In 1960, the Kenyan medical student Julius Ongewe was asked to take a role in the East German film, “First Spaceship on Venus”. As part of a popular and successful movie, Julius was asked if he would like to continue acting. He refused, saying he would serve his country better as a physician, since there are many ill people there.

"First Spaceship on Venus" is a vintage sci-fi space epic filmed in East Germany and co-produced with Poland in 1960. True to the socialist/humanist ideals of the Cold War Eastern Block, the crew of the spaceship is comprised of an international team of characters with a story expressing a strong anti-nuclear message.

It was released in Europe as "Der Schweigende Stern" ("The Silent Star," based on a book by "Solaris" author Stanislaw Lem). The film was released in the U.S. two years later dubbed in English and heavily edited.