Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Haji Muya. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Haji, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How has Covid changed your business model?

The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on LKF Ent Films, creating substantial financial challenges for the company. As the global crisis unfolded, we experienced a sharp decline in clientele, which directly affected our revenue streams. The economic downturn forced us to navigate severe financial stress, and our growth trajectory came to a complete halt. Despite our efforts to sustain operations, we struggled to keep the company afloat.

In an attempt to mitigate the financial strain, we applied for Small Business Administration (SBA) loans to secure funding that would help stabilize the business. Unfortunately, our applications were not approved, leaving us with limited resources to manage operational expenses. As a result, LKF Ent Films accumulated significant debt, further complicating our recovery efforts.

Determined to rebuild and restore the company to its former success, I made the strategic decision to relocate LKF Ent Films from Pittsburgh, PA, to Salt Lake City, UT. This move was intended to provide a fresh start, expand our opportunities, and reestablish the company in a more sustainable and growth-oriented environment. While we continue to work diligently to overcome financial hurdles, our commitment to excellence in film production remains unwavering. With perseverance and strategic planning, we are focused on regaining momentum and positioning LKF Ent Films for long-term success.

Haji, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Haji Muya – Filmmaker & Storyteller

I was born in 1991 in Mogadishu, Somalia, during a time of great turmoil as the country was engulfed in civil war. In 1992, my family was forced to flee our homeland in search of safety, finding refuge in Kenya. For 12 years, we lived in the Daadab refugee camp, enduring the hardships of displacement while holding onto hope for a better future.

In 2004, we were fortunate to be resettled in the United States, marking the beginning of a new chapter in my life. Adjusting to a new culture and environment came with its challenges, but it also presented opportunities that would shape my journey.

My passion for filmmaking began in 2005 when I first held a camcorder. From the moment I looked through the lens, I felt an unshakable connection to visual storytelling. It was as if filmmaking had always been a part of me—I instinctively understood the power of the camera and the magic of bringing stories to life. What started as curiosity quickly turned into a lifelong passion, and I knew without a doubt that this was the path I wanted to follow.

Since then, I have dedicated myself to the craft of filmmaking, continually honing my skills and expanding my creative vision. Storytelling is not just a profession for me—it is a means of preserving history, amplifying voices, and capturing the essence of human experiences. My journey, from the refugee camps of Kenya to the film sets of today, has shaped my perspective and fuels my commitment to creating impactful, meaningful content.

Through my work, I strive to bring stories to life that resonate with diverse audiences, highlighting narratives that are often overlooked. Whether through music videos, commercials, or cinematic productions, my goal is to use the power of film to inspire, educate, and entertain.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

One of the most fulfilling aspects of being a creator and storyteller is the ability to transform my clients’ visions into reality through my skills, expertise, and creative insight. There is no greater reward than seeing their excitement and satisfaction when the final product exceeds their expectations. Knowing that my work has successfully captured their ideas, emotions, and messages—bringing their stories to life in a meaningful and impactful way—fills me with a deep sense of accomplishment. Every project presents a unique challenge and an opportunity to push creative boundaries, and the ultimate gratification comes from delivering a result that resonates with my clients and fulfills their aspirations.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the most valuable lessons I had to unlearn in my career is the belief that trusting others too much will not lead to being taken advantage of. Unfortunately, I learned the hard way that verbal agreements and good faith alone are not enough in business. I have encountered numerous situations where clients made promises regarding payments, only for them to never follow through. This experience taught me a crucial rule—always have a contract in place, no matter how small the project may seem. Without a legally binding agreement, you risk significant financial losses, as some clients will try to evade their responsibilities.

A particularly frustrating experience involved a music artist for whom I had shot multiple music videos in the past. On one occasion, he approached me with a request to shoot a simple, one-location music video, assuring me that he would compensate me once the video was completed and edited. Trusting our past working relationship, I proceeded with the project. After finalizing the video, I reached out to him for payment. He responded by asking me to upload it on YouTube, promising that he would send my payment on Friday when he planned to release the video.

When Friday arrived, no payment was made. I followed up again the following Monday, only to be met with an excuse: “I didn’t release the video, so I can’t pay you yet.” That was nearly four years ago. To this day, the video remains unreleased, and I have never received the payment I was owed.

This experience reinforced an essential business principle—always protect yourself with a contract. It doesn’t matter how well you know the client or how much trust exists between you. Without clear terms and legally enforceable agreements, you leave yourself vulnerable to financial and professional setbacks. Since then, I have made it a strict policy to require contracts and upfront deposits for every project, ensuring that my time, effort, and business are respected.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lkfentfilms.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realmullah_lkfentfilms/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LILKIZIGUWAZ

Image Credits

Photo of me holding 2 lenses: Pittsburgh Post Gazaette
Photo of me laying down: Mulki Hassan
Photo of me with Film Crew snapback hat: Zahra Sheikh
Photo of me with David Fencher: Liam Doyle
The rest of the photos are either by me or friends on film sets