Nawi
Kenya
|
2025
|
Color
|
99 min
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Based on a story that won a literary competition in the country, NAWI tells the story of a determined young woman growing up in rural Kenya. Nawi (Michelle Lemuya Ikeny) dreams of attending high school, but her aspirations are cut short when she discovers that her father, Eree (Ochungo Benson), plans to marry her off to a stranger, Shadrack (Ben Tekee). Nawi refuses to give in to this arranged child marriage. Her greatest support in this struggle is Joel (Joel Liwan), her brother and closest friend, who loyally stands by her as she defies the traditions threatening her future. However, Nawi's father remains firm in tribal traditions, influenced by the advice of uncles, step-siblings, and clan elders.
Technical Details
Direction:
Toby Schmutzler, Kevin Schmutzler, Apuu Mourine, Vallentine Chelluget
Cinematography:
Klaus Kneist, Renata Mwende
Language:
Swahili and English
Production:
Lydia Wrensch, Caroline Heim, Brizan Were
Sound:
Roman Pogozelski
Subtitles:
Spanish and English
Screenplay:
Milcah Cherotich
Editing:
Toby Schmutzler
Cast:
Michelle Lemuya Ikeny, Joel Liwan, Ochungo Benson, Ben Tekee, Michelle Chebet Tiren
Director
Toby Schmutzler, Kevin Schmutzler, Apuu Mourine, Vallentine Chelluget
Toby and Kevin have been co-directing films since they were children. Part of Generation Y, the brothers share the conviction that cinema has the power to transform society. Inspired by a student short film about the water crisis in India, the directors, based between Munich and Cape Town, founded FilmCrew, an independent production company committed to conscious and sustainable filmmaking. Accidental Films, an independent production company dedicated to visually bold and emotionally charged cinema. Apuu is a musician, designer, and debut filmmaker, born and raised in Turkana, Kenya. In 2016, she graduated from the Learning Lions program, and since then has dedicated her talent and passion for creative arts to new generations, teaching eleven cohorts of young Kenyans who have gone through the program. Vallentine is a self-taught filmmaker living in Kisumu, Kenya. At 23 years old, she has gained experience through workshops, YouTube tutorials, and years of direct fieldwork. As a director, screenwriter, and producer, Val has created several short films that have opened doors for her to work in the directing department of various award-winning Kenyan productions, solidifying her place in the local film scene.
