What is the best thing that I love about my work? “As a creative working in film, music, art and fashion, one of the things I love most about my work is the flexibility and freedom it provides. It’s not limiting, it’s not the contemporary thing you find, I get to touch people through relatable stories and change narratives about Africa. The ability to connect with others through shared stories and experiences is incredibly powerful and fulfilling. By challenging stereotypes and misconceptions through storytelling, I present a more nuanced and accurate representation of the diversity of cultures and experiences within Africa. The creative industries are also a place for experimentation and innovation, which allows for new and exciting ways of storytelling and pushing boundaries. I am passionate about using my skills and talents to make a positive and economic impact and help broaden people’s perspectives about Africa.”

What is my idea of happiness? To me, happiness is the combination of freedom, fulfilment, and confidence. I believe true happiness comes from living authentically without feeling constrained by external pressures or societal expectations. Self-acceptance and self-esteem play a big role in my happiness as I believe that feeling comfortable and secure in my own skin, rather than constantly striving to be someone else, is key to feeling happy and content. Happiness can vary for everyone, but this perspective has been positive for me.”

What is my greatest fear? “My greatest fear is losing my rhythm and purpose in life, and living an empty life. But I believe that this fear drives me to be more intentional with my life and strive to make a meaningful impact. To overcome this fear, I actively work on bettering myself and have a growth mindset that helps me strive towards my aspirations.

What is the trait that I most deplore in myself? I recognise that I have certain traits that can hold me back, such as second-guessing myself, being afraid, and being shy. While it can be challenging to change long-held personal traits, I am committed to working on improving in these areas. I plan to do this by identifying triggers, setting realistic goals, practising assertiveness, building my self-esteem, and seeking help if necessary. I understand that change takes time and effort, but with patience and persistence, I am confident that I can overcome these traits and become a more confident and self-assured individual.

Which living persons in my profession do I most admire? I admire MARIE LORA-MUNGAI because she is actively working for the growth of the African Creative Industry.

What is my greatest extravagance? I would say that my greatest extravagance is clothing. I enjoy expressing my different moods and personalities through my fashion choices and see it as a form of art. Clothing is a way for me to showcase my individuality and creativity, and I find that it brings me a lot of joy and self-expression. I believe that fashion is not just about wearing the latest trends, but about comfort and finding a way to express oneself through clothing.

On what occasion would I lie? “In my opinion, honesty is always the best policy, but there may be situations where lying is necessary to protect someone’s well-being or safety. It’s important to consider the context and potential consequences before making a decision. I believe that when the benefits of lying outweigh the negative consequences, it may be the right course of action. However, I always strive to be as honest as possible in my actions and decisions.”

What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work? One of the things I dislike the most in my work is the lack of proper recognition and compensation for creative work. As someone who works in a creative field, it can be disheartening to put in a lot of effort and not receive the proper recognition or financial compensation for it. Additionally, the issue of piracy and intellectual property theft is a major concern in my industry. It can be difficult to protect and monetize one’s work, and it can be frustrating to see it being used without proper permission or compensation. These issues have been a major challenge for me in my work but I believe in the power of creativity and the willingness to work to overcome these challenges.

When and where was I the happiest, in my work? “One of the happiest times in my work was when I had the opportunity to work with my now mentor for the first time. Even though he was the boss of the project, throughout the course of the job, he took a genuine interest in my professional development and provided guidance and support. Even outside of work, he still guides me and gives me advice. I am glad someone I never knew saw my potential and believed in me.

If I could, what would I change about myself? If given the opportunity, I would change the way I think sometimes when I get nervous. I believe that managing nervousness and negative thoughts is an important aspect of personal growth and development. To work on this, I would utilize techniques such as cognitive-behavioural therapy, mindfulness, and exercise.

What is my greatest achievement in work? My most outstanding achievement in my work is the impact of the movies I have worked on. Seeing them reach millions of homes in Africa and beyond has been a great source of pride for me. Another opportunity that I am grateful for is being selected as the youngest in the African Hub for Sustainable Creative Economies grant. This recognition is not only an honour but also a testament to the hard work and dedication that I have put in over the years. It has also inspired me to continue to strive for excellence in my work and make meaningful contributions to my industry.

Where would I most like to live? “I would love to live in Europe because of the proximity and ease of travelling to other countries. I recently applied for a 2yr master’s scholarship so I can be able to explore different cultures and experience a lot within a short period. Additionally, I come from Africa and find the cultural similarities and diversity in Europe relatable. Some of the cities I am interested in exploring as potential places to live include The UK, France, The Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and Germany, which offer a unique blend of culture, history, and modern amenities.

What is my most treasured possession? My most treasured possession is the relationships I have built over the years with good people. These relationships have brought me joy, support, and growth, and they are invaluable to me. I believe that the connections we make with others are much more important than any tangible possession, and I treasure those connections above all else.

What is my most marked characteristic? My most marked characteristic is humility. I believe that humility is an important trait to possess because it allows one to be open to learning and growth, and it also allows one to treat others with respect and kindness. I strive to be humble in all aspects of my life, whether it be in my personal or professional life, and I believe that this trait has helped me to connect with others and build strong relationships.

What is my most inspirational location, in my city? My most inspirational location in my city would have to be the ghettos, markets, and streets. These areas are where the true pulse of the city can be found. The hustle and bustle of the markets and streets, the vibrant colors and sounds, and the diverse community of people all inspire me. The ghettos are a place where people are struggling to make a living, and it’s inspiring to see how they make the most of the resources they have, how they work together to overcome adversity, and how they create a sense of community in spite of their difficult circumstances. The energy, creativity, and resilience of the people who call these areas home are truly inspiring to me.

What is my favorite place to eat and drink, in my city? I do not have a specific favorite place to eat and drink as I enjoy trying new places and experiencing different types of cuisine and atmosphere. I believe that trying new places and experimenting with different types of food and drinks is a great way to expand one’s palate and learn about different cultures. I also appreciate a good atmosphere, whether it be a cozy and intimate spot or a lively and bustling one.

Which movie would I recommend to see once in a lifetime? I would recommend “The Greatest Showman” and “Sing” because they both depict the struggles and triumphs of chasing one’s dreams and showcase the importance of perseverance and determination in the face of obstacles. Both films also feature powerful and uplifting music that stays with you long after the credits roll.

What role play stories in my life and work? Stories play a crucial role in my life and work as they serve as a source of inspiration and a way for me to connect with others. They allow me to gain a deeper understanding of the human experience, and to see the world from different perspectives. In my work, stories can be used to engage an audience, convey a message, or inspire action. They also play an important role in my personal life, helping me to make sense of my own experiences and to find meaning in the world around me. Overall, stories are a powerful tool for understanding and connecting with the world and other people.

What do the words ‘You are the storyteller of your own life’ to me? The phrase “You are the storyteller of your own life” means that I am in control of how I want to live and the narrative that surrounds my life. It suggests that I should not let others dictate who I should be or how I should live, and instead embrace my own individuality and unique journey. It also implies that I should strive to be true to myself and not live in the shadow of others, whether that be my parents or other people I may look up to or want to emulate. Overall, it encourages self-discovery and emphasizes the idea that I am the author of my own story, and that I have the power to shape my own destiny.

Who is my greatest fan? My greatest fan is my late mother, I believe that even in death she continues to be proud of me and the person I am becoming. I also believe that she still watches over me, guiding me through the good and bad times, and giving me the strength and motivation to keep going. I know that I can always count on her to be my number one supporter, and I will always be grateful for the impact that she had on my life.

Which people or companies would I like to work with? I would be honoured to have the opportunity to work with companies such as Netflix, UNESCO, Disney, Comcast and the European film market. Netflix is a leading streaming service that produces and distributes a wide range of original content. I believe that working with them would be a great opportunity to be part of creating entertaining and thought-provoking content. UNESCO is an organization that promotes education, science, culture, and communication, and I admire their work in promoting cultural diversity and encouraging creativity. Disney is known for its family-friendly entertainment and storytelling, and it would be an exciting opportunity to be a part of creating something that can bring joy and happiness to people of all ages. Comcast is a leading media and technology company, and I believe that it would be a great opportunity to work with them, as they are at the forefront of innovation and continuously pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the industry. Lastly, The European film market is one of the most vibrant and creative in the world, and I would love the opportunity to collaborate and learn from some of the most talented and innovative filmmakers in the industry.

Where can you see me or my work? You can find my work on Youtube, Netflix, Amazon Prime and The African Hub for Creative Economies site. https://vimeo.com/user48611357 https://www.linkedin.com/in/patience-bitrus/

What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me? “Passion Never Retires” means that a person’s passion or enthusiasm for something they love never fades or diminishes over time. It suggests that you will always have a strong desire to continue pursuing your interests and goals, regardless of age or other factors. It encourages people to follow their passions and continue to pursue them throughout their lives.

Which creative professionals should Peter invite to tell their story? Kozzographer is a music artist and a photographer, I think he should be invited to tell his story.

How can you contact me?

You can contact me on Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/patience-bitrus/

Email: mails4patbj@gmail.com