One of the Best!

I have had the opportunity to work with Mary on several occasions, primarily as a translator during video interviews I conducted with the people of Turkana. Altogether, we completed approximately 60 interviews over four weeks of filming, giving me ample opportunity to observe her work firsthand.
Over the course of my documentary filmmaking career, I have worked with translators in more than 50 countries. I can say with confidence that Mary is one of the best translators I have had the privilege of working with. Her fluency in English enables her to understand my questions clearly and provide accurate, thoughtful translations after each interviewee has spoken. Even when responses are lengthy and detailed, Mary’s translations retain both the richness and nuance of the original story.

Having grown up in Turkana, Mary is a native speaker of the Turkana language and possesses a deep understanding of the local culture. This gives me confidence that she captures cultural subtleties and meanings that others might easily overlook. As you journey together with her, if you encounter someone who speaks Swahili, she is fluent in that as well.

One of the things I appreciate most about working with Mary is her personality. She has a remarkable ability to put people at ease. Through her calm demeanour, genuine respect, and sincere interest in others, she creates an atmosphere in which people feel comfortable sharing details about their lives that they might not otherwise reveal. As a documentary filmmaker, this ability is invaluable. Her sensitivity and empathy help uncover not just the facts, but the deeper human story behind them.

Whether you are looking for a translator, interpreter, cultural consultant, or guide in Turkana, I can recommend Mary without hesitation. Her language skills, cultural knowledge, professionalism, and warmth make her an exceptional partner to work with.

Frank Spangler, Documentary Filmmaker – panoramaproductions.ca

Extensive Knowledge of Turkana

I loved getting to know Mary and working with her on a film project in Turkana. She is an exceptional translator who has a remarkable ability to connect with people wherever she goes. Mary’s knowledge of Turkana is extensive, and I learned so much from her, not only about the people and culture, but also about the history and daily life of the region. Beyond her professionalism, she was simply a joy to travel with, and we had so much fun exploring Turkana together. If you have the opportunity to work with Mary as your guide or translator, don’t hesitate—you’ll be in excellent hands.

Michelle Hamel, Documentary Filmmaker – Visionary Multimedia