A Journey Through Film and Self-Discovery
From his early days as Kenny in “Machachari,” Brian Kabugi has spent over a decade shaping his place in Kenya’s film industry. Now 25, the actor, producer, and creator opens up about dropping film school to pursue acting and his evolution into production.
Early Memories and Lessons
One of the most vivid memories from those early days was during his time in “Machachari.” That is where he learned how to own his character. The director, Kimani Mboro, would tell him, “Read the script to understand the story, but do not read your lines.” He wanted Brian to speak in his own way and make the character real. One day, Brian went completely off script, and it worked so well that it helped define his character. That experience taught him how to own scripts and perform authentically. Another vivid memory was his first audition after “Machachari.” He auditioned for an older role, and the director told him the only reason he could not get the job was that he was too young. Those moments taught him confidence and discipline.
Evolving Understanding of Storytelling
Over the years, Brian’s understanding of storytelling has grown significantly. He realized he cannot just wait for someone else to create stories that represent young people. Before, there were very few shows telling youth stories. So, he decided to start creating his own opportunities and telling his own stories. He wanted to create platforms for other young people to explore their talent and gain experience. Moving into production became his way of building opportunities for himself and others.
Moments of Doubt and Grounding
There were many moments of doubt along the way. Brian often wondered if he was too young or if he could handle the financial and technical challenges of production. Most young producers face a lot of fear and uncertainty because the industry can be hard. But what grounded him was the belief that this is what he was chosen to do and that he could make an impact beyond just being on screen.
Shaping Self and Creative Identity
Growing up on screen shaped Brian into a disciplined and confident performer. From a young age, he learned to handle pressure and understand characters deeply. It helped him know who he is creatively and made him appreciate the hard work behind every scene.
Advice to His Younger Self
If he could give his 12-year-old self one piece of advice now, it would be to trust the process and stay patient. Every experience, whether big or small, builds you into who you are meant to become.
What Draws Him to New Projects
When approaching a new project, the story draws him first. He looks at what the story stands for and how it connects to people’s real lives. If he can connect to the story and its message, then he knows it is something he wants to work on.
Balancing Creativity and Practical Demands
Balancing creative instincts with the practical demands of producing, especially when resources are tight, is a big challenge. As a creative, he wants everything to be perfect, but as a producer, he has to think about what can actually work with the resources he has. He learned to be more creative with less, like changing settings or using creative camera shots to tell the same story. Limited resources have actually made him more innovative.
Behind-the-Scenes Lessons
One of the biggest lessons he learned the hard way is that things will not always go as planned. You have to adapt quickly and make solutions work. Flexibility and problem-solving are key lessons that now guide how he works.
Philosophy on Collaboration and Leadership
Brian believes that we are all learning. Nobody is perfect, and mistakes are part of growth. He values hunger and desire. If someone is hungry to learn and grow, he will work with them, even if they are not perfect. It is about teamwork, patience, humility, and learning from failure.
Defining Success
For Brian, success is about audience connection. If people watch and feel something real, that is success. Critics will always exist, but what matters most is how the story touches the audience emotionally.
Changes in Youth Stories
He has noticed that young people are now being represented more. The stories are becoming more authentic and relatable. Before, many Kenyan filmmakers made films for other filmmakers, not for the audience. But now they are creating stories for real people, about real lives, and that change is very positive.
Inspirations in Filmmaking
Brian is inspired by Abel Mutua, Phil Karanja, and Njugush from PhilIt TV. What they have done with independent production and distribution in Kenya is amazing. They have shown that they can build their own platforms and not depend on networks. Their teamwork and creativity inspire him a lot.
Responsibility to Represent Realities
Yes, he feels a responsibility to represent the realities of his generation through his work. He believes that their stories have not been told enough. So through his work, he wants to reflect their struggles, dreams, and daily realities in a true and relatable way.
Creative Risks and Learning
Starting his own production company was a big risk. It taught him that he can create opportunities even when he does not have much. It showed him the power of believing in his ideas and working with others who share the same vision.
Funding Independent Projects
Mostly, he funds his independent projects from his own pocket. Sometimes, he collaborates with friends and combines resources to make things happen. They prefer to create something first and then look for sponsors using a finished product, not just a proposal. Collaboration helps reduce costs and keeps the dream alive.
Sustainability of Filmmaking in Kenya
It is not yet fully sustainable. They still face big challenges, especially with distribution. Many filmmakers struggle because there are no proper systems to get their work to audiences. So they have to find creative ways to keep going, like self-funding and using social media to market their projects.
Biggest Projects and Pay
One of his biggest projects was “Salem” Season 2. He was on a 13-month contract, and it paid him really well. It was one of his best cheques so far. At times, he balances different projects like acting, producing, and influencing, so the income makes more sense overall.
Other Ventures and Skills
Social media plays a big role. He creates content and does brand influencing, but everything he does is still connected to entertainment. Even when he is not on set, he is still creating or promoting something. He did not go to campus; he finished high school and went straight into acting. His mom wanted him to study film, but he chose to learn through experience, on set, and that has shaped his whole career.
Future Plans
Right now, his focus is expanding Mid Young Crisis into a multi-platform project, a YouTube series, possibly a short film version, and hopefully a deal with a streaming service. He is also developing two other scripts, one exploring the mental health of creatives and another about fatherhood. He wants to keep telling stories that reflect young Kenyans, honestly raw, funny, and human.
Missing Elements in Kenya’s Film Ecosystem
He thinks financial structures and mentorship are missing in Kenya’s film ecosystem for young creators. There is immense talent, but very little sustainability. They need grants, proper distribution, and fair pay models so young filmmakers can survive and grow without burning out. Also, access so that young voices are not dismissed because of age.