What's the Price?
The story begins with a reporter reporting news on TV. The news is about commemoration of loved ones that were lost to the post election violence in Kenya in the year 2007. Reporter Victoria on TV goes, "We recall a man who was ambushed by a fierce mob as he was trying to look for his daughter who went missing after a stampede caused by gunshot sounds in their village." As the reporter on TV continues reporting the news, Juma, a 57-year-old man, suddenly wakes up from his sleep and coughs. He is the victim being refered to in the news. He is in pain. His son, who sits on the opposite side, reacts by running to him. The son is scared and confused. His name is Abel. Through a voice-over, Juma reveals that the pain keeps coming back. He asks Abel for water. Abel hands him a glass of water but he can barely hold it. It slips from his hand and falls to the floor. It breaks into pieces. Abel is worried. Juma asks for a pen and paper to write on. Abel hands him a pen but it fails to write just before Juma finishes writing the first word. Abel finds another pen. Juma starts writing. In his letter, Juma reveals some secrets about his current condition of sickness through a voice over. It was his fault that his daughter died. He failed to lock the door as usual before he left for work that day of the stampede. Juma regrets it. He urges Kenyans to use his story as a lesson. He reveals the price (the consequences) of violence - that it leads us into such situations. He urges Kenyans to maintain peace especially during election periods. As soon as he finishes writing the last word, Juma collapses and passes on. Abel cannot believe it. He sobs. The Director calls 'cut'. It is a film within a film. The Director proceeds to emphasize on the message of the story - that we can manage and mitigate such a disaster (war/violence) by creation of awareness among the public and also by educating the masses.
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Cheruiyot Byegon AmosDirectorThe Click
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Cheruiyot Byegon AmosWriterNairobbery
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Mohammed NasibProducer
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Lawrence KimaniKey Cast"Old Man (Juma)"
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Eric MwangiKey Cast"Son (Abel)"Rama & Ulia
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Natasha MoraaKey Cast"TV Reporter (Victoria)"
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Mohammed NasibKey Cast"Director"Desperation
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Project Type:Short
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Genres:Crime Drama
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Runtime:5 minutes
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Completion Date:March 22, 2023
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Production Budget:69 USD
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Country of Origin:Kenya
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Country of Filming:Kenya
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Language:English
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Shooting Format:Full HD 1080p
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Aspect Ratio:16:9
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Film Color:Color
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First-time Filmmaker:No
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Student Project:No
Amos Cheruiyot, known by his stage name Guzman, is a multifaceted and accomplished self-taught filmmaker with an insatiable curiosity and a passion for innovation. Renowned as a multi-award-winning Film Director and Creative Director, Guzman's talents extend to all aspects of filmmaking, encompassing producing, screenwriting, camera operation, editing, lighting, and sound engineering.
With a diverse skill set, Guzman excels as a VFX Supervisor, utilizing Houdini and Nuke to bring captivating visual effects to life. As a Film Score Composer, he taps into his musical prowess using Cubase to create evocative soundtracks that enhance storytelling. Additionally, Guzman's expertise as an FPV Drone Pilot adds a dynamic perspective to his projects.
Guzman's proficiency as a 3D Modeler using Modo and his expertise as a Film Editor using DaVinci further exemplify his commitment to pushing the boundaries of his craft. As a skilled Screenwriter, he employs DramaQueen and Final Draft application software to weave engaging narratives that captivate audiences.
Recognized for his outstanding contributions to the film industry, Guzman holds certifications as a dubber, subtitler, and transcriber by the esteemed Kenya Film Commission. His filmmaking debut, the web series film "Campus Diaries" released in 2019, garnered widespread acclaim and marked the beginning of an impressive career trajectory.
Guzman's short film "The Click" secured him the prestigious Foxton Film Awards-Universities Edition in 2021, triumphing under the theme "Security is my responsibility." Additionally, his exceptional editing skills were acknowledged when he received the 'Best Editor' award for the short film "Kwani si Kesho?" at the Filamu International Film Festival held at Multimedia University in the same year.
Displaying his versatility, Guzman's talents extend beyond filmmaking. In the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology Multimedia and Development Festival 2021, he was honored with the 'Best Photographer' award, showcasing his expertise in conceptual photography. Moreover, his overall victory in the Communication Category at the JKUAT Multimedia and Development Festival 2021 further solidifies his reputation as a visionary in his field.
Guzman's remarkable body of work comprises over 24 films, each a testament to his creative vision and technical prowess. These captivating films can be explored on his YouTube channel, "Guzman Pictures," which serves as a testament to his dedication and relentless pursuit of artistic excellence.
Beyond his contributions to the world of filmmaking, Guzman is a skilled visual artist proficient in graphic design, motion graphic design, and videography. His unique blend of talents enriches his creative projects and underscores his commitment to delivering captivating visual experiences.
In addition to his artistic endeavors, Guzman holds a Bachelor of Science in Statistics (B.Sc. Statistics) from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), graduating on June 28th, 2022. This academic background brings a meticulous analytical perspective to his work, further enhancing his ability to craft impactful narratives and engage audiences on multiple levels.
Amos Cheruiyot, also known as Guzman, continues to push the boundaries of filmmaking through his unwavering passion, exceptional talent, and dedication to innovation. As he forges new paths and explores uncharted territories, his contributions to the film industry and the creative landscape at large serve as an inspiration to aspiring filmmakers around the world.
I thought drama was when the actors cried. But drama is when the audience cries.