Day Four of Kitale Film Week focused on emerging filmmakers, and they did not disappoint. From insightful discussions to captivating screenings, the day showcased fresh talent and powerful storytelling, proving that small stories can indeed have a big impact.
The fourth day of Kitale Film Week opened with an engaging group discussion on the challenges and opportunities in the filmmaking industry, particularly in Kitale. This intimate session brought together filmmakers to discuss key issues such as financing, distribution, audience engagement, and mentorship for emerging filmmakers. A recurring theme from Peter Pages was the idea that the more local you go, the more global you become, emphasizing the importance of telling our own stories authentically.
Film Screenings: Emerging Voices in Cinema
Following the discussion, attendees were treated to a diverse selection of films by emerging filmmakers across Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, Namibia, and beyond. The line-up included thought-provoking dramas, suspenseful thrillers, and socially impactful narratives, highlighting the depth and creativity of new voices in cinema.
Some of the films screened included
- Passenger: A gripping thriller about a young man traveling by bus to deliver a mysterious package. However, another passenger grows suspicious, believing the package contains a mutilated body or a bomb linked to a terrorist group. The tension escalates as he becomes determined to stop the young man, leading to a suspenseful and unpredictable journey.
- Obukade Busatu: A hilarious short film presented in a reality TV style, bringing humor and light-hearted entertainment to the audience.
- Half Chocolate, Half Vanilla: A touching short film that raises awareness about vitiligo and promotes acceptance of people with skin conditions. Its powerful message resonated with the audience, highlighting the need for inclusivity in storytelling.
- Otis Janam: You can read the review here
- Hanami: (Denise Fernandes, Cape Verde) This coming-of-age film follows Nana (played by Dailma Mendes as a child and Sanaya Andrade as a teenager), a girl growing up in Cape Verde after her mother, Nia (Alice da Luz), leaves for a better life abroad. The story beautifully captures Nana’s childhood in a close-knit community of women who care for her and her emotional reunion with her mother years later. This was one of those deeply poetic films that make you question your own intelligence. You sit there, nodding like you totally get it, but deep down, you’re wondering if you need an English teacher, a philosophy professor, and maybe a poet to decode its true meaning.
Other films that were screened included:
- Nawi: Kevin Schmutzler, Toby Schmutzler, Apuu Mourine Munyes, Vallentine Chelluget, Kenya
- Angel in the Stone: Doyinsola Ajayi, Nigeria
- Stray Flower: Nandi Nastasja, Namibia/Germany
- Emunyenye: Brian Vons Mukisa, Uganda
- Salamatu’s Rhapsody: Abubakr S. Adamu, Oluwatimilehin Adejumo, Nigeria
- Kuyo: Don Otieno Okinyi, Kenya
- The Boy from Kampala: Vieri Kavuma, Uganda
- Endless Loop: ‘Che Messiah, Nigeria
- Nairobi Half-Life: Tosh Gitonga, Kenya
- I Know My Rights: Lord Muga Brian, Kenya. You can read the review here
And there was evening, and there was morning- the fourth day….
And on the fifth day, we witnessed a genre-bending spectacle…..
Day Five started with a bang as Fatherhood (Amisha Mukasa), a film produced by an all-women crew, took center stage. The screening was followed by a riveting discussion led by producer Wanjiku Wahome, who shed light on the challenges and triumphs of an all-female film set. Attendees also got an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the making of the film through Equalizer (Brenda Maina), offering deeper insight into the creative process.
The day continued with genre-focused screenings that left audiences in awe. Ugandan animations such as Kintu ( Denis Junior Dhikusooka) and Fractured (Josephine Mary Namirembe) demonstrated the region’s growing prowess in animation. Grogan’s Lodge (Isaya Evans), a Kenyan horror film, sent chills down the spine, while Mission Xylara (Denis Junior Dhikusooka), a Ugandan sci-fi feature, closed the day with a stunning display of cinematic potential.
In addition, a rich lineup of short films and international features filled the program. Including:
- The Little Things (2024) – Jevin Mulwa, Kenya
- Dawn After Darkness (2024) – Muhire Methode, Rwanda
- A Country Called Ghana (2024) – Frank Gharbin, Ghana
- Binti Maji and the Ocean (2020) – Sheldon Mutei Ndumbu, Gift Kyansimire Oroni, Kenya
- Gas (2024) – Emmanuel Chege, Rebecca Keli, Kenya
- Death Valley (2023) – Kennedy Kyalo, Kenya
- Counterpunch (2024) – Rodney Williams, Kenya, Uganda
- All Equal! (2024) – Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba Diop, Senegal, United Kingdom
- Heroes of Africa: Tetteh Quashie (2020) – Frank Fiifi Gharbin, Ghana
- Karamoja (2023) – Mathew Nabwiso, Uganda
- Unyagoni: Bahati’s Sex Education Journey (2024) – Saitabao Kaiyare, Kenya
- I know my rights (2024) – Lord Muga Brian, Kenya.
- Ndoto (2023) – Omar Hamza, Kenya
- Afrikki (2025) – Gaëlle LeRoy, Senegal
Outdoor Screenings: Taking Films to the People
One of the most exciting aspects of the Kitale Film Week evenings has been the outdoor screenings, which bring films to a wider audience in open-air settings, and days 4 and 5 were not left behind. Audiences gathered in different locations to enjoy stories under the stars- though the mosquitoes seemed equally interested in both the films and the filmgoers, proving themselves to be Kitale’s most dedicated cinema critics.
A Celebration of Storytelling
As Kitale Film Week unfolds, it is clear that the event is more than just a showcase of films—it is a celebration of the power of storytelling. From emerging voices finding their footing to seasoned filmmakers pushing boundaries, the festival reaffirms the richness of African cinema. With a perfect blend of insightful discussions, bold narratives, and immersive screenings, these two days exemplified the spirit of filmmaking: a journey of passion, creativity, and unyielding dedication to storytelling.
And there was evening, and there was morning- the fifth day….
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