The Nairobi Film Festival closed with a deep dive into Kenya’s history, revisiting wounds that are yet to fully heal.
For one who had only watched its trailer once, this was that one moment that I’d stop wondering where I could access the acclaimed documentary after screening in different localities around the world, but my interest faded.
That is, until last Saturday.
‘Our Land Our Freedom’ documents the search for Dedan Kimathi’s remains undertaken by her daughter Evelyn Wanjugu Kimathi. This search leads her to uncover the grim reality the Mau Mau faced under British rule, their fight rooted on one goal; Land.
Land is where you get food, land is where you’re buried, land connects you to your ancestors. Being buried in a cemetery is an abomination in our culture.” Evelyn Wanjugu Kimathi says in ‘Our Land Our Freedom’.
Directed by Zippy Kimundu and Neema Nanji, the film boldly revisits the disturbing events as recounted by Mau Mau veterans who experienced the ordeals first hand. Listening to them describe their experiences differs authentically from hearing the accounts by a third party or the text of a high school history lesson. Theirs is the anguish exacerbated by living in the reality of having nothing to show for their valour- an image that sent a clench to my jaw.
In a country where we’re completely unaware where the government’s interest lies, with promises today and abductions tomorrow, Wanjugu also comes against scrutiny. The government tries to halt her progress, which they evidently fear, that of a single woman gathering ten thousand individuals who willingly contributed money to buy land for themselves, land that was originally theirs.
Honouring the plea from her mother, Mukami Kimathi, to unite the freedom fighters, Wanjugu also takes us up-close and personal to her mother’s last days. Heartfelt glimpses of her joy in witnessing the vast change her daughter brought upon the country sends an unavoidable smile.
The film shines a glimmer of hope as some of the veterans enjoy their harvest in fertile lands, bury their loved ones in a land they call home, and reap the fruits of their struggle from 60 years back.
Elevate your brand as a creative via SANAA Talents
