Introducing
When in 2002 I witnessed in Kenya that even the poorest
refugee could have a mobile phone, I understood there was something
terribly wrong with my perception of Africa. Raised in The Netherlands
we were told that Africa is only a continent of hunger, disease
and civil war.
But once in Africa I discovered
it's much more, and realized that it’s a place of challenge
inhabited by ingenious people that can survive on a less than a
smile. Who can remain strong whatever happens, and can move mountains
on less than a Dollar a day.
Before 2001 I was a reporter at
the regional television channel TV Rijnmond in The Netherlands.
It was great and I learned so much, but after having been to Turkey
in 1999 to report on the earthquake I was left with an itch to go
beyond the usual boundaries. That brought me to Southern Sudan in
2001, and a year later I made Nairobi in Kenya my base.
Since then I travel across Africa
to tell stories about conflict and development, about daily lives
of people on a wonderful continent.
My most special experience was being one of the first to interview
Joseph Kony, the leader of the dreaded Lord's Resistance Army in
his hide out in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This was awarded
winner on the International Video Journalist Festival in Berlin,
and nominated for the Rory Peck Awards in London.
What I like most about being a video journalist is to engage with
people of all walks of life. To listen to their stories, to hear
how they look at life, to learn and to share it to a worlwide audience.
My passion remains making television
features on remarkable news and current affairs. Then I give training
to aspiring journalists, and assist foreign television crews as
a fixer. Also I accept commissions from companies and organizations.
Hoping to meet you somewhere.
Kind regards,
Ruud Elmendorp
Video Journalist Africa
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