There’s so much to love about the film Nairobi Half Life (NHL). The gritty crime-drama’s ability to resonate with diverse audiences has led to local box office success and international acclaim. The biggest thumbs up yet: NHL’s selection as Kenya’s entry in the 2013 Oscars’ “Best Foreign Language Film” category. UP speaks to one of NHL’s producers, Ginger Wilson of Ginger Ink, a Kenyan-based film servicing and production company, on the journey towards creating NHL.

“I got talked into ‘Soul Boy’ by Tom Tykwer (Director ‘Cloud Atlas’, ‘Perfume’, ‘The International’, ‘Run Lola Run’).[It] was supposed to be a one-off training project designed to create the opportunity of an international standard and locally authentic film made by African filmmakers. It was so satisfying, and so successful, and even fun, that we said we had to do it again,” she reveals. Ginger also credits a Landmark Education seminar for giving her inspiration to play a more active role in filmmaking. She says, “I wanted to produce films that made a difference, that had something to say about the human condition.” But producing NHL was not without obstacles. “[It was hard] shooting in Grogan Road with a large crane! And finding places to eat and house the production crew in Gaza,” admits the producer.

Getting a location for one of the film’s most memorable scenes—when Mwas meets Oti in the police cells—also posed a major challenge. “We had already started shooting and Tony Rimwah [the unit production manager] was unavailable, so I had go from government office to government office for about five days,” Ginger elaborates. “I got [permission] the morning we needed it to start the set build in it. It’s the police cell interiors. No, the cells are not really like that in Central! I can’t tell you where it is, but it’s a derelict government building.”

Ginger is not one to shy away from a challenge, and coming out on the other side with an amazing end product has been worth the strife. She reminisces about her favourite moments in the film.“The scenes where Jacky Vike as the hooker is teasing and cajoling Mwas about offering her services. I think she is dynamite in that. I also love Mwas’ speech at the end. I think the gay kiss is also nicely understated, and Mugambi, who plays Cedric, is just fantastic. Very brave of him to take that role.”

Aside from learning a lot about stealing cars and the friendly side of The City Council and Kenya Police, Ginger feels that she has been a part of a film that could be a real game changer. “It is such a personal film. It’s intimate and natural, and yet has scale and pace. I am really proud of just providing the right conditions here so that what wanted to happen could happen.” For now, Ginger turns her attention to new projects. “I’m starting a very exciting feature [in October] with a young, award-winning American director. It’s a Somali pirate film and still really looks at the human condition. Funny how we get what we are yearning for, isn’t it? Aren’t people interesting?” she asks contemplatively.

In 2013, look out for “Something Necessary” ,directed by Judy Kibinge and Ginger Ink’s fourth film, “Veve”, written by Natasha Likhimani, will be shot that February. For more information, visit www. gingerink.tv. They also run a 2-week workshop every year for 60 participants from all over Africa. Apply for their 2013 workshops via www.onefinedaysfilms.com