By Asnath Agatha
On the last Thursday of last month, film lovers gathered at Café Amka for the highly-anticipated premiere of Boma Film Nights, a novel concept curated by award-winning producer Nice Githinji. The evening kicked off with an electrifying DJ set featuring exclusively Kenyan music, creating the perfect atmosphere as guests arrived, for a bit of mingling and the occasional nibble.
This was to be the first of many monthly themed nights and the anticipation was palpable. The much-awaited screening began with These Are Moments to Die For.
The film stars Nyokabi Macharia as Kui Wagwa and Auudi Rowa as Stacy Kimutai, and is written by Munene Mwarania. Nice Githinji directed it. It follows Kui, an Olympic boxing medallist who now strives to regain fame as a social media influencer. With the help of her best friend Stacy, a well-known makeup influencer, Kui attempts to match Stacy’s level of success. However, as they live together, Stacy continuously steals the spotlight. In a dramatic twist, she tries to execute a kick suggested by a follower, accidentally knocking Stacy down… and finally earning the attention she so desperately craved.
The second film was Stero, a film starring Justin Mirichii, Lucarelli Onyango and Kael Wafubwa. It was written by Millan Tarus and directed by Millan Tarus.
Speaking Swahili on the school grounds is against the language policy. For Bruce Koech, this repressive Anglo-Western education system goes against his rebellious spirit.
Being a lone ranger with the heart of a warrior, he accepts a mission from his imaginary Sensei- to be a badass hero. As punishment, Koech is forced to wear the disk, an ugly animal bone, after speaking Swahili contrary to the school’s language policy.
The rest of the day becomes a long, walk of shame for Koech. He faces ridicule from every corner. ‘Sensei’ pushes him to remove the disk and protect his honour, which quickly lands him in trouble with the headmaster.
At the Headmaster’s office, Koech is caned. He musters all his strength to endure the pain and protect his honour but falls short – the pain is too much. He yields to the pain and wears the disk. He leaves the office one step shy of becoming a badass hero.
Mawimbi was the third film to be screened. This is a Kenyan short film directed by Mark Wambui, written by Wanjohi Ian and produced by Ivy Kiru. It features Malik Lemuel Mbelle as Kazungu and Hillary Namanje as his father, Matano. After 8 years Kazungu comes back to the family home for the unfortunate event of burying his mother, and is forced to come face-to-face with his estranged father. The two men go on a fishing trip to catch a rare fish that has been sighted. While at sea, the tension between them gives way to encounters that cause them to confront the reasons behind their strained relationship. 
Eventually, they entrap the rare fish they set out to hunt, but now with a greater awareness about what it represents for them and their relationship.
Lastly was Midnight Van starring Nice Githinji and Nick Ndeda who is also the writer of the film. In the wake of post-election violence, a pair of news anchors, Juma Wasai and Martha Olang’ are stuck in their office after they miss the last van evacuating staff members to safety. With the presence of militia drawing closer their location, the pair find themselves questioning their culpability regarding the current situation. Is it poetic justice or will they find a way out before it’s too late? The two travel through an emotional rollercoaster are they try to survive their unfortunate situation and they end up seeking comfort from each other.
The inaugural Boma Film Night ended with a fun Q&A session and fun games involving the various cast and attendees. The host also expressed her warmest regards for everyone who showed up and promised much more amazing experiences moving forward.
Simply, a night to remember…
The second screening is scheduled on February 27, 2025 with the theme being: ‘Love is in the Air; A Kenyan Love story’.
Don’t forget to grab your tickets at tickets.sanaapost.com and be part of another unforgettable night of Kenyan Cinema
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