Sanch Maina's Cinematic Portfolio

My Work

Sanch aims to capture the rich narratives of Africa, presenting them with authenticity and artistic excellence.

My Portfolio

With over a decade of experience in the film and television industry, Sanch Maina brings a unique blend of technical expertise and cultural insight to every project. Below are some of the notable projects I’ve had the privilege to work on, showcasing the breadth and depth of my experience.

Vodacom 25 Tanzania

For VODACOM 25 Tanzania, I handled Trinity operation to deliver smooth, high-energy camera moves that reflected the pulse and vibrancy of today’s youth culture. Shot on the Alexa 35 with Leica lenses, the commercial achieved a crisp, cinematic look that spoke directly to a digital-native, style-conscious audience.

Loop Squad TVC

On Loop Squad TVC, I operated the Trinity rig to craft seamless, high-energy visuals that mirrored the vibrancy and fast-paced rhythm of urban youth culture. The Alexa 35 with Leica Lenses offered a sleek cinematic finish, elevating the ad’s aesthetic appeal and resonating with a tech-savvy, youthful audience.

Betika TVC

On Betika TVC, I utilized the Trinity rig to execute high-energy action shots that matched the fast-paced, adrenaline-fueled nature of the brand’s sports betting theme. The Alexa 35 with Leica Lenses ensured crisp, dynamic visuals that brought the excitement of the game to life.

DFCU Bank TVC

For DFCU Bank TVC, I operated the Trinity rig to create smooth, powerful tracking shots that reflected the brand’s stability and trust. Filmed in Uganda, this financial TV commercial demanded precision and technical expertise, which I achieved using the Alexa 35 and Ultra Prime Lenses.

Christmas Karma

On Christmas Karma, I worked as a Steadicam Operator to bring warmth and a smooth cinematic feel to this heartfelt holiday drama. The Alexa 35 and Master Primes allowed for rich, soft-focus cinematography that highlighted the film’s festive atmosphere and emotional depth.

Loop TVC

As the Trinity Operator for Loop TVC, I was responsible for delivering high-energy motion shots that aligned with the brand’s sleek and dynamic identity. The Alexa 35 with Leica Lenses provided precision and sharpness, allowing for a stylish and modern visual approach that resonated with the target audience.

In The Shadows

I operated the Steadicam to enhance the film’s atmospheric intensity, ensuring fluid movements that complemented the gripping thriller narrative. Using the Alexa 35 with Anamorphic Hawk Lenses, I helped capture the dark, moody aesthetic necessary for the film’s tension-filled storytelling.

SAMIA (Little Dreamer)

For the movie “SAMIA,” I served as the Camera Operator, employing the Alexa Mini Camera with Cooke S4 Lenses. The project allowed me to capture the delicate and dreamlike essence of the story, contributing to its compelling visual style.

Safaricom TVC

Working on the Safaricom TVC was an exhilarating experience where I utilized the Alexa LF Camera combined with Cooke Panchro Lenses. As the Trinity Operator, I ensured fluid and dynamic shots that brought the commercial’s vibrant narrative to life.

Crime and Justice Season 2

For the second season of “Crime and Justice” on SHOWMAX TV, I was the Director of Photography and Steadicam Operator. The Alexa Mini LF Camera with Sigma Lenses helped me deliver a gritty and realistic visual style that suited the crime drama genre perfectly.

My Big Fairy Tale Wedding

This project saw me working as a B-Cam Operator and Steadicam Operator. Using the Alexa LF Camera with Signature Prime Lenses, I captured the whimsical and enchanting moments of the series, making each scene visually captivating.

KADZO

On “KADZO,” I combined roles as a Focus Puller and Steadicam Operator. The use of the Red Monstro Camera and Orion Atlas Anamorphic Lenses enabled me to achieve rich, cinematic imagery that enhanced the film’s dramatic narrative.

Shanty Town

“Shanty Town” was another enriching project where I contributed as a Focus Puller and Steadicam Operator. Using the Alexa Mini Camera with Ultra Prime Lenses, I helped create a vivid portrayal of the bustling shanty town life.

Country Queen Series

Working on the “Country Queen Series” for Netflix was a significant project. As the B-Cam Operator and Steadicam Operator, I utilized the Sony FX9 Camera to capture the essence of rural and urban Kenya, bringing authenticity to the series.

ADISA

“ADISA,” a German student film, gave me the opportunity to work as a Focus Puller. Using the Arri Mini Alexa, I helped achieve the film’s unique visual storytelling.

Coaches Short Film

The “Coaches” short film allowed me to delve into a documentary style, operating the Panasonic Varicam Camera. My role as the Steadicam Operator helped bring an authentic and intimate feel to the film.

Dubai Expo 2022 TVC

In Zanzibar, I worked on the Dubai Expo 2022 TVC as a Steadicam Operator. Using the Alexa Mini Camera, I captured the vibrant and diverse culture of Zanzibar, showcasing its beauty to a global audience.

Endangered Spices

For the Lionsgate film “Endangered Spices,” directed by MJ Bassett, I worked as the Steadicam Operator and B-Cam Operator. The Sony Venice Camera enabled me to capture dynamic action scenes with precision.

Country Queen Series

I worked on the “Country Queen Series” as a Steadicam Operator and B-Cam Operator. Using the Canon C200, I captured the series’ essence and brought its narrative to life.

IBM Documentary

The “IBM Documentary Life Line of Turkana” was a significant project where I operated the Steadicam, capturing the stories and challenges of the Turkana people with the Red Epic camera.

La-Femme Angola

“Le-Femme Angola” involved working as a Focus Puller on the Red Epic camera. This project allowed me to capture the powerful narrative with clarity and precision.

Ishema

For “Ishema,” I served as a Focus Puller, utilizing the Red Epic Weapon camera. The anamorphic lenses added a cinematic depth to the film, enhancing its emotional impact.

Sarah’s Notebook

For the Spanish movie “Sarah’s Notebook,” I served as the 1st AC Camera ‘B’. The Arri Alexa with S4 Cooke Lenses enabled me to capture the adventurous spirit of the film.

Captain Morgan TVC

The Captain Morgan TVC was an exciting commercial project where I worked as a Focus Puller. The Arri Alexa Mini camera helped deliver crisp and engaging visuals for the campaign.

Netflix Sense 8 Series

Working on the Netflix series “Sense 8” as the 2nd AC Camera ‘A’ was a thrilling experience. The Sony F55 camera was instrumental in achieving the high production values of the series.

Makutano Junction Series

As the Director of Photography for the “Makutano Junction Series,” I used the Canon C300 to capture the vibrant and dynamic life in Kenya, contributing to the show’s success.

From Here to Timbuktu

This six-part documentary series took me across Kenya, Uganda, and Ethiopia. As the Director of Photography, I captured the diverse cultures and landscapes, showcasing them for Zuku TV.

Fishing Without Nets

“Fishing Without Nets” was a feature film where I worked as a Focus Puller. The Red Scarlet camera helped capture the raw and gripping narrative with intense clarity.

Blurred Birth

As the Cinematographer for the short film “Blurred Birth,” I used the Canon 5D to create a visually compelling narrative, enhanced by Nikon prime lenses.

Shattered

For the feature film “Shattered,” I worked as a Focus Puller using the Canon 5D. The Zeiss Prime Lenses provided the film with a distinctive and visually appealing look.