“Write it. Shoot it. Publish it. Crochet it, sauté it, whatever. MAKE.” - Joss Whedon

Mkaiwawi Mwakaba (mKay)

TV / Films / Publications

ENTER
About

BIO

Having acquired vast knowledge in the field of TV & Film production, I aim to be in a challenging position in the broadcast & entertainment industry utilizing abilities developed through my experience, training and necessary interpersonal skills, the outlook being professional growth based on performance. I started out my career in the newsroom interning as a reporter and later delved into the world of PR. I then chartered my way into photography - video and stills, and eventually found my niche in motion editing. I have garnered experience on the bench having worked on various Kenyan TV drama series’, documentaries, commercials, short films and the Internationally acclaimed, award winning Kenyan feature film, ‘Nairobi Half Life’. I have been recognized for my role as film editor on this feature in the Kalasha Awards 2012 (Kenya), the AMAAs 2013 (Nigeria), and AFDA 2013 (Tanzania). Currently, I work as a consultant TV and film online editor and/or post-production supervisor on various local and international projects as I develop my feature documentary. Away from work, I'm an outdoor enthusiast, who enjoys the arts and travel, and also volunteer as Publishing Editor at Tentmaker Interactive Media (TMI) Kenya. TMI is a creative design studio that specialises in providing unique visual media solutions to it's clients. Click to view portfolio

CV

Resume

SHAMBA SHAPE UP : Editor

January 2012 - Present

Shamba Shape Up is a television programme guiding small scale farmers on topics such as improved pest management, irrigation, cattle rearing, poultry keeping, financial education, crop management techniques, in an engaging yet informative way. The Shamba Shape Up team visit a different farm each week in a different area of the country. The team consists of the film crew and a number of experts from partner organizations who specialize in the topics to be covered in the episode. As of 2015, Shamba Shape Up had expanded to Uganda and Tanzania. Shamba Shape Up is now in it its 9th Season.

EU / ZANSASP FILMS: Editor

August - September 2018

Sponsored by the European Union and in collaboration with ZANSASP (Zanzibar Non-State Actors Support Programme), a series of short films that illustrate the nature and human impact of the work being undertaken by selected ZANSASP grantees.

MAKUTANO JUNCTION: Director / Writer

July - November 2016

Makutano Junction is a weekly drama series set in a typical peri-urban East African town. The drama follows the lives, loves, frustrations and successes of a small African community living in a context and a manner familiar to tens of millions of people on the continent. Through the carefully written script and a cast of familiar characters, Makutano Junction models real-life dramas and dilemmas as well as their solutions. It highlights basic rights and injustices while demonstrating remedies and best practices.

National Geographic Films: Editor

May 2016

10 minute long short films depicting the science and conservation work of regional explorers in Kenya and Rwanda.

A Fork, A Spoon and a KNIGHT: Editor

July - August 2014

Short Film. Directed by: Mira Nair & Zippy Kimundu. Shot on location in Uganda. Post-production: Kampala, Uganda / Capetown, SA. Presented by Montblanc, A Fork, A spoon and a KNIGHT was made as part of the Power of Words Series. In Partnership with the Maisha Film Lab, Tribeca Film Institute and the Nelson Mandela Foundation, this initiative inspires filmmakers to explore the written legacy of influential figures and use film as a tool of education. In its inaugural year, the series looked at the teachings and writing of Nelson Mandela as inspiration for story.

Soko Sonko: Editor

June 2013

Short Film. Directed by: Ekwa Msangi Shot on location in Kenya. Post-production: Kenya / New York. When her mother falls sick, Kibibi’s father, Ed, is tasked with taking her to the market to get her hair braided before school begins. Soko Sonko is a hilarious, fish‐out of‐water roller‐coaster of a journey, about a well‐intended dad who braves the fires and goes where no man has gone before…because only women have been there!

Burnt Forest: Editor

August - September 2011

Short Film. Directed by: Zippy Kimundu. Shot on location in Kenya. Post-production: Kenya / Singapore / LA A young Kenyan girl discovers that even the closest of relationships can be challenged by tribal obligations.

Nairobi Half Life: Editor

Feature Film; Directed by: Tosh Gitonga. Shot on location in Nairobi, Kenya. Post-production: Nairobi / Berlin. A young aspiring actor from upcountry Kenya dreams of becoming an accomplished actor one day, and in pursuit of this and the chagrin of his brother and parents, he makes his way to Nairobi the city of opportunity. He quickly understands why Nairobi is nicknamed Nairrobery as he is robbed of all his money and belongings and left alone in a city where he doesn’t know a soul. Luck or the lack of it brings him face to face with the city’s criminals and forms a friendship with a small time crook who takes him in. He is quickly drawn into a world of crime as he struggles to pursue his dream of becoming an actor. Keeping the two worlds separate proves to be a challenge for him as he trudges on in this unknown world called Nairobi. This is the story of a young man who despite all odds trudges on in search of his dream. His drive and soft spoken nature are his best resources. His determination is encouraging and he is a true testament that what stands between us and our goals is us.

Silverscreen Pictures: Editor

June 2006 - June 2007

Documentary Editing.

GinaDin Corporate Communications

September 2005 - February 2006

Event Organizing. Still Photography. Camera work. Editing.

Services

Services

    Post Production Supervisor

    PROJECTS: Standard Chartered Bank Business Promos.

    • Editing
    • Writing
    • Directing
    see samples in portfolio

    TV & Film Editing

    I have garnered experience on the bench having worked on various Kenyan TV drama series’, documentaries, commercials, short films and the Internationally acclaimed, award winning Kenyan feature film, ‘Nairobi Half Life’. I have been recognized for my role as film editor on this feature in the Kalasha Awards 2012 (Kenya), the AMAAs 2013 (Nigeria), and AFDA 2013 (Tanzania). For more on this, view portfolio section.

    • Research
    • Casting
    • Directing
    see samples in portfolio

    Directing

    PROJECTS: Makutano Junction - TV Drama Series; Ring Finger - Music Video; In Development : Feature Documentary.

    • Branding
    • Credits
    • Interface

    Scriptwriting

    PROJECTS: Makutano Junction - TV Drama Series; Ring Finger - Music Video; In Development : Feature Documentary.

    • Research
    • Photography
    • Marketing
    see samples in portfolio

    Editorial (Print)

    Mkay has maintained her editorial flair by editing a number of publications, most notably the first edition of the "Beautiful Petals" eZine and the first eight issues of the "The Purpose Centre" eZine. These are available to preview in the portfolio section.

    my skills

    Professional Development

    WORKSHOPS PARTICIPATED IN:
    Maisha Film Lab _ Uganda _ Dec 2007
    One Fine Day Films Training _ Kenya _ Nov 2010
    Berlinale Talent Campus _ Berlin _ Feb 2013
    Durban Talent Campus _ Durban _ July 2013
    Film Production workshop _ Zanzibar _ July 2013
    BikoZulu Writing Master Class_Kenya_June 2018
    She Directs Workshop_Zanzibar_July 2018