My African Film Making Journey ~ The Dream Lives On

“Dare to Dream Big, Friends” ~ This is a quick update to this interesting path I have been on since I came to the United States in 1996, and my quest to using film and animation to tell stories and make movies that can make a difference in Africa and around the world.

At My Desk at the Manna Production team studio. I think after while, the OS fades into the background and its just you and the software.

I am back to working full time as a 3D Artist, Animator and Post Production artist. After my studio was raided by robbers at the end of 2011 (see my reflections on that here), I was stripped off pretty much all my ability to work as a Freelancer and Independent film director.

I had to do some serious soul searching. I knew I didn’t want to give up on my dream of making films, and the wildlife conservation effort was on my heart through the mental struggles of what I needed to do move forward.

So my family and I sat down and mapped a way forward. Both my wife and I are now working fulltime, and we have signed up our son and daughter to a great lady who is a friend of the family, to homeschool them. Homeschooling our kids was a priority and that’s one of the reasons I have been a stay at home dad for the last 3 years, while working on the Galiwango film and freelancing.

I was so used to working on a PC but now I am working on a MAC. Needless to say the transition has been more than interesting

I have learnt so many lessons through this challenging time. I have had to hold on to my dream even when faced with adversity and I know that the God who put all these gifts in me, will see my journey through to the end.

I continue to strive and desire to be used as an instrument to make a difference in peoples lives while I am still here on planet Earth.

I shall continue to share my testimony and hope that it will inspire other aspiring Independent film makers in Africa and around the world. We have been created for a purpose and until we harness the talents inside us to make a difference, we will continue to simply exist instead of Living out our destinies to the full.

I thank God that I have a job, especially in this economy where over 16 Million Americans are without jobs. I am grateful that I still get to do something I love and that is create 3D animations and Content

I encourage you to never give up, God is still at work in your life and he cares about every tear that you shed and the cry you send out for help.

Here is a verse that has inspired me through the adversity.

Isaiah 40:27-29
New International Version (NIV)
27 Why do you complain, Jacob?
Why do you say, Israel,
“My way is hidden from the LORD;
my cause is disregarded by my God”?
28 Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.
29 He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.

20 thoughts on “My African Film Making Journey ~ The Dream Lives On”

  1. Solomon,
    You have a “cloud of witnesses” some in the bleachers some on the field with you cheering you on..
    Thanks for inviting me to share a little bit in this journey with you. (not over)
    Your testimony is touching…thanks for sharing so candidly..
    This little setback will be one of the stepping stones to the goal…part of the narrative of Faith, Grace and Victory through struggle that is ours as people of Faith…

    Blessings Always and May God provide you with favor at every turn..

    Alan

  2. No worries man, you do what you gotta do in this life. Dreams always come back again, and patience is a virtue.

    Just hit me up when you are ready to rock on Galiwango again, and enjoy the work and enhancing your skillz!

    Nateon

  3. Hey Solomon,
    i have learned that we are super-victors with a joy that comes from experiencing the very things which look as if they are going to overwhelm us. The things we try to avoid and fight against—–tribulation, suffering, pain and persecution—are the very things that produce joy in us. ” We are more than conquerors through Him” ” in all these things” ;not inspite of them,but in the midest of them. A believer doesn’t know the joy of the Lord in spite of tribulation,but because of it.Paul said, “I am exceedingly joyful in all our tribulation” ( 2 Corinthians 7:4). So my dear, continue to take heart,because your day is gonna come when the sun will shine n NOT ONLY shine but shine brighter!!
    Blessings!

    1. Thank you Dorothy, those are such encouraging words. He definitely is still in control. I am counting it all joy, knowing that he is the source of all our total supply.

  4. Solomon, Life is about making tough decisions. Thank you for putting your family first. You will bounce back. Hold on to your dream and don’t give up.

  5. ALWAYS! refreshing to read from you!!

    Thanks again for sharing…and we all need to learn the humility you have displayed to us for years!! back to the grind!

    And so happy you can find a job in this crazy crazy economic ship we are sailing

    Just curious, for my own soul-searching. Why did you choose Home Schooling for the kids…if you cannot respond here…pse email me privately…but I am thinking of this for Biko

    Beautiful, as always and many hugs sand salutes! As we say in french, COURAGE!!:)

  6. Hi Solomon, thanks for sharing this testimony. It has encouraged me as a freelancing father and husband.

    I also wanted to share Zephaniah 3:18-19 which has been a great encouragement to me.

    18 “I will remove from you
    all who mourn over the loss of your appointed festivals,
    which is a burden and reproach for you.
    19 At that time I will deal
    with all who oppressed you.
    I will rescue the lame;
    I will gather the exiles.
    I will give them praise and honor ”
    in every land where they have suffered shame.

  7. Man welcome to the Mac world and glad stuff is looking up again….all that matters is your valuable skills, the software and keyboard shortcuts as long as the platform you are working on is fast enough to run the showtime.

  8. Stay strong my brother, this is just a season. You will see your dream come true. Send me your address, I will send you my book. I admire you and respect the work you do.

  9. Good work blood, welcome back to the game nice renders,
    Hey i think i can give you a 3D course to teach on our academy, think about it and we talk blood………
    Nice day.
    Yours Henry,
    C.E.O
    Pro Line Film Academy / Pro Line studios.
    Tel: +256 774 189999.

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