Vanessa Ivy Peter

NAME: Vanessa Ivy Peter

AGE: 24

NATIONALITY: South Sudanese

INTEREST: Cinematography

"My filmmaking journey started in front of the camera, but my dream is to be behind the camera."

During my childhood in Juba, South Sudan, around the ages of 9 to 10, I would act in plays during festivals at a local centre as part of a program by War Child Canada, where children learned about issues impacting their lives. Seeing the beautifully edited photos and videos of our plays afterwards filled me with joy and sparked my dream of one day being behind the camera and creating my films.

To pursue this dream, I began studying film with the organisation Exile. I loved working behind the camera and was passionate about learning more. When I came to Kenya, I saw the FilmAid media class as a new opportunity to learn more about filmmaking and build upon my knowledge in South Sudan.

In the future, my goal is to shoot behind-the-scenes moments in films, showing the techniques that showcase the art and process of moviemaking. I also want to become an editor who can transform raw footage into a polished product that proves to me just how capable I am of creating something beautiful. One day, I dream of making films that tell my life story, showcase life in Juba, and become the first female filmmaker from South Sudan to work with influential and high-profile figures such as the president!