A Divine Experience

Initially I was overwhelmed by the task. 1979, over 100 extras, and a true story that spans 26 years. I had never helmed a project of this scope before. I remember our Production Designer Nancy Olouch coming into the interview room and assuring me that recreating 1979 Kenya was possible and a welcome challenge. “Okay”, I said, “you’ve given me the confidence that we can pull it off”. I then reached out to my Producer Matrid Nyagah and asked if she could assemble a few people from her church to be a part of a prayer team to support the film spiritually and creatively. 11 people from Mavuno church in Nairobi volunteered their time and drove 11 hours to Thimlich, Ohinga which is a Kenyan National Heritage Site. Click “What God Did Behind the Scenes” to hear more about what God did through the Mavuno Prayer team.

“What would I be willing to sacrifice to follow Christ?” This story answers that question for Dennis, but as I prepared I wrestled through that question. I enjoyed every conversation I got to have with Dennis Okoth, Gadwill Odhiambo (who plays Dennis), and Shandra Daisy (who plays Mary).

Over the two weeks of Production, I experienced a unity, a joy, and a creative fulfillment that I can only describe as divine. The professionalism of each crew member, the attention to detail, and the amount of fun we had was incredible. A special thanks to Dennis and Mary Okoth for allowing me to play a small role in telling their story. I am eternally grateful for this experience.  A special thank you to DP Andrew Bradford. Bro you carried me along this film, and took it to new heights.