Australia / Tanzania

Sieh Mchawala was born in Adelaide, Australia. At 18 months old, he moved to Tanzania returning to Australia when he was nine to complete his schooling. His father is from the Makua tribe from South Tanzania and his mother is part McKenzie (Scottish tribe). He completed his secondary education at Glenunga International High School. As per family tradition, after finishing high school he was dispatched back to Tanzania (so he did not forget the other half) and then ended up in London. What was meant to be an eight month round trip; back to Adelaide to begin a nursing degree turned into a a five year trip traveling internationally and around Australia, when he discovered he had itchy feet, and his return ticket was cancelled. All the while, he contemplated what his next move would be. Finally, an introductory course in filmmaking grabbed his attention. The course coordinator, Peter Thurmer was incredibly inspirational for him, as were the rest of the staff and fellow students. This year-long course has set him on the path of filmmaking — directing four student films, lots of editing and a stack of wedding videos.

Filmography

Halal Barbeque (2004)
Ayen’s Cooking School for African Men (2007)
Big Stories, Small Town: Murray Bridge – Raukkan (2008 - 2010)
Barefoot in Ethiopia (2011)