1. Please tell us your story leading up to arriving in that city and your relationship with Omondi.

It all started when I was working as the second camera operator on The Constant Gardener by Fernando Meirelles. We filmed much of the movie in Kibera. I was deeply struck by the extreme poverty of the area and wanted to do something to communicate to others what I had seen.

The creative process began with a series of interviews with orphaned children. They told me about their problems, their loneliness, and asked for help with books, food, uniforms… When I asked them about their dreams, almost all of them said they wanted to be pilots — to fly far away. That’s where the idea began: I wanted to explore why so many children want to leave, and to make us feel and reflect on that reality.

Omondi is a character created for the film — he represents all the children I interviewed. I chose him because of his gaze, his voice — I felt he conveyed the sadness of his peers.

2. You are the producer, writer, cinematographer, and author of the work. Do you think the video creator should be “a jack of all trades” out of necessity, or because it has its advantages? Please explain your answer.

In my case, it was out of necessity — I needed to make a film shot in a documentary style, without large crews or lighting setups. I had to be as invisible as possible.

That said, my collaboration with my editor, Kim Bica, and with the music supervisor was wonderful — they contributed immensely. I believe that whenever possible, collaborating with other like-minded artists is ideal and always improves the film.

3. This story has earned you the award for Best Documentary at CanariasMediafest. How did you get involved with the festival? What do you think of their work? How do you feel after receiving this recognition?

I reached the festival through Mar Muro and her company Lolita Peliculitas, who are helping me distribute the short film to festivals.

I feel deeply honored to have received this award for a work that blends fiction and reality.

4. How did you feel when you found out you had won?

Very happy — I’m extremely grateful for their support.