Writer/Director

As a Ninja motorbike rider, SCUBA diver, and Karate black belt, Rowan Nielsen is accustomed to utilizing her broad range of skills to make great things out of any budget. Rowan has worked in the television, film and commercial industries for over 15 years. She is a seasoned writer, producer, director and is an award-winning storyteller in the lifestyle, documentary and dramatic genres. She is a founder of Plus 8 Pictures and a member of WIFT. ...Read More.

Producer

For 16 years Carole Aeschelmann has worked in digital, broadcast and print media on both the creative production and client sides. She has managed, produced and launched several successful print, digital and broadcast marketing campaigns for a broad range of industries. She is a transmedia strategist and to date, Carole has managed the production of over 150 television episodes in the lifestyle, documentary, reality and dramatic genres, several of them award winning. ...Read More

Executive Producer

Benta Odhiambo (Mama Benta) is the founder and Executive Director of the Kanyala Little Stars organization in Kenya. Kanyala Little Stars Organization promotes and provides humanitarian support, technical assistance and emergency relief to disadvantaged people (orphans, widows and those living with HIV/AIDS) through its pre-primary and primary school and horticulture model farm. ...Read More

Executive Producer

Eric Birnberg has been producing a variety of film and television projects since 2002, most recently credited as supervising producer on the HBO/Cinemax sci-fi series “Forbidden Science” and executive producer on the prime-time animated series “Bob & Doug”.  Earlier, he executive produced feature films such as the PG-13 comedy “Fizzy Bizness”  and the sports-themed drama “My Brother’s Keeper”.  ...Read More

Executive Producer

A native of Rusinga Island, Fostine is a talented strategist with excellent planning skills. He has successfully worked in the hospitality, Communications, manufacturing, production, merchandising, Maritime, Healthcare and community based projects within East Africa all as Group Human Resource Manager. ...Read More

Executive Producer

Selected credits include Executive Producer forthe feature films “Expecting”, “Blueprint” and “My Brother’s Keeper”, the 15 episode Dave Thomas/Rick Moranis series “Bob and Doug” for Shaw/Global TV, and theSupervising Producer on the 13 episode series “Forbidden Science” for HBO/Cinemax. ...Read More

Kenyan Film Secretariat

Samwel Asingo is married with 2 children. He holds a B.Ed. in Early Childhood Development and Primary Education. He has a great passion for children’s welfare, especially in education. Samwel is employed as a teacher but has worked in different capacities in the Rusinga Community especially in promoting the girl child. Since the passing of Mama Benta Odhiambo, Samwel has taken over the role of Director for the Kanyala Little Stars organization. ...Read More

Cinematographer

Michael LeBlanc is a cinematographer and director based in Toronto, Canada. He grew up in the music, film and theatre communities of Moncton and Halifax and has a BA from Dalhousie University. In 2008, Michael formed the production company LEBLANC & CUDMORE with director Scott Cudmore.  ...Read More

Editor

Elyse has over eight years of experience in the television industry in Toronto. Working her way up from assistant editor to editor, she has gained ample experience in documentary, lifestyle, reality and most recently, film. Her work has aired on many networks across Canada and the United States, including Oasis HD, Discovery World Canada, CTV, Animal Planet and Travel+Escape.​ ...Read More

Line Producer

For over six years Justyna Ogorkis has been providing business affairs services to independent Canadian producers.  She has been on the front lines of helping producers file tax credit applications, obtain International Treaty Co-production and CRTC certifications and prepare CMF and various other funding applications. She has a wealth of experience in various aspects of the film and television industry.​ ...Read More

Location Sound Recordist

Since 2009 Ednah Bonareri has worked as a freelance production sound mixer on countless documentaries, television shows, films and commercial productions in East Africa. Her credits include work with production companies such as Pont Act production, Ginger ink, Zebra production, Al is on Production and Magnificent great Movies.​ ...Read More

Catering & Craft Services

A native of Rusinga Island, Kenya, “Mama Esther” has been feeding folks for over 40 years. She is a councillor of her administration and a spiritual leader to the community. She is proud to take on the role of Catering and Craft Service Manager for the Kenyan cast and crew. ...Read More

Kenyan Film Secretariat

Triza Odhiambo is married with 3 children. She has a M Ed and B Ed in Early childhood and Primary Education. She is also a child rights volunteer and has underwent several years of training in guidance and counseling.  She loves drama and music and has a lot of passion towards empowering children to lead happy and healthy lives.​ ...Read More

Key Grip/Camera Department

Like many of the folks we met on Rusinga Island, George Orwa is a man of many talents.  He is a trained auto electrician, a professional driver and a martial artist.  When we were filming scary night scenes in the middle of nowhere (with Nightrunners), we always felt a little safer knowing that George was around.​ ...Read More

Gaffer/Water Transportation Coordinator

John has been a local fisherman for over 20 years, not only on Rusinga Island but in various regions of East Africa.  He is a qualified coxswain and a member of his local fishing village council.​ ...Read More

Camera Assistant

Ibrahim was born and raised on Rusinga Island. He took a leave from his studies of Communication Technology in Nairobi in order to assist with the film. He has experience in film and video production and has been a student leader for over 3 years. Ibrahim is also an accomplished singer and has his own band. ...Read More

Production Assistant

Born and raised on Rusinga Island, Gilbert was a school reporter for three years in high school. Due to financial difficulties, Gilbert was unable to continue his studies. He has been part of the Nightrunners project from the beginning as a Production Assistant. He will also have a small role in the movie. ...Read More