Yakwetu


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Mark Dinn


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

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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