“originality is nothing but judicious imitation”
– Voltaire
I am a fixer, assistant producer and production manager with over 8 years experience in managing budgets, international & local crews, locations, casting and all things production.
REALITY
Director: Rick Castañeda I UAE Producer: Joy Mwendwa I UK Producer: Omar Kenawi I Production Company: Vibrant Penguins
I have produced, managed, facilitated and coordinated numerous shoots from pre-production to post. This includes a mix of TVCs, documentaries, broadcast, brand campaigns for clients such as Truly Original, Abu Dhabi Tourism, Dubai Tourism, National Geographic, BBC World, Burberry, Discovery Channel and many more.
A Nyx Creative Awards Gold Winner and a heartfelt tribute to the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE’s founding father. As the nation celebrates #EidAlEtihad53, we reflect on his values, vision, and the spirit of unity that continues to shape the nation.
Client: Mubadala, Executive Producer: Arwa Merchant, Director: Dimitri Yuri, DOP: Mik Allen, AD: Ryan Domigpe, Production Manager: Joy Mwendwa,
Production Team: Neo Apel, Mansour Ahmed, Laasima Basheer, Abdelrahman Nazeh, Aaron Sebastin, Art Team: Bora Batur, Rodil Panim, Caesar Macaya, Ernan Singian, Sound Recordist: Mahmoud Sukkar, DIT: Shajahan, VTO: Sai Rohith, Drone Operator: Bachir, Photography: Ralf Jigger, Cee Jay Rosario
Focus Puller: Habib Kadamani, Grips Team: Bob Touma, Rob Babikian, Ruelito Dagos, Muhammad Naeem
Gaffer Team: Sharfuddin Mohiuddin, Imram Ahmad, Santosh Kumar, Babar Hussain, Muhammad Awais, Husnain Farooq, Bharat Dholi, Audin Gul, Glam
Team: Jhoanna, Syma Ahmed, Production House: Orca & Aura
Hermes Creative Awards Platinum Winner – A film about young changemakers setting trends and shaping the future.
Creative Director & Executive Producer: Arwa Merchant, Director: Nada Hashish, Serbia DP: Marko Mladenovik, Kenya DP: Ishmael Azeli, UAE DP: Rober Babekhul, Studio Shoot DP: Jad Saabi, Production Manager: Joy Mwendwa, Art Direction: Aces of Space, 1st AD: Lora Brugioli, Gaffer: Don Hoffman, Grip: Jeremy Connell, 1st AC: Jimmy Sawma, Studio & Equipment rental: High End Films, Editor: Roopansh,
Production Company: Orca & Aura Films

MEADOWLARK presents in association with FIRELIGHT FILMS “SKATEPARK SISTERHOOD” Executive Producers JOHN SKIPPER GARY HOENIG STANLEY NELSON SMRITI KESHARI DALIA PENZIK HATTIE BOWERING Line Producer SARI SKIER Supervising Producers KIRAN ALVI SIAN-PIERRE REGIS Executive in Charge of Production KEITH BROWN Edited by DANI BENAVIDES TODDY STEWART Director of Photography DARYL VISSCHER Produced and Directed by ANGELA HARTWICK. Ethiopia Producer JOY MWENDWA Production by WILD MEDIA
SKATEPARK SISTERHOOD

A short film about a group of Ethiopian young women fight to create a skatepark of their own and to spread their love of skateboarding, and the liberation it offers, to girls across the country. Despite the challenges of red tape and civil war, what never fades is their pure love of skating.
Skatepark Sisterhood is a powerful evocation of exuberant youth, pursuing the thing you love and the passionate desire to share it with others.
I am proud to have produced this film alongside an amazing Director and Producers who have been a beautiful force to work with.
Filming in Ethiopia during conflict was a challenge but everyone came together and pulled all stops to make it all happen. Proud of everyone who took part in making this a reality, including the beautiful ladies who shared their life with us.
SELECT Works
UK Producers: Marcus Jones, Rosie Wells I DoP: Oliver Schofield, Candida Richardson I PH: Wild Media
UK Producers: Marcus Jones, Rosie Wells I DoP: Oliver Schofield, Candida Richardson I PH: Wild Media
UK Producers: Marcus Jones, Rosie Wells I DoP: Oliver Schofield, Candida Richardson I PH: Wild Media
“Joy is a fantastic, highly experienced producer who I’ve worked with many times in projects in the Middle East. Diligent & reliable, and always a pleasure to work with. Would recommend her strongly.”
— Jacquie Beaumont, Founding Partner and Creative Director, THINK MAKE CREATE
“Professional, reliable and personable – Joy is great to work with! An expert at managing crews and productions with grace, Joy also possesses an excellent local knowledge of Dubai’s distinct working practices.”
— Nick Kwek, Freelance TV Producer, Director, Presenter, Technology Journalist, BBC World
“Joy is an absolute pleasure to work with. She brings positivity, tireless energy, and a diplomatic touch to every project, no matter the size or complexity. Her adaptability and calm leadership under pressure make her a true asset to any team. Always reliable and always delivering beyond expectations, I’d highly recommend her to anyone.”
— Jax Dyer-Donaldson, Independent Production Consultant / Executive Producer
I am taking on new projects. If you need any production support or want to say hi, please get in touch.
Series, UAE Producer
Digital content, Production Manager (Remote)
Broadcast, Production Manager