From the creators of Cheque Mate (starring Auudi Rowa, Brian Ogola, Wakio Mzenge and Peter Kawa) and The Collector (Abbey Ambani and Mwamburi Maole), the creative minds at Miyale Media, Andrew Evans Odera and Gregory Kiwo Maole, are pushing the artistic boundaries of quality Kenyan storytelling yet again with their new suspense thriller, Thief. 
Photo: Sanaa Post, Short Wave
The short film, which premiered worldwide to a youthful and vibrant audience at Century Cinemax at Two Rivers Mall last Saturday, follows the gripping story of Oliver (Lucarelli Onyango), a reformed ex-thief facing the dire reality of his critically ill son, Richie (Mason Okoth). With escalating medical bills, Oliver is approached by Edward (Neville Misati), a wealthy benefactor with an unconventional proposal, a high-stakes heist targeting Donna (Helen Keli), a mysterious figure with a hidden fortune.
Odera and Kiwo pull no stops and the cinematic lighting and cinematography in the film illuminates that statement. However, it is the Production Design (Isaac Njue), Costume Design (Eddah Wakesho – Best Costume Designer, Kalasha 2024), Makeup (Njeri E. Gatheru – Best Makeup Artist, Women In Film Awards, 2022 and Priyanka), and the stellar cast performances that immerse you into the depths of the quality of this masterpiece. Thief is not your regular ‘mwizi’ tale. It will silently steal your heart and yet, leave you yearning for more.
The makeup process was long but the team was professional and we had such a good laugh while doing it,”Helen told Sanaa Post,
She further revealed that Donna’s makeup took six to seven hours and had first been tried on a month prior to the shoot in order to create the frail appearance and enhance character realism.
When I saw the script, it was dominoes after that. It was different. I liked the twist and I was really pleased to be a part of that,”she added
Lucarelli and Neville were similarly enthused and ready to work once they set their eyes on the script. Neville, whose character demanded that he speak pristine English, away from his usual Swahili and ‘sheng’ speaking roles, had a little more to positively embrace. 
The film production, which was entirely self-funded, also brought on board former film students from the KCA University as shadow crew on the set. The students had the opportunity to learn and be immersed within the professional film environment which encouraged them to hone their skills further. 
As the screening drew to an end, the cast and crew had a conversation with the audience, a session moderated by event host Marilyn Wanjiku, regarding the challenges, including an unforeseen production break at the beginning of the shoot, and opportunities for the film.
Wangeci Murage, CEO – Media Pros Africa and Netfilx Aggregator, expressed her appreciation for the quality of the film and asked to engage in further conversation that could potentially see the team sign a Netflix deal in the near future and stream on the giant SVOD platform that already boasts of an impressive catalogue with titles like; Volume, Country Queen, Nafsi, Chaguo, Disconnect: The Wedding Planner among others.
The audience was also treated to free goodies consisting of movie tickets and customised merchandise from Sanaa Post, which was a partner.
For Odera and Kiwo, this is not the end as they hope to build a cinematic world fusing the best of their favourite genres, Action and Sci – Fi, and Horror and Thriller.
Now available worldwide in 195 countries, you can stream the film for your enjoyment and pleasure via My Movies Africa and crack the vault, as it is now open.
For Masterclasses on Arts from the best in the creative industry Sanaa Academy
Build your profile as a creative and elevate your brand via Sanaa Post Talents
