Aggie is a Bristol-based Kenyan filmmaker. She has directed, produced and edited both short and long form content for broadcast TV and cinema, both in English and Swahili.
Her directing work includes All in a Day, a TV film for the South African AMOF (Africa Magic Original Films) channel, and feature film Lisilojulikana for the UK-Based charity Purple Field Productions, which was screened across Africa and dubbed into Chichewa for the Malawi audience and later won the Dodi Spital award in Canada in 2018.
Other genres Aggie has worked on include soap operas (Jane & Abel), comedy series (News Just In), and sitcoms (Urembo). She also co-created, produced and released comedy/thriller Janjaruka, which tackles living with con and corruption in Kenya.
Recent work includes Bristol-based comedy short film Vacant, which won the Judges Choice Award at the RS Film Fest, October 2023.
Q: Tell us a little bit about your journey to producing and directing. Did you always want to work in this industry?
I’ve always wanted to be a film and TV director, for as long as I can remember. I love telling stories and with the powerful tool that is film, I found myself completely transported watching shows and films as a young girl. I started off as a grip, which was the first opportunity I could get into, and after 9 months of doing that, I moved across to video editing for short films, music videos and then eventually, TV dramas. I did that for about 6 years after which I felt ready to move up to directing and then later producing my own content. This journey still continues as I have now relocated to the UK from Kenya and find myself re-drafting a path back to my directing throne!
Q: What do you love about working in film and television?
I love working with actors, being part of a team of like-minded creatives, crafting a narrative together and making magic for others to enjoy. I also love that we work in such a visual realm so that the stories we share impact and connect with audiences in a direct and tangible, with people being able to see themselves on screen and empathise with characters who represent both them and others. I also love the buzz of working on an exciting project and the rewards of seeing/hearing the audiences reaction to your work in cinemas, for example. It’s exhilarating when it feels like you’ve hit the mark.
Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Don’t take yourself too seriously. It’s just telly!
Q: What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced?
Starting over after relocating and finding difficulty getting work. I’ve had to apply for entry-level positions and dumb-down my CV just to get a chance. It’s been a humbling experience whilst also a huge part of my personal development.
Q: What’s next for you?
I have some projects that I’m spearheading in the background (a short film, a feature doc and also looking to pitch a crime-drama) whilst trying to navigate the HETV industry with whatever opportunities I get my hands on.
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