Did you ever dream of becoming a filmmaker?
What if you had this dream from childhood, but grew up in Kibera, one of East Africa's largest slums?
Matthew Kigen, age 24, who grew up in Kibera, held on to his dream of becoming a filmmaker.
Matthew faced many challenges. His mother wanted him to become an accountant and get a good-paying job. His heart was not in it.
When the company he was working for collapsed, Matthew welcomed the defeat as a blessing in disguise. He went back to his original dream - to tell his stories on film.
Matthew came to Hot Sun Foundation and worked diligently as a volunteer for several months, without telling anyone about his dream to become a filmmaker.
With quiet determination, Matthew passed the rigorous admissions process to Kibera Film School. He will join the class that begins 12 March for the five-month Foundation in Filmmaking course.
Matthew's message to Hot Sun Foundation supporters:
Here in Nairobi, when you tell someone you are from Kibera, there is prejudice. We want a chance to prove what we can do. With your support, we will succeed.
Matthew pays only $24 per month for filmmaking training that costs $400 per month per trainee.
To continue to offer the Foundation in Filmmaking five-month course to talented East African youth like Matthew, Hot Sun Foundation needs your support.
Wed. March 14 is GlobalGiving MATCHING DAY. On this day, 30% of your donation to http://www.globalgiving.org/3632 is matched.
Mark your calendars!
Tell your family and friends on facebook, twitter, blogs.
Make a donation of any amount on Wed. March 14 Global Giving Matching Day at http://www.globalgiving.org/3632
Start your day by making a donation EARLY on Wed. March 14 before matching funds run out.
Matthew has pursued his dream of becoming a filmmaker. Now it's up to you!
Thank you.
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If you pop into Hot Sun Foundation offices you will often find AIda at the reception. Aida recently returned from a two week workshop at the Kilimanjaro Film Institute in Arusha, Tanzania. She is a member of a team of young East African filmmakers working on a Kiswahili TV series.
A single mother of an 8 year old son, Aida is an upcoming filmmaker. She started as a beautician working on the set in Kibera of the award-winning feature film TOGETHERNESS SUPREME. Aida successfully completed traiing at Kibera Film School and…look where she is now!
Quote from Aida: I love film and I see myself as an aspiring film producer.
More young women in Kibera and other marginalized communities in Nairobi need the opportunity like Aida to get film making training and tell their stories. There are very few young women in the film and media industry in East Africa. Give the young women living in slums a chance.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS PLEASE. Wed. 14 March 2012 is Global Giving Bonus Day!
Your contribution will be matched 30% by Global Giving.
SPREAD the word on facebook, twitter, blogs. Contribute at http://www.globalgiving.org/3632
Our goal is US$1500, which is one half of one month's operating expenses at the Kibera Film School.
For everyone contributing US$50 or more we will send you a free DVD of either Kibera Kid or Selections from Kibera Film School and Kibera TV.
Kibera Film School is changing lives, like those of Aida, offering opportunities that are a dream come true.
Make it happen! Contribute US $50 or more on MARCH 14, Global Giving Matching Day.
REMEMBER: contribute EARLY on MARCH 14 as matching funds are limited.
Make our day. Make Aida's day and all the young aspiring filmmakers in #Nairobi slum. IT'S OVER TO YOU.
Global Giving Matching Day 14 March 2012 http://www.globalgiving.org/3632
Thanks.
Links:
My name Grishon Onyango. I am 21 years old. My passion is photography and filmmaking.
I got my chance when a friend told me about Hot Sun Foundation. My mom told me to come, but I didn't know how to get here. I tried three times and finally found it and joined Kibera Film School.
I am just feeling happy about myself. I go from step to step. I didn't know how to edit and now I do. I keep learning.
I made a short video for the project "Operation Smile" that helps children with cleft palates and other problems. I am proud that my skills can help others. Now I have some experience. I am a filmmaker.
Hot Sun Foundation is a platform to achieve want you want to do in life.
Message to our supporters:
I just want to thank you for being kind and generous.
I hope you will continue helping and you will be blessed.
Sincere thanks from all of us at Hot Sun Foundation!
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