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Mark Dinn


2023 has been yet another cinematic chapter in the Kenyan film industry, one which I can only describe as a captivating reel of artistic triumphs. From the extensive releases of Kenyan-produced films that have gone on to have screenings at various major festivals which make up part of the international film circuit, to having our strongest film yet submitted as a contender for the Best International Feature Film Award category at the Oscars 2024.

<img src="https://wakilisha.africa/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/A-scene-from-the-Kenyan-Film-Where-the-River-Divides_WAKILISHA.jpg"/>
<figcaption>A scene from the Kenyan film Where the River Divides (2023)A scene from the Kenyan film Where the River Divides (2023) | Image: IMDb </figcaption>

It is only right to celebrate the brilliant output of the Kenyan filmmakers currently at the center of producing films centered around Kenya that delve into the intricacies of the Kenyan experience, happenings, and ways of life. Below I have curated a list of what I consider to be the top five Kenyan films released in 2023, acknowledging the inherent subjectivity that shapes our individual perspectives on cinema.

1. Mvera

Directed by Daudi Anguka, who is mostly known for his Swahili telenovela Pete that airs on Maisha Magic, Mvera is arguably one of the finest Kenyan films in recent times.

<img src="https://wakilisha.africa/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Mvera_Top-5-Kenyan-Films-of-2023_WAKILISHA.jpg"/>

<figcaption>A scene in Mvera, Kenya’s official submission to the 2024 Academy Awards. Mvera appears on WAKILISHA's list of top 5 Kenyan Films released in 2023.A scene in Mvera, Kenya’s official submission to the 2024 Academy Awards. Mvera appears on WAKILISHA’s list of top 5 Kenyan Films released in 2023. | Image: WAKILISHA </figcaption>

It was recently announced as Kenya’s official submission to the 2024 Academy Awards by the Oscars Selection Committee Kenya (OSCK) to vie for the Best International Feature Film Award. Mvera features a stellar cast of fine actors and actresses such as Hillary Namanje, Kibibi Salim, Patrick Owino, Susan Kadid, Carorita Mutua and Linah Sande in the lead role.

<iframe width="820" height="515" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RxlwV2-liBM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>


The film is set in the Kenyan coast and follows the lead character, Mvera (Linah Sande), as she tries  to fight the corrupt practices that have plagued her poverty ridden community in a modern day retelling of the Mekatilili Wa Menza story. Mvera was  released on September 9th at Nyali Cinemax in Mombasa.


2. Where The River Divides

Set in the late 70s, Where the River Divides tells the story of Dennis ( portrayed by Gadwill Odhiambo) who must choose between conforming to the orthodox ways of his father’s clan or Christianity which he has come to embrace. The movie was filmed in Migori at the Thimlich Ohinga Archaeological Site, and alongside Gadwill features a cast of  Sandra Apondi, U.S based Kenyan actor Benjamin A. Onyango, Caroline Midimo Atieno, Fred Kasuku, Alan Oyugi among others.

<img src="https://wakilisha.africa/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/A-Scene-in-Where-the-River-Divides_Kenyan-Film-2023_WAKILISHA.jpg"/>

<figcaption>A scene from the 2023 Kenyan film ‘Where the River Divides’. In the film the son of a clan leader returns to his village following his baptism, he must choose whether to inherit his father’s legacy, or fulfill his newfound purpose and risk his life. | Image: IMDb </figcaption>

This film is produced by Isaac Masiga for MyMovies.Africa, a film streaming company founded in 2014  whose main purpose is termed to be connecting customers globally with African content of their choice and remunerating the creators of the content. It was initially released on 8th April 2023 in the United States and first made available for world wild streaming  on 15th August 2023 after its Kenyan premier at the Anga Cinema, Diamond Plaza in Nairobi.


3. Prayer For The Departed

Featuring Favour Odhiambo, Raymond Ofula, and Lucarelli Onyango in the lead roles among others, Prayers For The Departed narrates on the true story of a fourteen year old school girl referred to as JMM who is raped, gets pregnant and after initially seeking abortion services from a quackery doctor, is denied necessary healthcare from the government hospitals when it all goes sideways resulting in her death. This emotional film, which is a collaborative production of Safari Media and Xhale Africa, was released on the 25th of March 2023, at The Prestige Cinema in Nairobi, at a grand premier which was attended by an array of politicians, law makers and social justice activists.

<img src="https://wakilisha.africa/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Poster-for-the-2023-Kenyan-Film-Prayer-for-the-Departed_WAKILISHA.jpg"/>

<figcaption>Poster for the 2023 Kenyan Film Prayer for the DepartedPrayer For The Departed (2023) is a Kenyan film directed by Dancurf Brown. The film is inspired by a true story, the film explores the journey of a Kenyan girl forced to confront a maze of complex decisions no teenager should ever have to make. | Image: Dancurf Brown </figcaption>

4. Mtaa Yangu

Set in the neighborhood of Mwiki in Nairobi, and featuring a cast comprising of Sasha Orege, Emily Nene, Mavoko Mbatha as the lead and Mary Kinya among others, Mtaa Yangu is a crime thriller directed by Likale Washington Muyonga. It tells the story of a gang leader named Kiprotich  who exploits Mwiki residents.

<iframe width="820" height="515" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uhRq3YJwh40" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>


With thrilling action and fight sequences to die for, Mtaa Yangu was released on 6th October 2023 at the Anga Cinema, Diamond Plaza and screened also at select venues across Nairobi and beyond.

5. Act Of Love

Directed by the talented Eric Mwangi, produced  by Shirleen Wangari and with an amazing screenplay written by Shelly Gitonga, Act Of Love explores the struggles of motherhood through the story of Juliana ( portrayed by Mwixx Mutinda), who must hold on for the sake of her young child despite how every support system she has comes crumbling down.

<img src="https://wakilisha.africa/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/A-scene-from-the-Kenyan-film-Act-of-Love-released-in-2023_WAKILISHA.jpg"/>

<figcaption>Mwikali Mutinda in the Kenyan film Act of Love (2023)Mwikali Mutinda in the Kenyan film Act of Love (2023) | Image: IMDb</figcaption>

Initially released on  June 7th 2023 in the United States, the film which has made its way through  the international Film circuit  with various screenings in festivals across the globe, had its Kenyan premier on  20th October 2023 at the Anga Cinema Diamond Plaza in Nairobi.


Source: https://wakilisha.africa/top-5-kenyan-films-released-in-2023/


Top 5 Kenyan Films Released In 2023


Anticipated Kenyan movie “Where The River Divides,” is ready to take audiences on a transformative journey that transcends boundaries and redefines the cinematic landscape.

Set against the mystical backdrop of the Thimlich Ohinga archaeological site in Migori, “Where The River Divides” is poised to make its grand debut and carve its mark in the hearts of viewers.

With the premiere scheduled at Anga Cinema, Diamond Plaza, the anticipation is building for this cinematic revelation.

The event is set to unfold on Tuesday, August 15th, at 2 PM, promising an unforgettable experience for all those in attendance.

At its core, Where The River Divides unravels a mesmerizing tale woven around the life of a young protagonist, intricately connected to the legacy of his esteemed clan leader father.

Upon returning to his village after a transformative baptism, the young man finds himself standing at a crossroads that holds the power to redefine his destiny. One path beckons him towards the hallowed duty of inheriting his father’s illustrious legacy – a path laden with traditions, responsibilities, and towering expectations. The other path introduces him to a new horizon, where the allure of Christianity tugs at his heartstrings, offering a fresh sense of purpose.

This internal conflict serves as the pulsating heartbeat of the movie, inviting audiences to immerse themselves in the protagonist’s profound struggle.

Yet, the film’s true essence lies in its ability to weave together the tapestry of shared human experiences, transcending barriers of language and faith. It resonates with the universal emotions and aspirations that bind us all, reaffirming the interconnectedness of humanity.

Director M.D. Neely delves into the film’s essence, remarking, “At its core, ‘Where the River Divides’ grapples with the concept of sacrifice. It compels us to examine what we are willing to relinquish in order to heed the call of destiny. Dennis’s journey, as portrayed in the film, has touched and inspired me deeply. Collaborating with an exceptional team of artists to bring this narrative to life has been an honor.”

Where The River Divides authenticity is reflected in its original filming in the evocative Dholuo, which has been meticulously dubbed into Kiswahili and English.

This careful translation ensures that the movie’s narrative resonates with a diverse global audience, fostering a sense of unity through understanding.

As the world gears up for the grand premiere, “Where The River Divides” is poised to make its digital debut as well.

The film will be available for streaming across a staggering 195 countries and territories, providing an exclusive online premiere through the Digital Cinema Extension – MyMovies.Africa™ platform. The virtual curtains will rise on this digital extravaganza at 4:00 PM on Tuesday, August 15th, 2023.

Trushna Buddhdev-Patel, the visionary co-founder, content director, and CEO of Yakwetu – the parent company of MyMoviesAfrica – expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “This film, rooted in Kenya’s rich history, fills us with immense pride.

The global distribution of ‘Where The River Divides’ resonates with its universal themes, and we are thrilled to showcase it on our very own Video On Demand service, MyMovies.Africa™.”

In a world brimming with distractions, “Where The River Divides” stands as a poignant reminder of the weight of our choices and the enduring impact of compassion. As the film embarks on its voyage across screens around the world, it beckons audiences to join in contemplation, inviting them to find a shared resonance in the face of life’s most monumental challenges.

Source: https://www.kenyanvibe.com/where-the-river-divides-kenyan-film-to-premier-at-anga-cinema/


Where The River Divides’: Kenyan Film To Premier At Anga Cinema


Based on a True Story, from 1979 Kenya in Thimlich Ohinga, Migori County, Where the River Divides premiered on Friday 11th August 2023, at the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

On Tuesday 15th August 2023, Where the River Divides, produced by Good News Productions International-Africa, premiered in Nairobi, at Anga Cinemas, Diamond Plaza 2 in Parklands, to rave Reviews!

<img src = "https://news.sanaapost.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/6009746-721x1024.jpg"/>
<figcaption> Where the River Divides red carpet Photo by Sanaa Post </figcaption>

This gripping tale, set against the backdrop of the awe-inspiring Thimlich Ohinga, is a compelling narrative that delves deep into themes of truth, faith, fear, family, sacrifices, betrayal, culture and responsibilities.

Set in a tight-knit village, Where The River Divides follows the compelling journey of a young man, the son of a respected clan leader. Upon his return to the village, following his baptism, he finds himself at a crossroads, torn between two divergent paths. On one hand, he stands to inherit his father’s esteemed legacy, a role laden with expectations, traditions and responsibilities. On the other, he is faced with the allure of a newfound purpose that beckons him towards an uncertain destiny, one that demands great courage and could put his life at risk.

<img src = "https://news.sanaapost.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/6009664-1024x924.jpg"/>
<figcaption> Sanaa Post team at the Where the River Divides premiere Photo by Sanaa Post </figcaption>

Originally filmed in Dholuo, Where The River Divides has also been meticulously dubbed into both Kiswahili and English, ensuring that its profound narrative can be appreciated by a diverse global audience. This decision aligns with the film’s overarching message of unity and shared human experiences, transcending linguistic boundaries.

As such, Where The River Divides has simultaneously Premiered online, and is available in all 195 countries & territories globally, exclusively via Digital Cinema Extension, MyMovies.Africa™ https://app.mymovies.africa.

<img src = "https://news.sanaapost.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/6009883-1024x819.jpg"/>
<figcaption> All smiles at the Where the River Divides premiere Photo by Sanaa Post </figcaption>

"This is such a beautiful Film, from Kenya’s history” says Co-Founder, Content Director & Chief Executive Officer of
YAKWETU™ – Ms. Trushna Buddhdev-Patel.

"And we are very proud to be Distributing it globally, as well as making it available on our own Video On Demand service – MyMovies.Africa™.” She adds

"Where The River Divides is more than a Film; it’s an emotional journey that urges us to contemplate the choices that
define our existence. It’s a testament to the power of compassion and understanding, even in the face of monumental challenges”. Says Ms. Matrid Nyagah, one of the film’s Producers, at Fearless Films

"For me, Where the River Divides is ultimately about sacrifice”. Says Mr. M.D. Neely – the film’s Director, from
American-based Christ In Youth (CIY)

"What am I willing to sacrifice to follow the call that God has placed on my life? Dennis’ story has challenged and
inspired me. Also, I am so humbled and proud to work with such an incredibly talented and passionate group of artists
to tell this story.” He adds

Watch Where the River Divides online Now via the Link https://app.mymovies.africa

Source: https://news.sanaapost.com/where-the-river-divides-premiere/


WHERE THE RIVER DIVIDES’ now Streaming Worldwide, exclusively on MyMovies.Africa™

Showing posts from wheretheriverdivides tag

Top 5 Kenyan Films Released In 2023

Where The River Divides’: Kenyan Film To Premier At Anga Cinema

WHERE THE RIVER DIVIDES’ now Streaming Worldwide, exclusively on MyMovies.Africa™