Artistically Yours.

Another Sunrise, Nairobi Style.

Greetings readers, how have ya'll been? Hope you've all been good. How was summer? Was good for me did a lot of stuff, was super busy and happy for the most part. Met lots of amazing peeps, Actors, actresses, Directors, Producers, name them...

Kudos to the 2000 plus readers from all over the world. The US of A is upping its game,(Y'all better vote for Obama, btw) Kenya holding it down as always, The French are showing some love, as is their nature, in conjuntion with the russians, lovers of vodka. Swiss are watching, checking their watches, Australians are drinking and toasting, and Canadians are traveling, Guns on the ready, but rarely used, unlike the Americans...

Artistically. Oxford dictionaries describes this as sensitive and appreciative to art and beauty. So thats what Ive been up to for the last six weeks. Appreciating the art and beauty that lies hidden in each and every one of us. Ive acting, writing, modelling (sorta), and directing is to come pretty soon. I am currently to begin my degree course at kenyatta University, B.A Film technology and Theater arts

I have always been a student of the arts. Since the first time I ever acted. I remember it like it was yesterday. I was 12 years old, final year primary school. It was an English lesson, role playing. There was no script. I was to play a drunk irresponsible father who'd gotten home to his starving wife and children. was rather funny since I was supposedly drunk, and my wife was 4' inches taller than I. I could have been beaten up any time #nyeristyle but luckily it didn't happen. At the end, Id fallen in love with acting...

 Every professional actor needs a professional headshot and true to this, I had mine taken at Gash Studios, Bishan Plaza, Westlands. Booked by Gerald Langiri, the actor and administrator of kenyan acting information website  www.actors.co.ke , link provided. The shoot went well and yes here is the photo. Please note the stubble of hair in roughly the same region as where a beard ought to be., hehe..


If you are a Director, Producer,Writer, or Actor, looking for provision of acting and writing services and also  interested in an ally in the professional world of art, dont hesitate to contact me. Email me at   dennisvongichuki@gmail.com


I took an acting class three weeks ago, at Acting for Cinema training Workshop. Actors are the most interesting people alive. I mean, its our job to keep you interested, the same way its the DJ's job to keep you partying. So an acting class is the most interesting class ever. With desk mates like Faith Kybathy, Haroun Risa, transport by Molline 'Mololine' Dove and camera men like Erick Muriuki, what more could one ask for? It was hosted by Director Neil Schell and Actress Nini Wacera.Was a mind blowing experience. Neil has acted in movies such as A-team and watchmen and TV series like Fringe. Locally, he has Directed TV series such as Saints and higher Learning. And guess who is going to direct feature film My Life In Crime, the movie based on John Kiriamiti's book? No its not Christopher Nolan, Its Neil Schell. I am thoroughly convinced that done with Neil's level of perfection, This will be an Oscar winning Film. I am very intrested in providing acting services for My Life In Crime  Jack Zollo Is Back!!! 

L-R. Nini Wacera, Dean Gichukie, Neil Schell.

Chalk Graffiti in the Background done by Haroun Risa.

 
 Yesterday was the sixteenth anniversary of the death of Tupac Shakur, The greatest Rapper Ever. He achieved so much, at the age of 25. His music still resonates with todays generation 16 years later. And to celebrate his life and legacy, ill leave you with three photos to commemorate his life. The three are, in my consideration among his most powerful words. True, Life is a wheel of fortune, and Its my Turn to spin it. Wether were black or White, It doesn't matter. Coz were Human.

 I Attended a script writing symposium hosted by Dwayne Johnson Cochran, hollywood writer and Director, at the Kenya National theatre, Ukumbi Mdogo. Facilitators of the event were Hot sun Foundation represented by Pamela Collet and Kenya Film Commision. It was an eye opener, into this amazing industry, of telling stories. At The end of the day, after all the sweat and hard work, I'm doing one simple thing. Telling Stories.

Relaxing, on set. Lies that bind

Shooting on the set of 'lies that bind'. Was a rather interesting experience since it was my first time on set.Had a rather interesting role, that of a political goon. Okay, before you inform Mr Kibunjia that this writer is spreading hate speech, slow down, take a deep breath and let me explain. A political goon is one of those guys who storm the political meetings held by their employers opposition. In this case, it was a 'kina mama' harambee. I know, I'm not helping my case but I had a lot of fun considering its not everyday I get to storm meetings, hehe. Later I got the chance to network with my fellow actors and even took tea, provided by the above mentioned kina mama. Moral of the story, its never that serious.

The tana massacre has shocked each and every one of us. Tana river is gushing with blood. Over 100 killed in the most macarbe circumstances in three bouts of madness in one month. Children are among those killed, and their only crime' that took them to an early grave is being seen to be tomorrow's warriors. Also killed are hapless women and old men, entrapped in their homes by gun wielding raiders whose mission is to ring them in their homes  so that the hatchet mencan strike those fleeing their bursts of gunfire at the doorstep. Lets say a prayer, a silent one, that the bloodshed may cease.




Nairobi Half Life. The one Film that is changing the Kenyan Movie scene. The story of  Mwas (Joseph Wairimu) of A young aspiring actor from upcountry Kenya dreams of becoming a sucess in the big city. In pursuit of this and to the chagrin of his brother and parents, he makes his way to Nairobi, the city of opportunity. Veteran actors such as Nini Wacera, Mugambi Nthiga and Eddy Kimani rub shoulders with the new and equally talented Nancy Wanjiku and Wilfred Olwenya who plays Oti. Sadly, I have not (yet) watched the movie. But I have watched the trailer and bugged enough of my friends about it to consider myself a worthy fan.It won best actor award, for Joseph Wairimu's portrayal of Mwas, at the Dublin International Film Festival. Kudos to David 'Tosh' Gitonga, the director, and

TOOT THY OWN HORN

To all artists, to all achievers, and everyone who wants to build him/herself in this new age. You will get Fans, acquaintances, Worshipers, Admirers, stalkers, critics, haters, and all sort of personalities in this industry, some good, some bad. Some loyal, some evil. But you are not allowed to EVER, EVER   



                                                                 
                                                                  Have a lovely day. 

A film-able day.

Yours,
Dean Gichukie.