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Nawi

Vallentine Chelluget, Apuu Mourine, Kevin Schmutzler, Tobias Schmutzler
festival
Fri 25 Apr 25 - Sat 3 May 25
  • Caution with children up to 12 years of age

In many countries, child marriages remain a horrifying reality. This Kenyan film tells the gripping story of a young girl who escapes such a marriage in order to pursue her dream of continuing her education.

13-year-old Nawi discovers that her father has sold her to an older man in exchange for a flock of goats. According to her mother, that is her destiny, and the council of elders approves. On the wedding night, Nawi flees to the capital, pursued by her own family. She is determined to fulfill her dream of attending high school.

This film is a beautifully crafted narrative that offers an enlightening perspective on the phenomenon of child brides. The story highlights the clash between tradition and dreams, with the young actress successfully portraying a character who symbolizes countless girls worldwide. In the region where the film is set, one in four girls marries as a minor. According to UNICEF, there are 640 million child brides worldwide.

direction
Vallentine Chelluget
cast
Michelle Lemuya Ikeny, Joel Liwan, Nyokabi Macharia
duration
103 min
year
2024
country
Kenya
language
Swahili
Subtitles
Dutch
  • Caution with children up to 12 years of age

festival

part of

Regisseur

Vallentine Chelluget

director

Apuu Mourine

director

Kevin Schmutzler

director

Tobias Schmutzler

director

"The film delves into these old-world customs, highlighting how poverty and outdated religious practices are usually the driving forces... Nawi is bold and daring, unafraid to show the toll these decisions take on young girls." − Frank J. Avella, The Contending