In the aftermath of the 2019 pandemic, a group of impassioned and talented young individuals shared a collective dream—to make an impact in the film industry. Thus, White Rhino Films (WRF) was born, with a mission to tell captivating stories that would resonate globally.
Thanks to the backing of Kua Ventures, our Small and Growing Business Program in Kenya, White Rhino Films secured a groundbreaking opportunity to collaborate with the renowned Disney World. This partnership was a dream come true for the ambitious creatives, promising to open doors and propel their films onto the global stage.
Michael Ilako, a key figure in this transformative journey, highlighted the pivotal role Kua Ventures played in laying the foundation for WRF’s success.
“Without the financial support and guidance, WRF would not have been able to launch the Team Sayari TV show and fund the initial three months of production.”
Michael emphasized.
The collaboration’s impact extended beyond mere business success. It significantly contributed to creating job opportunities for young creatives in Kenya. White Rhino expanded its team, providing employment to passionate individuals keen on pursuing careers in filmmaking.
Our crew was 80 people strong including 6 trainees. Every single person in the crew learned a lot and grew professionally.
Michael shared.
Moreover, the financial support enabled WRF to acquire state-of-the-art equipment, allowing their films to match international production standards. Working with Disney and National Geographic was a unique and transformative experience for the young filmmakers.
This was the first time an international entity as large as Disney and National Geographic worked on a production in East Africa where the entire process was done locally.
Michael noted.
The collaboration provided hands-on learning across various roles such as Production Management, Media Management, Episode Research, Script Writing, Camera Work, and Editing. It also facilitated specialized training programs conducted by industry experts, enhancing the storytelling techniques of the budding filmmakers.
Regan Oduor, fondly recognized within the team as ‘Odinare’, began his journey at White Rhino Films as a graphics trainee on Team Sayari. Over time, his dedication and talent propelled him into an accomplished graphics artist, carving out a sustainable livelihood through his craft.
Additionally, WRF reaped the benefits of the networks fostered during this project. White Rhino’s collaboration with Disney World opened doors for future partnerships and collaborations with other international film studios. This not only brought recognition and prestige to the company but also bolstered Kenya’s film industry on a global scale.
The impact of Kua Ventures’ support on White Rhino and the Kenyan film industry is profound. By investing in the dreams of talented youth and providing them with resources and opportunities, Kua Ventures played a pivotal role in transforming a small film company into a force to be reckoned with.
White Rhino’s journey is a testament to the potential of young creatives. It showcases how with the right support, passion, and determination, they can indeed make a mark on the global stage, reshaping the world through their stories.