Meet Joshua Wera | Film Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Joshua Wera and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Joshua, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
I know it sounds cliche but every time you feel stuck, and start hearing those voices in your head telling you to give up, all you have to do is remember why you had taken that challenge in the first place. In my journey there have been lots of challenges and when I almost gave up, I reminded myself of why I had started that journey. It puts a lot of things into perspective and makes whatever the hardship endurable. And even if in the end results don’t entirely go the way I had hoped, I am not disappointed. I feel proud that I did my part. I believe that if you really want something, giving up when faced with obstacles should not be an option. Instead, be open to learn, adapt, and keep on moving.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I define myself as a film director with a strong focus on fictional drama and documentaries. We grow up being told that there’s a drop of greatness in each and everyone of us. But to find that greatness and live it is subject to a lot of hard work which sometimes means we have to overcome a number of internal and external conflicts. Some of us succeed while some of us don’t succeed at all. I want my films and documentaries to solely focus on the journeys of individuals as they try to be their complete selves. I want to show how ordinary people transform as a result of both internal and external conflicts, and how that process can have a positive impact on our collective experience as human race. In 2023, as part of the AFROHADA Team we curated an art experience in Nairobi, Kenya whereby artists from Kenya and Korea created art together, designed a card game, run art exhibition, and held discussions sessions in the gallery where individuals shared personal accounts about how they are shaping art and how art is shaping them in return. The experience further proved what I already knew, that film as an art form can be a very powerful catalyst for initiating important conversations. One of the most important lessons I have learned through my journey is that everyone has a story to tell, and as a director I have to listen keenly and try to give every voice a chance to be heard. I will keep on perfecting my style so that I can give the world a taste of my works which celebrate ‘greatness in the ordinary’ through carefully directed dramas and documentaries.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
In Nairobi, Kenya I would strongly suggest taking a Matatu ride from the city center to either Kasarani, Kayole, or Ngong Road estates. These are not just ordinary bus rides to the estates where a bulk of our city’s populations live, but an experience to see and hear the real sounds of Nairobi. For anyone who doesn’t know, ‘matatu’ is a type of a 14-or-28 seater public bus popular in Kenya. I call them ‘little museums on wheels’ due to how nicely they are decorated. They often play Kenyan music and that alone will get you acquainted with that authentic local vibe. And when you finally get off in Kasarani, or Kayole, or Ngong’ Road you can take time walking around. Don’t hesitate to say; ‘Niaje!’ which means ‘Hello!’ to people or street sellers you come across. Nairobians are generally very nice and will be happy to share that warm energy with you. Try out some street food like ‘Mutura’ (African sausages), ‘Mshikaki’ (Skewered pieces of marinated meat), ‘Mahindi choma’ (roasted corn with chili powder), sugar cane or coconut drink. If you are lucky, some of the locals you interact with may even invite you to a local football match commonly known as ‘Ligi Ndogo’ or to a local pub for a cold drink of Kenya’s number one beer, Tusker. As always, don’t forget to drink responsibly and only go to a pub with a local if you feel totally safe and comfortable around them. On another day, you can visit the Nairobi National Park and immerse yourself in a safari experience right at the edge of the city. Then at sunset you may visit joints like Shamba Cafe, Carnivore Restaurant for some juicy BBQ (Nyama Choma) and beer or a variety of Kenyan dishes. Kenyans like to watch football games on the telly so feel free to join in while visiting any of these joints. Scream your lungs out in support of your favorite team. We don’t take offense. But if you are into clubbing you can go to The Alchemist or K1 Club House – especially on Fridays and Saturdays. They play a wide range of Afro House, Afro Fusion, Hip Hop, Reggae, and other genres of music. And as part of your travel it will also be great to spend some time exploring Nairobi’s streets, buildings, and other structures. The city was founded in 1899 and some of the old streets and buildings are still standing. For instance you can experience Nairobi’s old history in places like Kijabe Street, Kenya Cultural Centre, Kenya National Archives, McMillan Memorial Library, Nairobi Gallery, and the Railways Museum. By visiting these places you will experience a blend of African and British architecture which despite a bit of its sad history gave Nairobi the very foundation holding its iconic identity today. It will be worth your time walking around in these historical places and learning something new. Luckily, Nairobi is located only 3 hours drive away from two other Kenya’s major tourist attractions, that is; Mount Kenya and the Hells Gate National Park. And if you feel that you need a break to a place with lots of nature and refreshing air I would highly recommend taking that 3-hour drive out of the city. There are lots of car rental services in Kenya which makes it easy for you and your friends to just drive yourselves to either Mount Kenya or Hells Gate National Park. You will love it.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have had this incredible journey that took me from a small town in west Kenya called West Yimbo to Nairobi where I did my high school and college studies before leaving for South Korea and the UK to advance my interests in cinema studies. And bet there have been lots of people and organizations that have been immensely supportive during this journey. I would start by giving a shout out to my mom and dad. Initially, they didn’t think that a career in the media industry was the best choice for me but supported my dreams regardless. They understood it was something that made me incredibly happy and that alone earned me their enduring love and support throughout the way. I would also like to shout out to my big brother Joel, for getting me my first laptop and camera when I was still in high school so that I can improve my writing and camera skills. Individuals like Suhinne, George, Viktart, David, Duke, Obby J, Emm, Jadis, Soorang, Juyoung, and Kyungho have all been outstanding in their support for me over the years. Honestly, the list is very long and it’s hard to name everyone. But I genuinely owe a debt of gratitude to every person I have met and supported each other in our own individual journeys. Two of my favorite books are Niccolo Machiavelli’s The Prince and John Williams’ Stoner. In these two writings alone I have learned a great deal about life. In terms of institutions, I would like to send a shout out to Nairobi King Sejong Institute, Korea National University of Arts, and the University of Arts London for their unique roles in deepening my understanding of the arts and how it can be used as an impactful tool to address various issues in society. I am currently part of a creative team known as AFROHADA, and I would like to give them a shout out too for challenging me everyday to wake up and do something creative with my life!

Website: https://www.afrohada.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jo_mathematik

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuawera/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joshuawera

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@afrohada_official

Image Credits
Joshua Wera, Suhinne, AFROHADA