanchoka (DOP).
The Mantra
A young lady finds herself haunted by a flower-shaped apparition, embodying her feelings of frustration and hurt. Desperate for solace after a harrowing nightmare, she embarks on a journey of self-healing, employing psychosomatic therapy to confront and diminish the relentless presence of the apparition. Written, directed, and edited by Sandra Nekh, the film delves into the profound depths of the human psyche, exploring themes of trauma, resilience, and the transformative power of self-care.
CC & Tiel
Captured amidst the backdrop of the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown, and infused with Afrofuturism, CC and Tiel delves into the realm of passion within the tech world. When a young woman, driven by her fervor for technology, resorts to breaking into a neighbor's home to indulge in her passion, she unexpectedly finds herself entangled in a prank-filled encounter with a younger, yet affluent tech prodigy. Written, directed, and edited by Sandra Nekh, the film navigates themes of ambition, ingenuity, and the pursuit of one's passions.
TOV: That Other Voice
A young woman is confronted by a haunting voice questioning her satisfaction with life, prompting her to embark on a soul-searching journey in search of fulfillment. As she ventures into the unknown, leaving behind the comfort of family and friends, the film unravels a profound exploration of the human condition. Co-written by Cecilia Achieng’ and Adrian Long, with a script crafted by Adrian Long and Sandra Nekh, the story delves into the complexities of longing and desire. Directed and edited by Sandra Nekh, the film offers viewers a poignant glimpse into the age-old adage, 'if wishes were horses'.
Man Gitu
A man is forced to confront his past in a harrowing exchange of pride for redemption. When a group of vigilantes takes justice into their own hands by kidnapping a man and coercing a confession, the protagonist is faced with a moral dilemma for his redemption. The viewers are drawn into a visceral journey where the line between right and wrong blurs, and the pursuit of justice demands sacrifices. Written, directed, and edited by Sandra Nekh, promising a compelling exploration of the complexities of morality and the relentless quest for justice.
Spirit
In a scathing critique of contemporary dissonance, this futuristic fantasy delves into a divided society comprised of two distinct zones, A and B, with the latter representing a marginalized segment. A young man strives to ascend the socioeconomic ladder, despite facing numerous obstacles along the way. His newfound ambition strains his relationship with his girlfriend, who appears unenthused by his pursuit of social mobility. With a mesmerizing musical score by Léon Colibri, and Anne Labadie, complemented by striking graphics from Anne Labadie and art design by Grace Hughs and Akisi Crafts, Spirit offers an exploration of societal stratification and the relentless pursuit of status. Written, directed, and edited by Sandra Nekh.
Luscid
Luscid marks the remarkable debut of Denzel Everd Maniple as a filmmaker, showcasing his talent and creativity in this captivating production. As an alum of this initiative, Denzel's journey culminates in this awe-inspiring project, where he serves as the writer, director, and editor. It's a testament to his dedication and passion for storytelling. I am immensely proud to have collaborated with Denzel as a producer on this film.
Knightly
Following the success of my debut film, Kikulacho, my second film continues the dive into horror shorts delving into the depths of a woman's night terror, offering a glimpse into the darker recesses of the human psyche. As the writer, director, and editor, supported by my mother, Elizabeth 'Nasita' Kere, who served as the producer, this project marked a significant milestone in my filmmaking journey. Drawing upon the expertise of the OG members of the 20-Film-Portfolio cast and crew, I embarked on this eerie endeavor, embracing the weirdness that defines me. Through humble beginnings, I forged my path as a storyteller, laying the foundation for the narratives yet to unfold.