Nawi
As the only daughter in the family, it is her duty to save them and sacrifice herself so that the price paid for the dowry can help them. As she writes in her diary and the audience hears in voice-over, the price is “60 sheep, eight camels, 100 goats. No more, no less.” When Nawi discovers that her father has sold her for a herd of goats, she decides to run away on the eve of her wedding. What follows is a poignant and courageous struggle against a deeply rooted tradition, but also a struggle for self-determination and the right to education. In doing so, Nawi tries to change not only her own fate, but that of all girls in Kenya.
The film is based on a story by Milcah Cherotich, the writing debut of a young woman who submitted it to a national story competition in Kenya. This story became the basis for the film and resonated with both local and international concerns about child marriage and gender equality.
The impressive images of the African landscape, the infectious music, and the beautiful lead role of Michelle Lemuya Ikeny, who plays the role of Nawi with verve, make for an entertaining, sympathetic film with a clear message.
- Direction
- Vallentine Chelluget, Apuu Mourine, Kevin Schmutzler
- Cast
- Michelle Lemuya Ikeny, Joel Liwan, Benson Ochungo Obiero
- Duration
- 104 min
- RELEASE
- Thu 18 Dec
- Year
- 2024
- Country
- Kenya
- Language
- Swahili, English
- Subtitles
- Dutch