From ‘on set errand boy’ to film director

Like most filmmakers, Tosh Gitonga, the mind behind popular film Nairobi Half Life, had his time in the trenches before he made a kill.He spoke to Shirley Genga about his journey from irrelevance to recognition in the film industry

Who is Tosh Gitonga?  

I am a husband, a father and a passionate filmmaker. I grew up watching Kungfu and just fell in love with all things cinema. I live and breathe film; the experience simply blows my mind. 

Nairobi Half Life, was a big local hit. What inspired it?

I was inspired by the film Soul Boy by One Fine Day Films. After watching it, I knew I wanted to make a film like that. Soul Boy  is a local film that was done with a local touch. I went looking for the producers and they told me about the One Fine Day film workshops where they train film directors. I applied and was shortlisted for the workshops. Afterwards, I got the opportunity to direct Nairobi Half Life.

What did you love most about directing the film?

It was great and rewarding telling an African story as told by Africans. It was really gratifying to see those scenes come together in our language and in our own way.

Apart from the Kalasha Award for best director, what other awards have you won?

I won Best Director First Feature from The Pan African Film Festival in Los Angeles and also in Nashville, US. I value awards because when you get nominated or you win one, it means you are doing something great and people appreciate it.

Do you think the film and television industry has reached its peak potential?

Not yet. A lot still needs to be done.For example, film education is lacking. Most of us veterans have learned the tricks of the game the hard way, nothing formal or organised. Despite such challenges, young people with a passion for film keep growing and that is a positive sign.

What makes a great director?

Being a director is all about being a good storyteller through visuals and sound. A good director has to be meticulous in planning and leaves nothing to chance. This means a lot of hard work.  A great director must also be a good collaborator.

Tell us a little about your childhood?

 I grew up in Nanyuki and Nairobi. I am the last born in a family of three. I was slightly naughty as a child and pulled pranks on my sister and brother all the time. Despite that, my mum had a soft spot for me and I usually got what I wanted.  I was a very energetic child like a dynamo and could not sit still. That is why a 9am to 5pm job would never have worked for me.

I attended Nyeri Primary School and then Njiiris High School. I later did a diploma in Marketing at the Kenya Institute of Management and graduated in 2001.

Was that your childhood dream?

Not really. After college, I looked for an internship and coincidentally got a chance at my aunty Njeri Karago’s film production firm. That is how my career in film began.

Additionally, film was always around me. When I was in primary school, my brother had a chance to work in a Hollywood film —The Accent — produced by Njeri. He spoke highly of the experience and got me hooked on film.

What was your first job experience in the film industry?

I started from the bottom; I was a personal assistant at the film production firm, more like an ‘on set’ errands boy. I basically did everything for everybody. My first task was to photocopy scripts everyday. A long the way, I became very drawn to the director’s department and I have never looked back since then.

What challenges have you faced as a new filmmaker?

I really do not think of them as challenges, but as learning opportunities. I do not believe in failing, so I took the challenges head on. I was sure film was my passion, so I took everything in stride.

Tell us about the journey from bottom to the top?

It was not easy. I  worked on many productions before I got my first big break as a director. Directing the television series Changes opened bigger doors for me like the Nairobi Half Life. I am developing some new films.

Apart from directing, what else do you do?

I am a part owner of a production company called Film Crew In Africa. We produce commercials, infomercials, documentaries, TV shows and films.

I have a few film projects that will be done soon.

What do you do for fun?

I watch a lot of movies and read a lot. I have countless books. I also like hanging out with my friends and chilling at home with my family.  As a family, we love to play games together or go for long drives.

Advice for an aspiring director?

Hard work is very key, being creative is not enough.