Yakwetu


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Mark Dinn


<strong>25th February 2024, Nairobi: </strong> With an astounding 16 Festival Selections, 13 Nominations and 7 Awards, within just 4 Months from its Premiere, ACT OF LOVE has also won the Nile Grand Prize for Best Short Film, at the 13th Luxor African Film Festival in Egypt! And is only the 2nd Short Film from Kenya to win an Award there, after TITHES & OFFERINGS in 2019; and the 6th Film overall from Kenya.

This comes just 2 Weeks after winning Best Short Film and Best Scriptwriter at the inaugural Mombasa International Film Festival.

And to Celebrate, the Cast & Crew shall be joining the 2nd #WeWatchKenyan Watch Party by MyMovies.Africa™, on Friday 29th March 2024 (6.00pm-10.00pm), at OUT Reality in The Mall (Basement), Westlands.

On-hand in Egypt to receive the Award was the Director – Eric Mwangi, who said: “Winning at Luxor has been incredibly affirming as a Creative. Even though the Film was screened with Arabic subtitles, its power was unchanged. It's a blessing to see people who don’t speak your language, resonate with the same measure as my people in Kenya. I believe that's a testament to the universality of our Film.”

Inspired by the Writer – Shelly Gitonga’s true story, ACT OF LOVE (16+) is a moving Short Film, set in Nairobi, about Juliana (Mwixx Mutinda) - a young Mother, who holds on to sanity by a thread, as her world is turned upside down in search of a livelihood.

“ACT OF LOVE is a Film that makes society acknowledge the ugly side of Motherhood”, says Ms. Shelly Gitonga – the now Award-winning Scriptwriter. “Statistics show that Post-Partum Depression (PPD) affects 10-20% of Women globally; but in Africa, the situation is worse, with 10-32% of Women suffering from PPD.”

ACT OF LOVE also won Best Short Film at the 9th MASHARIKI African Film Festival in Kigali – Rwanda, during November 2023; following Runner-up for Best Kenyan Short at the Under Our Skin International Film Festival for Human Rights in Kenya in Nairobi, during November 2023; following-on from winning the People’s Choice Award at the inaugural Sauti Zetu Film Festival in Dar-es-Salaam – Tanzania, during October 2023.

And on International Women’s Day, three Cast & Crew from the Film are Nominated for 5th Women In Film Awards (WIFA), in Nairobi; namely: Shirleen Wangari (Best Newcomer Producer in Film), Mwixx Mutinda (Best Actress in Film) and Vivian Njeri (Best Costume Designer).

“In Kenya, the prevalence of this Maternal Mental Health challenge is reported as 11-13%, affecting the well-being of Mothers, Newborns, Families and Communities”, says Ms. Shirleen Wangari, the now Award-winning Producer, at Blackwell Films. “The condition can impair a Mother’s ability to care for her Child and, in extreme cases, can lead to post-partum Psychosis, Suicide and/or Infanticide.”

To-date ACT OF LOVE, has also been Selected for the prestigious 2023 Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF) in Tanzania, 2023 Swahili International Film Festival & Awards in Kenya, 2023 Fragments Festival in the United Kingdom, 2023 Kugoma Film Forum in Mozambique, 2023 Fankeenna Film Festival in Somaliland, 2023 Hollywood African Cinema Connection (HACC) Film Festival in America, 2023 Global Film Exhibition in America, 2023 Botswana International Film Festival, 2023 Mombasa International Film Festival in Kenya, Kenya Film Commission’s Reel County Film Festival 2024 and 2024 Kitale Film Week pin Kenya!

“We are so Proud of the Cast & Crew of this beautiful Film”, says Ms. Trushna Buddhdev-Patel, Co-Founder, Chief Executive Officer & Content Director of YAKWETU™ - the Distributor. “As well as having ACT OF LOVE worldwide on our own MyMovies.Africa™”, the Film is also now Available for Licensing to other Video On Demand (VOD) services, Television and Non-Theatrical opportunities like Airlines, so that as many Africans and Diasporans as possible, can watch this important Title.”

“We have begun special Screenings to underserved Communities of Women and Healthcare Workers around the Kenya and Africa, to raise further Awareness and spark Conversations for supportive Action on Post-Partum Depression, Maternal Health and Mental Health”, says Ms. Chloe Genga, Impact Producer at LightBox Africa. “And we’re open to Collaborating with any Partners who share our Vision”.

ACT OF LOVE was Produced by Blackwell Films, in conjunction with Ripple Productions, through Funding by Some Fine Day Pix, GIZ, Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation & Development of Germany and DocuBox East Africa Fund; with Support Naomi Mburuh Films, Film Studios and Jenga Leo.

Notes to Editors:

01). ACT OF LOVE

After losing her job at a restaurant, Juliana downsizes to a one-roomed house in an informal neighbourhood.
Her luck turns when she is shortlisted for an interview, by a top accounting firm! However, before she can leave her house, the landlord - Mr. Mutisya (Dennis Musyoka), gives her a final notice to pay her rent arrears the same morning. Then, her neighbour - Mama Mukami (Veronica Gatuguta) - who had promised to watch her 2-month-old baby, has a campaign engagement for a local politician. Sister Magdalene (Julisa Rowe), despite being sympathetic to Juliana, cannot allow her to leave the baby at the church, due to a ‘pandemic’ of mothers abandoning their children in the compound. Undeterred, Juliana beats the clock and makes it for the interview - her upset baby in her arms. A sequence of events, triggered by her baby's cries, makes Juliana lose her promising interview. Broken, frustrated, and holding onto sanity by a thread, she questions her love for her baby.

More: https://app.mymovies.africa/view/f23879c9f04ad9b0
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt27393708/

The making of ACT OF LOVE:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ETIMPIziILNuBK8P1T4zNUMdYlHu5at9

Behind the Scenes photos:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1sLHVJPZOOx891A3YvMTr31lotejc0hWi?usp=sharing

02). Luxor African Film Festival

Now in its 13th year, the Luxor African Film Festival (LAFF) is one of Not-For-Profit - Independent Shabab Foundation’s projects. It was the Writer - Sayed Fouad’s, and Director - Azza Elhosseiny's idea, as the African films are almost not screened in Egypt. Furthermore, Luxor hardly has any cultural or artistic events, so was therefore selected to decentralise cultural or artistic events always organised in Cairo and Alexandria. More: http://www.luxorafricanfilmfestival.com/

03). Women In Film Awards (WIFA)

Now in its 5th year, the Women in Film Awards (WIFA) aims at bringing women filmmakers in Kenya together and providing a space where diversity of women voices, stories and creativity is equally recognised and celebrated. More: https://beyondthefilm.org/wifawardskenya/

04). MyMovies.Africa™, by YAKWETU™ Online Limited

Exclusive Distributor, and Non-Exclusive Retailer, of ACT OF LOVE, YAKWETU™ - meaning both "Of Us" and "For Us" in Kiswahili (the most popular African language), is an Online Home Entertainment & Edutainment System - of Africa, for Africa.

Using their proprietory Kenyan-made Applications, 2023 WIPO Global Award-winning YAKWETU™ is an online Retailer and Distributor of Digital Content, from Africa, to Africa and for Africa - through a Range of thoughtfully Curated branded Services, that supply Consumers with securely Encrypted original Titles, that fairly Pays the Creators, unlike Pirated alternatives.

Released on 26th September 2019, their Poof-of-Concept is MyMovies.Africa™, as a Mobile-first Digital Cinema Extension, offering securely Encrypted original Movies from Africa (i.e. New Releases, Classics, Features, Shorts, Animations, Documentaries, etc) on Smart Devices, including Phones, Tablets, Laptops and Smart TVs, across Africa and to her Diaspora in 195 Countries.

Its core Products are a Premium Video On Demand – PVOD (#RentFor2Days) for New Releases, Transactional Video On Demand – TVOD (#RentFor7Days), Electronic Sell Through – EST (#OwnForLife) purchase and Watch Parties via ZOOM, all Accessed here: https://app.mymovies.africa. More: https://www.yakwetu.africa


05). LightBox Africa

LBx Africa offers Impact Production services, for both in-house and external Projects, on a consultancy basis. As one of the few Companies in the Region, that combines Social Impact strategy and Filmmaking, we aim to create customized experiences for each Project we undertake. We recognise that Film Distribution is not limited to Theatrical Screenings and Streaming Platforms, but can also be used as a powerful Tool to drive sustainable Change in Communities. More: https://lbxafrica.com

06). Blackwell Films

Producer of ACT OF LOVE, Blackwell Films is a production company based in Nairobi – Kenya, run by Shirleen Wangari - an Actress Writer and Producer. They provide Filmmaking services and are a licensed Film Agent.
Blackwell also acquires Film Licenses, Immigration special Passes and clears Gear for foreign Productions. More: http://www.blackwellfilms.com/

07). SOME FINE DAY Pix

Executive Producer of ACT OF LOVE, the SOME FINE DAY Pix programme is a continuation of the ONE FINE DAY FILMS Workshop series, which was founded by ONE FINE DAY FILMS, Ginger Ink Films Africa and DW Akademie in Nairobi, Kenya. SOME FINE DAY Pix provides digital state-of-the-art training opportunities for African filmmakers. More: https://www.somefinedaypix.org/

08). Ripple Productions

Director of ACT OF LOVE, Eric M. Mwangi – a Cinematographer and Director with Filmmaking experience in the Eastern and Southern African region, is also Founder of Ripple Productions. An alumnus of the American Film Showcase documentary residency, at the University of Southern California., his goal is to bring an African perspective to the global pool of life-changing stories, thereby, contributing to the expansion of the African Cinema language. Passionate about Filmmaking, Eric has worked with different Producers to execute Projects across multiple locations, meeting different needs with the overall goal of storytelling, achieved through efficiency and creative professionalism.

Mwangi's projects range from Documentaries, TV Commercials and Brand Films to Short Films, working through production houses such as Zero Point Zero Productions [America], Zeleman Productions [Ethiopia], YCF Productions [Zambia], DocuBox [Kenya], One Fine Day Films [Kenya] and Some Fine Day Pix [Kenya], amongst others.

Some of his career highlights include Cinematography for the National Geographic Explorer Series on the ongoing Rhino Resurrection episode with Ami Vitale, and Documentary Filmmaker - Taylor Rees Freesolo; Cinematography for the acclaimed Zambian TV drama ‘UBUNTU’ - which is a first from that country on Showmax; working on a Netflix sizzle reel by Academy Award-winning Director - Rodger Ross William; and Emmy Award-winning Documentary TV Show by Anthony Bourdain – ‘Parts Unknown’, amongst others.

More: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-mwangi-24ab734a/

09). DocuBox East Africa Fund

Supporter of ACT OF LOVE, DocuBox exists to enable talented, driven, focused and accountable East African artists to produce unique films that unearth new realities and cross trans-national boundaries. Through training, development and production grants and screenings for people who love documentary films, they promote East African filmmakers and share their unique stories with the world through creative documentary. More: https://mydocubox.org/


ACT OF LOVE wins at the prestigious 13th Luxor African Film Festival,and has 3 Nominations for the 5th Women In Film Awards (WIFA) being held on 08th March 2024


In the heart of Kenya, a story unfolds that is as timeless as the Thimlich Ohinga ruins themselves. The recently concluded Kitale Film Week became a canvas for the nation's burgeoning film industry, with 'Where the River Divides' taking home the Best Short Film award. Directed by the talented Gadwill Odhiambo and featuring compelling performances by Benjamin Onyango and Odhiambo, the film invites us into the life of Dennis, a man torn by decisions upon his return home after baptism. Set against the backdrop of 1979 Thimlich Ohinga, Migori County, this true story delves into themes of forgiveness, legacy, and purpose, offering a vivid portrayal of Kenyan heritage.
The Spotlight on Kenyan Creativity

Kitale Film Week has long been a beacon for local talent, and this year was no exception. 'Where the River Divides' was not just a film; it was a testament to the rich storytelling tradition of Kenya. The jury, including Peter Kawa and Channelle Kitonny, lauded the film for its portrayal of universal themes through the lens of Kenyan culture. The festival also highlighted other notable films such as 'Mtaa Yangu' for its cinematography, 'Sleeping Warrior' for best documentary, and 'Shimoni', which won both Best Screenplay and Best Feature Film, showcasing the diverse talent within the Kenyan film sector.
A Call for Greater Visibility

Despite the success and critical acclaim of films like 'Where the River Divides', the Kenyan film industry faces the challenge of visibility and distribution. The Kitale Film Week serves as a critical platform for filmmakers to showcase their work, yet the journey does not end there. The need for increased publicity and distribution channels was a recurring theme during the event, highlighting the necessity for broader audience engagement within and beyond Kenya's borders. This call to action underscores the potential of the film industry as a cultural and economic powerhouse, capable of telling Kenya's stories to the world.
Hope for the Future

The accolades received by 'Where the River Divides' and other films at the Kitale Film Week are a beacon of hope for Kenyan cinema. With talents like Gadwill Odhiambo at the helm, the industry is poised for growth. The festival's recognition of films dealing with themes such as food security, heritage, and personal struggle reflects a maturing industry ready to tackle a broad spectrum of issues. As these stories find their way onto platforms like MyMovies.Africa, the dream of a thriving film sector in Kenya becomes ever more tangible, promising a future where Kenyan narratives are cherished both at home and abroad.

Source: https://bnnbreaking.com/world/africa/kenyas-where-the-river-divides-captivates-at-kitale-film-week-showcasing-the-power-of-forgiveness



Explore the success and challenges of the Kenyan film industry through the lens of Kitale Film Week. Discover how films like 'Where the River Divides' are paving the way for greater visibility and recognition of Kenyan storytelling.

Kenya's 'Where the River Divides' Captivates at Kitale Film Week, Showcasing the Power of Forgiveness


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 mymoviesafrica-app tag

ACT OF LOVE wins at the prestigious 13th Luxor African Film Festival,and has 3 Nominations for the 5th Women In Film Awards (WIFA) being held on 08th March 2024

Kenya's 'Where the River Divides' Captivates at Kitale Film Week, Showcasing the Power of Forgiveness

WeWatchKenyan finds new home at Out Reality, Westlands Mall