Ashraf Mswaki
Dar Es Salaam
Summary
I am Ashraf Mswaki, a seasoned filmmaker and advocate with over 9 years of experience. My journey began in Istanbul, where I pursued my passion for documentary filmmaking, earning a degree in Film, Cinema and TV from Bahcesehir University. My debut documentary, "White Potion," garnered international recognition, propelling my career forward. Currently, I hold roles as Founder and Creative Director at Volkano Films and Head of the Video Department at Wanene Entertainment. Beyond filmmaking, I am dedicated to community transformation through the Tanzania Youth Coalition. Well-versed in overseeing all facets of film production, from conceptual development through final delivery. Proficient in every behind-the-scenes position and all related equipment. Versed in working with clients and promoting products.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
2
2
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Film Maker
Volkano Films
05.2019 - Current
- Manage Production house and Creative Direction
- Coordinated with production team, producer and director to pinpoint creative vision, determine technical needs, and devise shooting schedule.
- Completed pre-production planning such as setting budgets, hiring crew, and cast members and obtaining permits.
- Managed client contact, shoot scheduling and product deliveries.
- Drafted, directed and produced JIKUBALI film by raising over $60,000 from Swedish Institute.
- Created infrastructure and directed implementation of post-production workflows.
- Consistently met deadlines while managing multiple projects simultaneously without compromising on quality or creativity.
- Increased public awareness on critical topics through engaging storytelling and strategic marketing efforts.
Freelance Filmmaker
Wanene Entertainment
01.2017 - Current
- National Insurance Company (NIC) Profile Video
- Negotiated contracts with vendors, talent agencies, and freelance professionals to secure necessary resources at competitive rates.
- Attracted new clients through word-of-mouth recommendations and a strong online portfolio showcasing past work.
- Elevated storytelling impact by meticulously editing raw footage into polished final products using industry-standard software.
- Consistently received positive feedback from clients for effective communication, professionalism, and creative problem-solving abilities.
- Managed budgets efficiently while maintaining high production value in all projects executed.
- Enhanced client satisfaction by creating compelling video content tailored to their specific needs and target audience.
- Contributed to the success of multiple film festival entries by producing award-winning independent films.
Filmamaker
White Potion (Documentary)
01.2015 - 12.2017
- Co-Produced and Co-directed the film
Country (Tanzania) Representative
Bahcesehir Univerisity International Students Council (BISC)
10.2015 - 01.2016
- Representing Tanzania students at the council
Video Production
Bahcesehir University
01.2013 - 06.2015
- Bogazici University International Sports Fest
- 2015 after-movie
Film Director
The Hustle (Short documentary)
10.2014 - 01.2015
- A short documentary about a Gambian migrant in Turkey
Video Production
Indigenous Cultural Conservation Society - ICCS
01.2014 - 09.2014
- Filming and editing interviews and promo videos for the organisation on holistic land management in Kenya
Education
Certificate - Documentary Filmmaking
American Film Showcase
Los Angeles06.2019
Training - Documentary Production On SGDs No. 9
LKJBw And Tanzania Youth Coalition (TYC)
04.2019
Civic Leadership -
Kenyatta University
Nairobi, Kenya09.2017
Bachelor of Arts - Communications, Cinema Film & TV
Bahcesehir University
Istanbul Turkey06.2016
High School Diploma -
Feza Boys' High School
Dar Es Salaam 03.2010 - 02.2012
Skills
Video Editing
Cinematography
Documentary filmmaking
Film directing
Film editing
Production Management
Adobe Premiere expertise
Adobe After Effects expertise
Adobe Photoshop expertise
MS Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint
Websites
Organisational Skills
Managed to successful help more than 30 students get admission to universities abroad. Good team-leading skills as captain of International Students team in my university. Good leadership skills gained from being in the board of ministers from high school. Good organisational skills gained from Young African Leadership Initiative program. Good leadership skills gained from being a country representative at the university students' council.
Communication Skills
Excellent communication experience gained from leading as a head of sports in high school and as a country representative in university. Good communication with people I meet on location when filming. Excellent communication experience gained from parents and students' meetings when recruiting students for admission.
Personal Information
- Date of Birth: 03/28/1991
- Gender: Male
- Nationality: Tanzanian
Languages
Swahili
Native language
English
Advanced
C1
Turkish
Upper intermediate
B2
Software
Adobe Premiere
Adobe After Effects
Adobe Photoshop
Timeline
Film Maker
Volkano Films
05.2019 - Current
Freelance Filmmaker
Wanene Entertainment
01.2017 - Current
Country (Tanzania) Representative
Bahcesehir Univerisity International Students Council (BISC)
10.2015 - 01.2016
Filmamaker
White Potion (Documentary)
01.2015 - 12.2017
Film Director
The Hustle (Short documentary)
10.2014 - 01.2015
Video Production
Indigenous Cultural Conservation Society - ICCS
01.2014 - 09.2014
Video Production
Bahcesehir University
01.2013 - 06.2015
High School Diploma -
Feza Boys' High School
03.2010 - 02.2012
Certificate - Documentary Filmmaking
American Film Showcase
Training - Documentary Production On SGDs No. 9
LKJBw And Tanzania Youth Coalition (TYC)
Civic Leadership -
Kenyatta University
Bachelor of Arts - Communications, Cinema Film & TV
Bahcesehir University
Similar Profiles
Archana UpadhyayArchana Upadhyay
Senior Executive- International Sales at JPFL Films Private Limited (prev. Jindal Poly Films, India)Senior Executive- International Sales at JPFL Films Private Limited (prev. Jindal Poly Films, India)
Tylar FrameTylar Frame
Application Specialist at Charter NEX FilmsApplication Specialist at Charter NEX Films
Ayla WilkinsonAyla Wilkinson
Various Roles at Independent Short FilmsVarious Roles at Independent Short Films