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Mark Dinn


In a celebration of Kenyan creativity and storytelling, the Kitale Film Week recently concluded with “Where the River Divides” emerging victorious, clinching the award for Best Short Film.

This gripping 1979 true story, set in Thimlich Ohinga, Migori County, Kenya, takes audiences on a journey of forgiveness, legacy, and purpose.

Directed by talented filmmaker Gadwill Odhiambo and starring Benjamin Onyango as Clan Elder Okoth, “Where the River Divides” follows the life-altering decision of Dennis, portrayed by Gadwill Odhiambo himself.

Returning home after his baptism, Dennis is confronted with the choice of either inheriting his father’s legacy or pursuing his newfound purpose, a decision that could endanger his life.

The film has captivated audiences worldwide, earning accolades for its powerful storytelling and emotional depth.

Available on MyMovies.Africa, “Where the River Divides” has garnered attention for its portrayal of Kenyan heritage and cultural values.

Reflecting on the talent showcased at the Kitale Film Week, Peter Kawa, a member of the jury committee, expressed optimism about the future of Kenya’s film industry.

He remarked: “Kenya has immense talent and potential. I got to watch many captivating products that genuinely require more publicity or distribution channels to help increase the local audience interest in these marvelous works. All in all, there’s hope in the sector.”

Channelle Kitonny, echoing Kawa’s sentiments, expressed pride and joy at the progress made by the creative community in Trans Nzoia over the past two years.

As the Chief Executive Committee Member, she commended the efforts of filmmakers in showcasing the richness of Kenyan storytelling.

In addition to “Where the River Divides,” other standout films honored at the Kitale Film Week include Victor Obok for Best Cinematography with “Mtaa Yangu,” Janet Wells and Mwaura Timothy received recognition for Best Documentary Film with “Sleeping Warrior.”

The Audience Choice Award went to Rey Egide Bulambo and Wanjira Wamaina Tabitha for “Food Security Champion.” Angela Wanjiku Wamai was honored for Best Screenplay with “Shimoni,” Wangechi Ngugi celebrated success for Best Feature Film with “Shimoni”.

Lastly, Rishai Omar Hamza Hassan was acknowledged for Best Editing.

Source: https://nairobinews.nation.africa/film-on-forgiveness-where-the-river-divides-triumphs-at-kitale-film-week/


Film on forgiveness “Where the River Divides” triumphs at Kitale film week


The short film Act Of Love has garnered an impressive 15 festival selections, 9 nominations, and 5 awards within just 13 weeks since its premiere.

The latest accolades include Best Short Film and Best Scriptwriter at the inaugural Mombasa International Film Festival.

To celebrate this achievement, the cast and crew are set to host a free screening at The Alchemist in Westlands on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, from 8pm to 10pm.

In collaboration with MyMovies.Africa™, the event aims to bring the impactful narrative to a wider audience.

With only 100 seats available, interested individuals can register for the screening here.

Act Of Love is inspired by a true story, that unfolds in Nairobi, focusing on the life of Juliana (Mwixx Mutinda), a young mother grappling with the challenges of motherhood amidst the quest for a livelihood. The film explores the harsh realities faced by women, shedding light on the prevalence of Post-Partum Depression (PPD) in Africa.

Ms Shelly Gitonga, the award-winning scriptwriter, remarks, “Act Of Love is a film that makes society acknowledge the ugly side of Motherhood.”

She highlights the alarming statistics surrounding PPD, affecting 10-20% of women globally and an even more severe 10-32% in Africa.

The film has not only resonated with audiences but has also received critical acclaim and recognition at various international film festivals.

Previously, Act Of Love secured the Best Short Film award at the 9th Mashariki African Film Festival in Kigali, Rwanda, and the People’s Choice Award at the inaugural Sauti Zetu Film Festival in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania.

Ms Shirleen Wangari, the award-winning producer at Blackwell Films, underlines the significance of addressing maternal mental health challenges. With a reported prevalence of 11-13% in Kenya, PPD can severely impact the well-being of mothers, newborns, families, and communities.

The film’s success extends beyond the festival circuit, with selections at prestigious events like the Zanzibar International Film Festival, Swahili International Film Festival & Awards, Fragments Festival in the UK, and the Hollywood African Cinema Connection (HACC) Film Festival in America, among others.

Ms Trushna Buddhdev-Patel, Co-Founder, CEO & Content Director of YAKWETU™ – the distributor, expresses pride in the cast and crew. In addition to being available on MyMovies.Africa™, the film is open for licensing to various platforms to reach a broader African and Diasporan audience.

Ms Chloe Genga, Impact Producer at LightBox Africa, invites collaboration with partners who share their vision for raising awareness about Post-Partum Depression, maternal health, and mental health.

The film is produced by Blackwell Films in collaboration with Ripple Productions and funded by Some Fine Day Pix, GIZ, Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation & Development of Germany, and DocuBox East Africa Fund.

Source: https://nairobinews.nation.africa/kenyan-film-on-post-partum-depression-triumphs-with-awards-and-screenings/


Kenyan film on post-partum depression triumphs with awards and screenings


Kenyan short film “Act of Love” continues its winning streak, securing the coveted title of Best Short Film at the Luxor African Film Festival in Egypt.

Directed by Eric Mwangi and inspired by a true story from scriptwriter Shelly Gitonga, the film has garnered widespread acclaim for its poignant portrayal of post-partum depression.

The film’s director, Eric Mwangi, expressed his gratitude for the award, highlighting how the film’s reception at the festival sparked meaningful discussions and resonated deeply with viewers.

This latest accolade follows closely on the heels of the film’s success at the Mombasa International Film Festival, where it won Best Short Film and Best Scriptwriter awards.

Additionally, “Act of Love” received three nominations at the Women In Film Awards (WIFA).

With a total of 16 festival selections, 13 nominations, and 6 awards to its name, “Act of Love” continues to captivate audiences and garner critical acclaim worldwide.

For those who have yet to experience the emotional journey of “Act of Love,” the film follows Juliana, portrayed by Mwixx Mutinda, as she navigates the harsh realities of life in Nairobi, grappling with love, loss, and the enduring strength of motherhood.

Juliana’s life takes an unexpected turn when she loses her job and is faced with the challenge of finding a new home while preparing for a job interview.

With her landlord demanding overdue rent and her neighbor unavailable to babysit, Juliana must confront the daunting task of balancing her responsibilities as a mother with her pursuit of a better life.

Despite the mounting obstacles, Juliana remains determined to seize the opportunity presented to her, even as she faces the interview with her distressed baby in her arms.

“Act of Love” offers a poignant exploration of motherhood, resilience, and the often hidden struggle of maternal mental health, inviting audiences to embark on an emotional rollercoaster that promises to leave a lasting impact.

For those eager to witness the award-winning film, “Act of Love” is available exclusively worldwide on MyMovies.Africa™.


Source: https://nairobinews.nation.africa/kenyas-act-of-love-wins-best-short-film-at-luxor-african-film-festival/


Kenya’s ‘Act of Love’ wins best short Film at Luxor African film festival


After a successful six-month run at iHub, #WeWatchKenyan has found an exciting new home at Out Reality in Westlands.

This 70-seat venue, equipped with state-of-the-art audio-visual facilities and a pop-up bar by The Mist, provides the perfect setting to celebrate, watch, and discuss new films from Kenya.

The first #WeWatchKenyan event of 2024, presented by MyMovies.Africa™, will feature Love Estranged at OUT Reality in Westlands this Saturday, February 17th. The screening will begin at 7pm, preceded by an interactive Q&A session from 8pm to 9pm.

“#WeWatchKenyan isn’t just an event; it’s a movement promoting local film and content, as well as building a community of Kenyan creatives who actively support Kenyan content,” says Mr. Mike Strano, Co-Founder & Chief Operations Officer at Yakwetu.

“Our new partnership with OUT Reality, owned by BlackRhino VR, will empower #WeWatchKenyan watch parties every month throughout 2024,” adds Mr. Strano.

“This partnership will allow customers of MyMovies.Africa to personally interact with the cast and crew of some amazing local films.”

Ms. Shamina Rajab, Managing Director of BlackRhino VR, expresses her commitment to empowering young content creators from Kenya and Africa.

“We are aligned with the vision of Yakwetu, and we are proud to sponsor #WeWatchKenyan with our venue,” she says.

The 2024 debut of #WeWatchKenyan will feature a Valentine’s Special in partnership with Camean Media, titled Love Estranged.

This anthology of seven short films explores themes of broken hearts, broken promises, and broken love. Starring an ensemble cast, Love Estranged delves into the darker side of romance.

The event will include an audience-interactive conversation with Casper Anachoni (Director), Winstone Wechuli (Producer), and actors Gikaara Mwangi (Marry Edge), Bilha Muthui (Virulent), and Carol Tatty (Distant).

Tickets for the screening are selling fast, with only 70 seats available. Don’t miss the first #WeWatchKenyan event of 2024, featuring Love Estranged at OUT Reality, Westlands Mall (basement) on Saturday, February 17, starting at 6pm.



WeWatchKenyan finds new home at Out Reality, Westlands Mall

Showing posts from nairobinews category

Film on forgiveness “Where the River Divides” triumphs at Kitale film week

Kenyan film on post-partum depression triumphs with awards and screenings

Kenya’s ‘Act of Love’ wins best short Film at Luxor African film festival

WeWatchKenyan finds new home at Out Reality, Westlands Mall