our story

Hot Sun Films grew organically from a group of people, living in and around the "slums" in Nairobi, Kenya who were engaged in understanding and sharing their history and culture. Hot Sun Films (Sinema Jua Kali in Swahili) germinated from the synergy between these cultural innovators and independent American filmmaker Nathan Collett.

In 1999, while making a documentary on the revival of traditional religion in Kenya, Nathan Collett became aware of the cultural breakthrough that was buried deep within communities considered "marginal". Nathan met people who guided him through a cultural context of recasting history to de-colonize people's minds and hearts. Together, they embarked on creating The Oath, a short fictional film on 1950’s Mau Mau Rebellion against British colonialism in Kenya. Soon after Nathan Collett started Hot Sun Films.

The Oath was followed by the Kibera Kid short pilot film shot entirely in Kibera, the largest slum in Africa, and relying on all local talent for the main actors. The overwhelming success of Kibera Kid, seven awards won, and enthusiasm and the talent of the people of Kibera sparked the formation of the Hot Sun Foundation.

The Hot Sun Foundation is a not for profit based in Kibera and that focuses on the transformative power of media and art. The Hot Sun Foundation works with children and youth to develop their talent and full potential.

Despite the harsh economic and livingconditions in

Kibera, there is incredible talent and enthusiasm among Kibera residents to express themselves through the arts. We are creating new role models and leaders from the slums. We are creating awareness among audiences worldwide about the strength and creativity of the marginalized slum dwellers. For more on the Foundation click here.

Hot Sun Films/Foundation - YouTube Channel
http://www.youtube.com/HotSunFilms