Isaya Evans

I am a Kenyan filmmaker with over a decade of experience directing and shaping powerful stories across Africa and beyond. My passion for filmmaking was recognized early when my debut short film, Loop (2021), won multiple awards.

In 2022, I received a grant from Some Fine Day Pix to direct Grogan’s Lodge (2023), a film that became a festival hit, earning selections in 12 global festivals, including the prestigious Clermont-Ferrand ISFF 2024. It also received awards such as Best Horror Film (Speculative Film Fest, 2024) and Best Cinematography (Africa International Horror Film Festival, 2023).

My most recent short film, Irabura the Odyssey, has just won the best experimental short film at the Cannes Short Films Festival. Beyond fiction, I am deeply committed to telling real-world stories that create impact. Currently, I’m developing a documentary on street children, which was selected for the Matatu Film Residency.

My TV directing credits include Igiza (2022), Second Family (2023), Jiji (2024), Nilichoma (2024) and Reckless (2025) all for Showmax. I have also worked on major commercial projects for brands like Smirnoff, Betika, and Airtel.

At the heart of my work is the ability to bring human-centered stories to life stories that move, inspire, and spark meaningful conversations. With a deep understanding of storytelling and a strong visual approach, I am excited about crafting deeply emotional and visually stunning films.