For the Love of Film

The most exciting part of this whole film training was the very first time I finalized editing my very first experimental short film. It was called ‘the dead cat’ and my name appearing on the credits made me so overly excited…y’all must think it’s silly but it felt like a dream come true. I spent most of my years after high school trying to get into the film industry (never in my life have I wanted to do anything else.)

Unfortunately, it’s not as easy to rely on film especially when you’re only trying to emerge. So, as a smart girl, I tried doing simple businesses to secure an income whilst I followed my dream. Of course, my family and friends don’t see film as a lucrative career so showing interest in the industry has made me look so unserious about life.

Initially, I was only interested in acting and writing mainly because I didn’t really have enough knowledge about the industry. So, after years of trying, meeting filmmakers here and there during workshops, working on different projects mostly as an extra. Finally, towards the end of 2024, I met Dilman Dila who introduced me to the Sisi film lab training.

Of course it piqued my interest, mind you, I had put anything to do with film aside for over a year (In the quest of this film dream, I nearly became a victim of sexual abuse) But I decided to give it a chance again and I can tell you, it’s one of the greatest opportunities I’ve had in my life.

In 2025, the training began (guys, I was becoming a filmmaker) I didn’t know I could direct a film or even be a producer since I was much more interested in writing. But as the journey continued, I realized there is so much to learn. It is not everywhere that you get to learn and practice with film equipment but fortunately for us, at Sisi I was able to learn theoretically and practically. 

During the third phase of the training, we had to practice pitching for funds. It was one of the most interesting and scary sessions. Fortunately for me, I got lucky and landed myself a grant (even though things happened along the way and ended up not filming) but that’s a big step that can’t go unnoticed. At least I now have a clearer picture of film, thanks to Sisi Film Lab.

I have gotten a chance to act in short films like Mu ggulu Lyaffe and Axie. Worked as a production assistant for a very interesting short sci-fi titled Atemel (didn’t even know how playing a double works) well, now I know because I got a chance to act as a double.

Back then we were made to feel that if you don’t pay, you could not get a role in a film, but now that I’ve been able to get roles without paying a penny, I can stand firm and ask whoever is told to pay to get a role, please don’t do it. It’s a matter of time; you will find people who will help you fulfil your passion at zero cost. I believe that if film labs like Sisi keep providing opportunities, all of us film enthusiasts will become filmmakers. 

Before I forget to tell you, I made short films like “period misunderstanding” and many others that came out of the exercises we were given during the training. So finally, here I am basking in my dream.