This film explores that terrifying truth, that unprocessed grief waits in the shadows, ready to consume us.
The above is a statement from ANAM’S WAKE director and writer, Likarion Wainaina, a resonant one no doubt.
ANAM’S WAKE is a gripping and evocative Kenyan psychological thriller, set to premiere in Kenya on 31 July 2026 at Prestige Cinema, with additional screenings scheduled from 1 – 2 August 2026. Set against the backdrop of African mourning rituals and traditions, the film follows Anam, a professional mourner trained to summon Death and negotiate the passage of souls. Though skilled in guiding others through loss, Anam remains emotionally numb after her mother’s death sixteen years ago. When tasked with her first solo ritual at the influential Ebale family home, what begins as a solemn wake spirals into a chilling ordeal.
The film blends the reality of the psychological toll brought by grief that is oftenly suppressed with African mourning traditions that don’t compliment the former in most cases and the consequences that follow for an individual, well articulated by the director in addition his inspiration behind the film;
ANAM’S WAKE was born from my own journey through grief. After attending numerous burials in early 2024, I became fascinated by the way sorrow often stays hidden, only to return with overwhelming force later,” adding, “This film explores that terrifying truth, that unprocessed grief waits in the shadows, ready to consume us. Through Anam, a mourner who guides others while shutting down her own pain, I wanted to explore grief as a ritual, a burden and an inheritance. I also aimed to bring Death to life, not as a distant concept, but as an intimate presence within communal mourning. This film is my attempt to capture the complex dance between death and grief and the dangers of postponing emotional truth.
Founded in African roots with its themes while at the same time tackling universal, and relatable issues, Anam’s Wake is on the verge of inspiring the expression of raw human emotions through the lens of African creativity as producer Wanjiru Njoroge attests;
ANAM’S WAKE is the kind of film I entered this industry to make—deeply rooted in African culture yet universal in its themes. It is a story about grief, family secrets, identity and a young woman navigating the tension between tradition and her own path. What drew me to the project was its trust in silence and the emotional weight carried in what remains unsaid.” She adds; “Through a cast capable of conveying profound emotion with remarkable restraint, we have created an authentic African story that speaks to audiences everywhere. I am incredibly proud of what we built together and the conversations it will inspire about family, truth and healing.
ANAM’S WAKE features an exceptional Kenyan cast Marima Wanjiru (Anam), Sam Omondi, Peter Kawa (Mason Ebale), Vanessa Okeyo (Amani Ebale), Ruth Apondi (Aunt Kavata) and Pras Jadi (Kwame Ebale), Gathoni Mutua (Zuri Ebale), Brenda Ngeso (Nyawira), who together breath life into a uniquely African story rich with tension, where every word spoken could alter the fate of both the living and the dead.
Drawing on extensive cultural consultation and local knowledge, the film stands as a testament to the power of community storytelling. It honors the voices, traditions and mourning practices that inform its narrative, creating an authentic and respectful portrayal of African cultural practices.
With an original bold voice in African cinema, ANAM’S WAKE invites audiences into a world where death is not a final farewell but a delicate negotiation between memory, legacy and healing. In doing so, it presents a haunting yet hopeful story about confronting the shadows of the past and discovering the resilience needed to move forward.
Grab your tickets here, and catch ANAM’S WAKE on July 31st at Prestige Cinema
