Widow Champion follows Rodah Nafula Wekesa, a widow from Ahero, western Kenya who fights for the rights of widows to attain property and steer clear from the archaic tradition of wife inheritance.
Rodah Nafula who lived in the streets after the death of her husband, persevered and acquired the land that was rightfully hers by disputing and succeeding over her in-laws, and broke free from the inhumane ‘wife Inheritance’ tradition.
Anger, simply put, is the feeling that surged through my bones. The hostility brought upon by in-laws that if not for mediation from elders, etched closer to physical violence.
The ray of hope and the embodiment of humanity that is Rodah Nafula faces different personalities to ensure the widows’ rights are respected and acted upon in a law abiding way, donning the armor of courage that not only inspires her family but also the community at large. She chooses to use her story as an example that dignified livelihood for widows of whom their family conspires against is possible.
Produced and directed by Zippy Kimundu, Widow Champion excels in its editing, which effectively propels the film’s tone. The cinematography presents an honest portrayal of the individuals’ life situations and offers a beautiful view of Ahero, striking a notable creative balance. The music done by Polycarp ‘Fancy Fingers’ Otieno, does its duty in basing the story to its Luo roots as well as accelerating the film’s mood.
Widow Champion is a testament to the power of film in placing oneself into another’s shoes and broadening one’s perspective, generating empathy, let alone advocating for rights that should be upheld in haste.
Catch Widow Champion the whole of May at Unseen Nairobi, scheduled here
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