Veteran Kenyan filmmaker Abel Mutua recently opened up about his journey in the film industry during a surprise street interview at a Shell petrol station. He was approached by a School of Hard Knocks TikTok interviewer while seated in his SUV and agreed to share his story. Mutua revealed that he was first introduced to film production at age 12, and from that moment on, he knew it was an industry he wanted to be part of.
Mutua described the journey to his first million as long, noting that he was 32 when he finally hit the milestone through a corporate contract that ran for several months. He admitted that the filming industry is a bit difficult and that persistence is what separates those who make it from those who don't. Mutua's advice on staying relevant in film is to never stop creating, even when the gigs dry up.
To maintain a foothold in such a competitive space, Mutua emphasized the importance of always being top of mind. He achieves this by keeping on producing, whether he has a gig or not. Mutua also touched on self-doubt, a topic that clearly resonated with viewers. Rather than pretend it doesn't exist, Mutua uses a personal mantra to push through it, telling himself that there's no one else like him and that he's the best.
For aspiring filmmakers looking to monetize their craft, Mutua's message was direct: stop working in isolation. He advises that if you're a good cameraman, you get together with a good editor, you get together with a good marketer, and you have a unit. This way, it's easier to succeed. Mutua also offered one piece of wisdom that sounded simple but carried weight: money isn't everything, and the sooner ambitious young people understand that, the better positioned they'll be to build something lasting.
The interview was filmed outdoors with bold on-screen captions and an upbeat street-interview format, quickly catching fire online. The video sparked plenty of conversation in the comments section, with many viewers praising Mutua's advice and humor. Some viewers noted that Mutua's approach to dealing with self-doubt was particularly inspiring.
Mutua's interview has been widely shared, with many young filmmakers and fans taking to social media to share their thoughts and reactions. Some have praised Mutua for being candid and open about his experiences, while others have noted that his advice is applicable to many areas of life, not just filmmaking.
Recently, Mutua made headlines when he announced how much he is paying for his daughter's school fees at an international school. His daughter had shared reasons why she ditched the 8-4-4 system for the Cambridge system. The story has sparked a wider conversation about education and parenting in Kenya.
Key points
- Abel Mutua advises young filmmakers to never stop creating and to always be top of mind to stay relevant in the competitive film industry.
- Mutua emphasizes the importance of collaboration, advising aspiring filmmakers to work with others to succeed.
- Mutua's personal mantra for dealing with self-doubt is to remind himself that he's unique and the best, helping him push through challenging times.
