Isaya Evans: One chance was all I had

Actor Isaya Evans poses for a picture after the interview on May 23, 2018. PHOTO | FRANCIS NDERITU

What you need to know:

  • I started by doing set books in 2005 before I got into the film industry in 2011.
  • I appeared in three consecutive big films, namely 18 Hours, Disconnect and Supa Modo.

He went from doing set books to the big screen. Isaya Evans’ big break came when he was cast to star in a Guinness ad. After that he has never looked back, and in less than a year he has been featured in three of the biggest Kenyan movies.

How long have you been in the industry?

Since December 2005. I started by doing set books before I got into the film industry in 2011. Ginger Ink Films Africa cast me to do a Guinness advert and that is how I got my break on to the silver screen.

You have being in three big productions in Kenya, which one was the most challenging?

Yes, I appeared in three consecutive big films, namely 18 Hours where I played Doctor Rush, in Disconnect where I played Kenneth, and Supa Modo where I played a hospital orderly. All the roles were challenging because they had different demands.

I had to hit the gym for Disconnect and had to read widely on matters medicine for the other two. I can say Supa Modo broke my heart several times, like when I was on set or reading the script. It’s a story about a child who is terminally ill and I have soft heart for children. I don’t want to see children getting ill, even in acting.

What are the changes that you have seen in the industry?

People are taking risks unlike in the past. Last year alone, I know three Kenyan films that were shot: Supa Modo (Likarion Wainaina), Disconnect (Tosh Gitonga) and Dream Child (Victor Gatonye). In the past people believed that movies didn’t sell but right now we are taking the bold steps to make films. Kenyans are also going to the cinemas more and more. 

People are woke!! They are putting their work online and not waiting for stations to commission them. Another change, that is worrying, is that when I was starting out we used to have foreign films being shot here. We have since lost most of that to other African countries. Something needs to be done.

What is your take on the new laws in the industry?

The law that’s in effect right now came into effect in 1962. I believe it was designed to serve the colonial masters for obvious reasons. We have since moved from those days.

There was a policy that was worked on by the Creative Economy which was given to CS and will soon be taken to parliament and then taken for public participation for the policy to become law. I know it will take time, but all I can say is let’s keep working on it. I’m also very keen to see how the actors will benefit from the new laws.

Who is fooling who between Chris and Mutua?

According to me, they all have a point. Everything that Mutua is saying is majorly in the law. That’s the truth. We should focus on changing the law rather than fighting Mutua. I believe in criticising ideas and not personalities. Chris on the other hand is also right when he spells out his mandate.

The only problem is that the common film maker needs to feel a direct impact and, unfortunately, it’s not the case. I want to be assured that my film will be rated. I want to be assured that my film will be promoted. I want to be assured that KFCB and KFC are on my side and have my back. That’s what I believe we all want.

Is the infighting helping the industry?

Yes it is, because everyone is becoming more aware of their mandate. Right now everyone is realising that ‘mwananchi’ wants results. The infighting is exposing the loopholes and through that we can only seal them and become better.

What are you working on now and what should we expect from you in the future?

I have been shooting Lusala, a new film project by One fine Day Films in co-production with Ginger Ink Films. I also have this exciting new online weekly show called ‘Isaya Quick Fire’ where I get to interview celebrities and Kenyans in general. The idea is to entertain and inspire at the same time.

I want to bring the President on my show one day. I’m also honing my skills as a first assistant director through working on various projects.