First of a kind by Kenyan Scriptwriters Guild premieres on 30 March

Shelly Gitonga is a Kenyan writer. Last year, her screenplay was selected from the catalog of the Kenyan Scriptwriters Guild, to be produced by the guild. Days before the movie premieres, we talk to her about Alone, the importance of the actors and about the director. Who is this young writer and what moves her to write about a serious subject as mental health? “There is a high possibility if I were to choose a less heavy subject I would have found depth in it.”

1. Who is Shelly Gitonga?
I am a simple girl with a big dream. A dream to be the best in my creative pursuit to tell stories, may it be through writing or acting in them.

2. Why did you decide to write the screenplay?
I have had for the longest time a great interest and fascination on matters concerning the mental state of our human condition. What exactly affects our thoughts. Hence my exploration on mental disorders namely depression and bipolar.

3. Why did you decide to write a difficult theme to write a movie? Would it not be more obvious to write on a less heavy subject?
Why not? Playing safe is too boring as a writer wouldn’t you agree? Besides it is a theme that needs a lot of light to be shone on especially in Kenya. Also, there is a high possibility if I were to choose a less heavy subject I would have found depth in it.

• 

4. What’s your favourite scene?
I love this question. When Eugene finally loses it at his workplace. I am so proud of the great work the actor did to portray this character.

5. How does the subject/theme of the movie relate to yourself?
I just wish mental health was taken serious since so many of us myself included suffer in silence before we realise it’s too late. We simply end up losing most of the mental battles we fight each day.

“…so many of us myself included are suffering in silence before we realize it’s too late. We simply end up losing most of the mental battles we fight each day…”

6. How important were the actors to bring the message about?
Hell a lot!! Sorry hope that wasn’t cursing. As a writer we visualize characters in our stories hence it is so great to see actors (Ian Mbugua, Mwaura Bilal, Brian Shikhuyu, AW) bringing them to life. And that is exactly what happened in the film.

7. What was the budget of the movie?
I believe that question is best directed to the producer. See what I did right there?

8. Why do you write?
The voices in my head needed an outlet.

9. How did the movie get made?
By an amazing team of great creative minds each brilliant in their field. And the genius behind orchestrating the whole masterpiece is none other than the director Cajetan Boy.

10. How did the movie get financed?
Well wishers who played such a huge role through their generosity.

11. Can you describe your path to where you are now?
As a writer this is by far my greatest career highlight and to imagine it all begun with my writing mentor Cajetan believing so much in my potential that he signed me up for his virtual class and slowly guided me through screenwriting. I am honestly forever indebted.

12. Do you want to share a memorable moment behind the scenes?
When we finally wrapped up. It was epic knowing we have completed something we set out to do.

13. Is there something you want to tell aspiring movie-makers/writers?
Start now! There can be a gazillion reasons you may give yourself to not do that film or write that script but honestly just start. The universe will pave the way for it to work out.

14. Anything else you would like to share?
Don’t miss out on the premiere on March 30th at Imax Anga Diamond catalog. There shall be a panel discussion after the movie.

KENYA SCRIPTWRITERS GUILD cordially invites you to the premier of
“ALONE”.
On: 30th March 2019
At: Imax Anga – Diamond Plaza – 4th Parklands Avenue.
From: 5:00pm to 8:00pm.
Early bird tickets: 1,000/= per person.
At the door is 1,500/=per person.
A RED CARPET AFFAIR. Get your tickets by clicking >>>here<<<