The Eye That Leaves The Village Sees Further

Sonyanga Weblen

HEY! my name is Sonyanga Mike Weblen , I am a Filmmaker & a photographer and I love telling stories. I have a Master's in Media and Globalisation and a BA in Communication Electron Media. I am an egalitarian who is on a journey to bring positive change in my community by ending retrogressive cultural practices in our societies through Sports and Media/Arts.

International recognitions

Films Featured In

Under the shadow of Mount Kenya, young Maasai Warriors have remarkably formed a cricket team. In a community deep with tradition, where female genital mutilation (FGM) is still a rite of passage, these young Maasai express their frustrations at inequality by smacking cricket balls on the plains of Kenya and dreaming of life beyond their own village. Thus begins a journey all the way to England; the home of cricket. It is a journey which gives the Warriors the courage to face their elders in the hope of ending FGM. They relate the sport to their traditional hunting techniques – the ball is the spear, the bat is the shield – and their flowing red robes in full flight are an awesome sight.

African Drivers “Lion Lights Story” is a documentary about a young Masai’s story and the efforts to conserve wildlife and nature. The documentary is still being screened on festivals around the world. It won several awards and recognition. Narrated from a Safari driver’s point of view.

The Journey Is The Destination is inspired by the true story of Dan Eldon, a charismatic young artist, explorer and photo journalist, who led a group of unlikely teens on a safari across Africa to deliver aid to a refugee camp in Malawi in 1990. The film follows Dan as he then finds himself covering a famine and spiraling civil war in Somalia as Reuters youngest photo journalist in history. Although set in the early 90s, “Journey” highlights contemporary issues surrounding refugees caught in conflict zones, the radicalization of youth, the role of journalists in peace and war and how young people of passion, focus and commitment can make a difference in the world. Ultimately, “Journey” celebrates the vibrant and fulfilling life that is possible when we commit to live, not only for ourselves, but also for others.

in the media

Maasai cricketers bat for endangereds rhinos

Andrew Wasike, Nairobi

For Kenya’s Maasai warriors hunting has been a traditional rite of passage. Now they have dropped their spears and picked up cricket bats to raise awareness of the plight of a species whose future hangs by a thread.

Maasai use cricket to push for social change

The Maasai Cricket Warriors have exchanged their spears for cricket bats and are using the sport as a vehicle to empower women and promote anti-poaching efforts. Now they want to take their message to the birthplace of cricket – the hallowed grounds of Lords.

Maasai cricket starts fight against FGM.

A group of young male Maasai Warriors in Kenya who formed a cricket team have found a voice through the game to push for equal rights and education for girls. They are calling for an end to female genital mutilation and a change of attitude to Aids. They are also the subject of a documentary that is being released in the UK on Friday.BBC News spoke to one of the film’s stars, Sonyanga Ole Ngais, and female genital mutilation campaigner Hoda Ali.