Transform Lives of African Youth by Making Films

Hot Sun Foundation has opened up a creative vent in the Nairobi slum of Kibera. Youth who learned filmmaking together at Hot Sun Foundation’s film school are now creating their own short films.

 Currently a group of Hot Sun Foundation graduates are working together on a short film focusing on Stephen, whose nickname is Ondivow, local slang for “on the go”. Ondivow is a filmmaker, photographer and is known throughout Kibera for his ability to put together unusual and spectacular outfits that he sources from local second hand markets.

 Ondivow has become a creative role model for many youth in Kibera. Born and raised in Kibera, using the training he received in photography and filmmaking from Hot Sun Foundation, he is determined to project a different image of the slum and inspire the youth to be creative.

 Ondivow is working on the short film with two other youths whose lives were changed by Hot Sun Foundation: Erasto and Ignatius.

 Here are some comments from Erasto.

 Hot Sun Foundation’s Kibera Film School gave me a good foundation in filmmaking. Here I learned all the skills that I apply in my film production career. It also opened up a platform from where I have been able to work with and for various agencies and organizations.

Working on the film with Ondivow has been a great experience. Being that we are both graduates of Hot Sun Foundation’s Kibera Film School makes me appreciate learning in an organization that produces such talented people in society.

 Ignatius, at the age of 12, was the lead actor in the short film Kibera Kid that was the forerunner of the foundation of the Kibera Film School by Hot Sun Foundation. Ignatius graduated from the University of Nairobi and is currently studying for his Masters degree in Environmental Policy at the University of Nairobi.

 Here’s what Ignatius has to say:

Through Hot Sun Foundation I was able to get the fundamentals of filmmaking. Working on Ondivow's shoot was an eye opener on what one can do with what they like doing most. Similarly it was a good refresher on what happens on the location and what to do pre and after shooting. On future plans I will be engaging in production of short films (documentaries) touching on the issues of climate change and food security.

Thanks to all the generous Hot Sun Foundation supporters that provide the opportunity for training in photography and filmmaking which changed the lives of Ondivow, Erasto and Ignatius as well as many other youth living in Kibera and other low income communities in Nairobi.

We appreciate your support!