Award-winning filmmaker Daudi Anguka has intentionally vowed to display Lamu Island through his telenovela, 'Sanura'.
The Maisha Magic series tells the story of a young woman caught between preserving ancient tradition and forging her own path.
It is set on a rich Swahili cultural heritage at the very heart of the picturesque Lamu Island and its sister islands, Pate and Shela.
Speaking to Word Is, Anguka said he settled on the Island because of its uniqueness.
"I did location scouting in many Islands. When I went to Lamu, I started looking at the backstory that's happening in the modern society. I took different ideas from different people and took Sanura and made her the story," he said.
"Lamu people are simple and very friendly. They really welcomed us well."
Anguka says job opportunities have been created for Lamu people thanks to the film.
"For example, in one location, we can take about 300 extras. All these people are paid. Imagine in a week, how many extras we can use."
Anguka met a woman named Sanura four years ago at a bank and fell in love with the name.
"I told her she had a very beautiful name and told her one day, I'll make a film about her. I just took the name," he said.
"Sanura is facing problems, curious and with a family that looks to her. She explains a lot that goes on in the society," Anguka said.
"She is surrounded by culture in a family conflict, yet she wants to know whats going on out there."
The role is acted by Ivy Wanjiku as the lead character. Eddie Kimani, Isack Gerson, Nyota Waziri and Sele Mzamil also star in the telenovela.
Anguka is also popularly known for his films Nyanya Rukia, Nia and Pete.
