Nelson Mok’s Post

After a period of studying the film ecosystem to its niceties; in this segmented interview I shed light into the Kenyan film industry, highlighting issues and offering practical solutions that seek to realise a sustainable and independent industry, not just for CHIEF PRODUCTIONS. #NeverStopBelieving #WeDoItForYou #thenewkenyan

Description of Umrah steps in a short video

In 2019, I made an ultra low budget indie film called FAQIR. I had neither made anything that professional, nor did I have experience with film festivals. Rushing to submit the film, I sent it to a couple of film festivals without verifying if they were legit. Plus, the film was barely complete, with awful sound due to background noise. Looking back, I should have made a silent film, or a short sound film instead with the same amount of money. After that whole ordeal, I lost confidence in traditional methods of filming and going into festivals as it seemed too difficult for someone who doesn't have the resources. I made experimental films and music videos until I realized the itch has to be scratched. I can't just go on like this, neither can I give up. At the end of 2023, I decided to embark on an effort to make a new film that would fix the issues I had in my previous films (sound, confusing storyline, lacklustre acting, overly dark and noisy cinematography etc.). I wanted my new film to actually be good and presentable. I also wanted to not hold back with dialogues and story ideas, and just show and say things that I wanted to say. After writing the script, I spent a month gathering different actors and crew members to take part in the film. It makes a world of difference between when you start off and when you have already put out different pieces of work, and have networked with industry enthusiasts over the years. Afterwards, I spent 4 months rehearsing with the actors, letting them get into their roles, even if it was their first time in front of the camera. We began rolling on April 2024, shooting on weekends, and public holidays. I edited the footage almost everyday after filming so that we can get a rough cut as soon as possible. Although the filming started off smoothly, on the last few main shooting days, it definitely got stressful and mistakes were made. People forgetting lines, forgetting clothes, hitting the time limit for the day due to unexpected delays. The one-man crew which I knew from the start I would have to take part in took a toll, but thankfully we finished the filming relatively smoothly. Originally, I didn't intend to submit to any festivals due to the bad experience from before. But after watching the rough cut, I decided to give it a try, but only for festivals that don't bankrupt me. So, without expectations, I submitted to Rameshwaram International Film Festival, after verification. I'm so glad I did, and I'm so glad I submitted right before the deadline. Whether our film wins or not, I wouldn't be too bothered. Just the fact that we were able to complete something is already something I'm proud of and I can't thank my team enough! Just gives me more hope to make more projects, keep submitting, and potentially get to Cannes Film Festival to be nominated for a Palme d'Or.

It's finally available to download in December...

The creativity industry (music, movie, art, design, dance, cloth, etc) awaits investment by the Nigerian/African leaders. Here is an industry that can bring in so much returns if properly invested but our native leaders are blind while the foreign investors are already planting the seeds whose fruits they will pick in the nearest future. I once read of how the major character in ‘The gods Must Be Crazy’ was given just $300 for a movie that made millions of dollars for the company, thesame is going underground right now, and making laws to prevent such atrocities are why we elected leaders to manage properly both our natural and Human Resources. At least half of the billions of naira allocated and released to key industries like education, health, etc are been stolen talkless of the peanuts given to our entertainment industry. If only we can set the pace for others to follow instead of just playing catch-up always.

"Cannes is a distribution goldmine, but the level of access depends on where your film is placed." Platoon One Films' Founder Shiladitya Bora in conversation with The Quint and Swati Chopra. Here's to hoping and starting a conversation about creating a sustainable ecosystem for independent film in India. https://lnkd.in/ddrMfUNC

The First Film Market in Indonesia is coming your way soon. Let's work together to make history in the Indonesian film industry! #JAFFMarket #JAFFJogja #JAFF2024 #FilmMarket

Plz watch this video short film abt india how moving towards a super power country 🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳

Happening now in Taipei, a more and more “European” city.