Actor and scriptwriter Abel Mutua, alongside filmmaker Phillip Karanja, has unveiled the remarkable success of their latest film, Makosa Ni Yangu. Produced under their company Phil-It, the film was released last month with a production budget of over Sh12 million. Despite the substantial costs, the duo not only broke even but also reaped significant profits.
Abel revealed that the Sh12 million budget did not include the premiere event, which alone brought in an equivalent amount in revenue. “We financed half the budget ourselves, while the rest was contributed by our loyal online community,” he said.
This innovative funding model follows the success of their first project, A Grand Little Lie, which was produced during the COVID-19 pandemic. That film earned over Sh3 million by selling 17,000 streaming links at Sh200 each, proving the viability of direct community support. For Makosa Ni Yangu, streaming links were priced at Sh250, and while Abel did not disclose the exact number sold, he confirmed the film’s immense profitability.
To further maximize earnings, Phil-It organized a premiere event in Nairobi attended by 6,000 fans. Tickets, priced at Sh2,500, sold out and generated Sh15 million in revenue.
Inspired by a true story shared by Abel on his Mkurugenzi YouTube channel, Makosa Ni Yangu centers on Nafisa, played by Melisa Lesilale, a young woman subjected to severe abuse by her partner, portrayed by Pascal Tokodi. The film explores her courageous journey to break free from societal and familial pressures, choosing survival over silence.
Abel credited their success to the unwavering support of their fan base, which has allowed them to bypass the lengthy process of seeking external funding. With their unique approach and growing popularity, Abel and Phillip have set a new benchmark in Kenya’s film industry, demonstrating the potential of leveraging online communities to produce impactful and profitable films.
