A Kenyan Tale on Beijing's Big Stage
At the 15th Beijing International Film Festival in the Chinese mainland, Kenyan film Nawi: Dear Future Me was shortlisted for the prestigious Tiantan Award and won a Special Jury Honor. This achievement highlights the growing visibility of African storytelling on the global stage.
A Story of Home and Hope
Nawi, which means home in a local Kenyan dialect, follows a 13-year-old girl who dreams of becoming a doctor but faces an early marriage arranged in exchange for cattle. Rather than accept her fate, she flees to pursue her education and dreams.
Co-director Vallentine Chelluget drew on her own experiences: 'Growing up, we were told how girls should behave and serve their husbands. I wanted to challenge that. As a child, I thought I'd have superpowers to change the world; I later realized my power lies in storytelling.'
Cinema as a Cultural Bridge
Chelluget adds: 'We're building bridges—understanding, empathy, and dialogue.'
With Chinese cinema making global waves through hits like The Wandering Earth and Ne Zha, initiatives such as the upcoming China-Africa Film Conference in Hunan promise new avenues for collaboration and co-production.
The journey of Nawi from rural Kenya to Beijing's red carpet reflects a shifting narrative where African voices connect with audiences worldwide. With continued support and authentic stories, African and Chinese filmmakers are writing a new chapter together.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
