Ten Years of RECA: A Heartfelt Reflection on Storytelling, Growth, and Gratitude
A decade ago, on September 4th, 2014, RECA (Re-tuning Cinema in Africa) was just a glimmer of an idea – a shared dream between myself, Rosemary Wambui, and Saum Idd. We were passionate about telling African stories, about changing the narrative and giving voice to the untold. This coming September 4th, as we celebrate RECA's 10th anniversary, I can't help but marvel at how far we've come.
RECA came into my life at a pivotal moment. I was 23, navigating the ups and downs of early entrepreneurship with Chromatic Pictures Africa, co-founded with Victor Oloo and backed by Peter and Paul Oyier. While Chromatic ultimately taught me invaluable lessons about leadership and team building, it was RECA that truly captured my heart. It was here that I found my purpose – to empower others through storytelling.
We started small, setting up film clubs in private schools across Kenya, including the International School of Kenya. Seeing the spark of creativity in the eyes of young students like Steve Maina, whom we later collaborated with extensively, ignited a fire within me. We knew we were onto something special. Soon, we were collaborating with brands and organizations like DAI (Development Alternatives Inc.), the World Bank, One Project, Danish Refugee Council, Malaria No More, Inable, BBC, Sabis International School, and Redbull Kenya, helping them to tell their stories authentically and with impact. Our mission to change the world one story at a time became more than just a tagline; it became the driving force behind everything we did.
RECA came into my life at a pivotal moment. I was 23, navigating the ups and downs of early entrepreneurship with Chromatic Pictures Africa, co-founded with Victor Oloo and backed by Peter and Paul Oyier. While Chromatic ultimately taught me invaluable lessons about leadership and team building, it was RECA that truly captured my heart. It was here that I found my purpose – to empower others through storytelling.
We started small, setting up film clubs in private schools across Kenya, including the International School of Kenya. Seeing the spark of creativity in the eyes of young students like Steve Maina, whom we later collaborated with extensively, ignited a fire within me. We knew we were onto something special. Soon, we were collaborating with brands and organizations like DAI (Development Alternatives Inc.), the World Bank, One Project, Danish Refugee Council, Malaria No More, Inable, BBC, Sabis International School, and Redbull Kenya, helping them to tell their stories authentically and with impact. Our mission to change the world one story at a time became more than just a tagline; it became the driving force behind everything we did.
As RECA grew, so did I. The departure of Rosemary and Saum left me with a mix of emotions – sadness at their absence but also a deep sense of responsibility to carry on their legacy. I've been incredibly fortunate to have the support of an amazing network of collaborators, including Gathoni Ireri, Joseph Muchiri, Davis Gitari, Gicheru Wanjiku, Kennedy Amungo, Eugene Musau, Quasi Maina, Kennedy Kyalo, Mutai Emmanuel, Michael Mwangi, Maureen Saningo, Kidaman Adrian, Wambui Kariuki, Selina Mutinda, Jane Nthanze, and so many other talented individuals who have become like family. Together, we've built a creative powerhouse – a team of five core members and ten associated creatives who are the heart and soul of RECA.
Our "Don't be an Asshole" philosophy reflects the spirit of respect, collaboration, and fun that we bring to every project. We believe that the best work happens when people feel safe to express their ideas, to take risks, and to laugh along the way.
Over the past decade, we've had the privilege of working on projects that have touched countless lives. From documenting the impact of development projects to amplifying the voices of marginalized communities, we've seen firsthand the power of storytelling to inspire, educate, and create change.
Our "Don't be an Asshole" philosophy reflects the spirit of respect, collaboration, and fun that we bring to every project. We believe that the best work happens when people feel safe to express their ideas, to take risks, and to laugh along the way.
Over the past decade, we've had the privilege of working on projects that have touched countless lives. From documenting the impact of development projects to amplifying the voices of marginalized communities, we've seen firsthand the power of storytelling to inspire, educate, and create change.
As I look to the future, I'm filled with a mix of excitement and gratitude. We have so much more to do, so many more stories to tell. We'll continue to push boundaries, experiment with new formats, and empower the next generation of African storytellers. We'll remain committed to our mission, to our values, and to the power of storytelling to change the world.
This journey has been a gift – a gift of growth, connection, and purpose. I am eternally grateful to everyone who has been a part of it, including all the remarkable individuals and organizations mentioned above. Here's to the next ten years, and to the countless stories that are yet to be told.
This journey has been a gift – a gift of growth, connection, and purpose. I am eternally grateful to everyone who has been a part of it, including all the remarkable individuals and organizations mentioned above. Here's to the next ten years, and to the countless stories that are yet to be told.