Josephat Ekiru

BIOGRAPHY: JOSEPHAT EKIRU | VISUAL STORYTELLER OF NORTHERN KENYA
Josephat Ekiru is a filmmaker who paints with altitude and insight. Based in Turkana County, Kenya, he wields both a camera and a drone controller with equal precision, crafting compelling visual narratives that bridge the gap between local realities and global audiences. As a certified drone pilot and holder of a Diploma in Film and TV Production, Josephat combines technical expertise with a deep-rooted understanding of his community’s landscapes and stories.
His freelance career is a testament to versatile and impactful filmmaking. Josephat has lensed projects for a diverse portfolio of clients, bringing professional production values to complex subjects. He has collaborated with The World Bank to document development and resilience programs, worked with the Turkana County Government on civic education and cultural heritage projects, and produced content for various NGOs and private sector entities operating across the region. This work has honed his ability to adapt his visual style—from gritty documentary to polished corporate film—while maintaining narrative clarity and authenticity.
Beyond commissioned work, Josephat is a key player in the cultural fabric of East Africa’s film scene. He has worked with Docubox (the East African Documentary Film Fund) and the Goethe-Institut in organizing the Ateker International Film Festival in Turkana. In this role, he moves from behind the camera to the heart of community curation, helping to platform stories from the Ateker cluster of communities (Turkana, Karamojong, Toposa, Nyangatom, and others) and fostering cross-border dialogue through cinema.
Currently, he is channeling his entrepreneurial spirit into a creative project supported by the HEVA Fund, a pioneer in finance for East Africa’s creative economies. This venture underscores his commitment to developing sustainable, story-driven projects that have both cultural and commercial value.