DIRECTOR: Vallentine Chelluget, Apuu Mourine, Kevin Schmutzler, Toby Schmutzler
STARRING: Michelle Lemuya Ikeny, Joel Liwan, Nyokabi Macharia
RUNNING TIME: 1 hr 43 minutes
LANGUAGE: Swahili, English
Nawi is a Kenyan film that explores the intricate themes of love, identity, and cultural heritage, set against the vibrant backdrop of modern day Kenya. The narrative centres on a young woman who is caught between the traditions of her upbringing and the pressures of contemporary life. As she confronts the weight of familial expectations and the pull of her own dreams, she embarks on a transformative journey of self-discovery.
***
Nawi is the directorial debut for Vallentine Chelluget and Apuu Mourine and the second feature for Kevin Schmutzler. The film had its worldwide debut in Nairobi in August 2024. The film is based on a winning story of a nationwide writing contest.
The Kenya Film Commission chose Nawi for its powerful narrative, outstanding performances, and the unique perspective it brings to the global cinema landscape. The film represents the incredible growth and potential of Kenya’s film industry. "We are proud to present a story that not only entertains but also provokes thought and conversation about issues that affect us all," noted the Kenya Oscars Selection Committee.
The film was produced by FilmCrew Media, Learning Lions and Baobab Pictures.
Nawi is a drama and it was filmed in Turkana region in Kenya.
To check out all previous submissions for Kenya, click HERE.
STARRING: Michelle Lemuya Ikeny, Joel Liwan, Nyokabi Macharia
RUNNING TIME: 1 hr 43 minutes
LANGUAGE: Swahili, English
Nawi is a Kenyan film that explores the intricate themes of love, identity, and cultural heritage, set against the vibrant backdrop of modern day Kenya. The narrative centres on a young woman who is caught between the traditions of her upbringing and the pressures of contemporary life. As she confronts the weight of familial expectations and the pull of her own dreams, she embarks on a transformative journey of self-discovery.
***
Nawi is the directorial debut for Vallentine Chelluget and Apuu Mourine and the second feature for Kevin Schmutzler. The film had its worldwide debut in Nairobi in August 2024. The film is based on a winning story of a nationwide writing contest.
The Kenya Film Commission chose Nawi for its powerful narrative, outstanding performances, and the unique perspective it brings to the global cinema landscape. The film represents the incredible growth and potential of Kenya’s film industry. "We are proud to present a story that not only entertains but also provokes thought and conversation about issues that affect us all," noted the Kenya Oscars Selection Committee.
The film was produced by FilmCrew Media, Learning Lions and Baobab Pictures.
Nawi is a drama and it was filmed in Turkana region in Kenya.
To check out all previous submissions for Kenya, click HERE.
FILM REVIEW:
(This review contains spoilers.)
“I am eight camels. 60 sheep. 100 goats. No more. No less.”
Nawi is a deeply moving and tragic film that tells the story of a young girl whose bright future is destroyed by the cruel practice of child marriage. Set in the arid region of Turkana, Northern Kenya, the film follows Nawi, a 13-year-old girl who is the top student in her class. Her academic brilliance offers her a chance to escape the cycle of poverty and tradition when she’s accepted into a prestigious high school in Nairobi. However, just as she is about to embark on this life-changing journey, Nawi is married off to an older man, and her dreams are abruptly and violently taken from her. The film powerfully examines the devastating consequences of child marriage and the systemic failures that allow this practice to continue.
At the heart of Nawi is the portrayal of its titular character, a girl filled with ambition, hope, and promise. Her success in school and her opportunity to attend high school in Nairobi serve as symbols of the future she could have had, one marked by education, independence, and personal fulfillment. The film skillfully captures Nawi’s excitement and her determination to rise above her circumstances, making the decision to marry her off all the more heartbreaking. Nawi’s character embodies the lost potential of countless young girls who are denied the chance to control their own destinies and accomplish their dreams.
Beyond its aesthetic beauty, Nawi is a deeply reflective film that tackles serious societal issues. The film doesn’t shy away from portraying the emotional and physical toll of forced marriage on young girls like Nawi, exposing the systemic injustice that robs them of their innocence, education, and dreams. In doing so, the film becomes more than just a story, it transforms into a powerful call to action. It encourages viewers to engage with the ongoing fight for policy reform, with education positioned as the key to breaking the cycle of oppression that many young girls face.
Nawi is stunning. The film uses the stark beauty of Turkana’s desert landscapes to contrast Nawi’s vibrant dreams with the harsh realities of her life. The shots of her village, where tradition is inescapable, are juxtaposed with brief glimpses of the world just outside her reach, a bustling place full of opportunities. These contrasts deepen the sense of loss as the audience witnesses what Nawi could have achieved if given the chance. The cinematography serves not just as a backdrop, but as a silent commentary on the tension between tradition and progress.
Nawi challenges the viewer to confront the societal and cultural practices that continue to rob young girls of their futures. By highlighting the role education could have played in Nawi’s life, the film advocates for reform and the empowerment of girls through schooling. It serves as a reminder of the urgent need for change, particularly in regard to child marriage and the importance of education. Nawi is not only a triumph of storytelling but also a powerful reflection on the universal challenges of identity, choice, and freedom.
(This review contains spoilers.)
“I am eight camels. 60 sheep. 100 goats. No more. No less.”
Nawi is a deeply moving and tragic film that tells the story of a young girl whose bright future is destroyed by the cruel practice of child marriage. Set in the arid region of Turkana, Northern Kenya, the film follows Nawi, a 13-year-old girl who is the top student in her class. Her academic brilliance offers her a chance to escape the cycle of poverty and tradition when she’s accepted into a prestigious high school in Nairobi. However, just as she is about to embark on this life-changing journey, Nawi is married off to an older man, and her dreams are abruptly and violently taken from her. The film powerfully examines the devastating consequences of child marriage and the systemic failures that allow this practice to continue.
At the heart of Nawi is the portrayal of its titular character, a girl filled with ambition, hope, and promise. Her success in school and her opportunity to attend high school in Nairobi serve as symbols of the future she could have had, one marked by education, independence, and personal fulfillment. The film skillfully captures Nawi’s excitement and her determination to rise above her circumstances, making the decision to marry her off all the more heartbreaking. Nawi’s character embodies the lost potential of countless young girls who are denied the chance to control their own destinies and accomplish their dreams.
Beyond its aesthetic beauty, Nawi is a deeply reflective film that tackles serious societal issues. The film doesn’t shy away from portraying the emotional and physical toll of forced marriage on young girls like Nawi, exposing the systemic injustice that robs them of their innocence, education, and dreams. In doing so, the film becomes more than just a story, it transforms into a powerful call to action. It encourages viewers to engage with the ongoing fight for policy reform, with education positioned as the key to breaking the cycle of oppression that many young girls face.
Nawi is stunning. The film uses the stark beauty of Turkana’s desert landscapes to contrast Nawi’s vibrant dreams with the harsh realities of her life. The shots of her village, where tradition is inescapable, are juxtaposed with brief glimpses of the world just outside her reach, a bustling place full of opportunities. These contrasts deepen the sense of loss as the audience witnesses what Nawi could have achieved if given the chance. The cinematography serves not just as a backdrop, but as a silent commentary on the tension between tradition and progress.
Nawi challenges the viewer to confront the societal and cultural practices that continue to rob young girls of their futures. By highlighting the role education could have played in Nawi’s life, the film advocates for reform and the empowerment of girls through schooling. It serves as a reminder of the urgent need for change, particularly in regard to child marriage and the importance of education. Nawi is not only a triumph of storytelling but also a powerful reflection on the universal challenges of identity, choice, and freedom.
