Project Link
https://drive.google.com/file/d/12y4utAd2lN0-eaa9cyCMaCCX3DMHjhjE/view?usp=sharing

The African Picasso

The African Picasso is an intimate compelling documentary that takes the audience on a captivating journey through the life, art, and inspirations of a 79 year old Kenyan painter, Francis Kahuri. It delves into his creative origins, shedding light on the profound impact of art in society and the artist's personal struggles and triumphs. He suffered a mild stroke that ended his painting career.

  • Bernard Muhia
    Director
  • Bernard Muhia
    Producer
  • Francis Kahuri
    Key Cast
  • Esther Wangari Kinyanjui
    Key Cast
  • Winnie N. Kinyanjui
    Key Cast
  • Shine Tani
    Key Cast
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Runtime:
    10 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    October 31, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    100 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Kenya
  • Country of Filming:
    Kenya
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Mobile Phone
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16.9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Bernard Muhia

I am part of a wave of storytellers who are changing the narrative about Africa and telling stories of triumph, resilience and that show the agency that the continent's population has. Africans are doing great things and it is our duty to tell these stories passionately to the world. Stories have the power to effect social change.
I am a journalist and a Bird Story Agency contributor and I have been published in The Standard Newspaper (Kenya), Debunk Media, Hortfresh Journal, Forefront Magazine (Rwanda), East African Prime and Msafiri Magazine (Kenya Airways). I focus on solutions journalism or constructive journalism where solutions are presented as opposed to just talking about the problems. Yes, we look at the problem, but from the perspective of the solutions. However, I also interrogate the solutions for challenges and failures so that the story is well balanced. My passion is environmental journalism

- I have been certified on "Climate Adaptation in Africa" from the University of Cape Town, South Africa.
- I am certified on "News Writing: The Art of Story-telling" from The Thomson Foundation.
- I have also been certified on International Reporting: The Essential Toolkit from One World Media.
- I am an Internews' Earth Journalism Network Grantee 2022.
- I am a 10 Billion Strong Green Leaders Fellow 2022-23.
- I am a Simuslate Film Lab Fellow 2023.
- I am a human and environmental rights defender and a member of Amnesty International.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

Art is sometimes considered as a waste of time and not given the weight of being a career. This film explores the heights that the painter took it even being part of an international project. Through the art, the painter was able to educate his adult children, buy land and build a beautiful house, all aspects of wealth. The film also steps away from the typical stereotype of an artist which is portrayed as young with dreadlocks, living carefree.

This documentary was shot on and edited on a smartphone (Tecno Spark 9 Pro)

Email: benardmuhia24@gmail.com