Josh Wanderer shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Josh , it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What is a normal day like for you right now?
Before I do anything, I spend time with God in prayer and reading the Word. Then I pray over the tasks for the day ahead. After that, I answer emails and get ready for shoots if there’s production scheduled that day.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Josh Wanderer. I am a filmmaker based in the United States, originally from Ethiopia, and my work has given me the opportunity to tell stories in different parts of the world.
I care deeply about storytelling. I try not to just capture what is happening, but to truly understand it. I pay attention to light, atmosphere, and the people in front of the lens. My goal is always to create something honest, intentional, and meaningful.
My work spans commercials, branded content, documentaries, short films, and feature films. Whether it is a brand story or a narrative project, I approach each one with the same level of care and respect for the story being told.
Right now I am continuing to grow, developing larger documentary and narrative projects while expanding international collaborations. More than anything, I want the work to reflect faith, integrity, and excellence.
Film is not just content to me. It is a responsibility, and I am grateful to do it.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
One moment that really shaped how I see the world was my first mission trip in high school to Albania. Up until then, my experience had mostly been between Ethiopia and the United States. Albania was different. The culture, the people, the history, it opened my eyes in a new way.
It showed me how vast the world really is and how many stories are still waiting to be heard. It also deepened my understanding of how big God is and how present His love is across different cultures and communities.
That trip did something in me. It gave me a hunger to travel, to listen, and to capture stories with care. Looking back, I can see how much that experience shaped the path I am walking today.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me to trust God with every step of my life. Success can make you feel confident and capable, but suffering reminds you how dependent you really are.
We are not promised a smooth life. There will always be highs and lows. Hard seasons have a way of exposing what you truly stand on. When you hold fast during those moments, you grow. You become stronger for the next season, and you learn to lean on God even more deeply because He is the author of your story.
Success celebrates the wins. Suffering builds the foundation.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What important truth do very few people agree with you on?
One truth that very few people fully agree with me on is that Christ is not just a moral teacher or an inspirational figure. I believe He is Lord. I believe He is the only way, and that real life begins when you surrender to Him.
In a world that prefers spiritual flexibility and personal truth, that conviction can feel narrow or uncomfortable to some. But for me, it is foundational. My faith in Christ shapes how I see success, suffering, purpose, and identity. It is not just a belief I hold. It is the center of my life.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
When I’m gone, I don’t need people to remember my accomplishments. I don’t need them to talk about success or projects. I just hope that somehow, through my life, the glory went to Christ.
If people saw anything good in me, I hope they trace it back to Him. That’s enough for me.
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Image Credits
Abenezer Tefra
