New York African Film Festival

From the Daily Nation

By Kevin J Kelley

A Kenyan woman director s short fictional film focusing on the post-election violence was chosen for showing at the New York African Film Festival earlier this month. Taharuki (Suspense) attracted attention due to its searing subject matter. Director Ekwa Msangi-Omari, the maker of popular Kenyan television shows such as "The Agency" and "Block-D," tells a story of a man and woman from different tribes who are working together in an underground movement to halt child trafficking. Their efforts are disrupted, however, by the election-related ethnic violence that has put them in fear of their lives. The role of the male activist is played by Gilbert Owuor, who has appeared on theatrical stages in Manhattan, while the part of his colleague is acted by Miriam Chemmoss, a New York-based film performer as well as singer best known for her hit Rudi. Chris Kamau, a TV actor in Los Angeles, plays an intruder who commits a graphic act of violence. Ms Msangi-Omari told the Nation that she hoped to raise $300,000 needed to turn Taharuki into a full-length feature. In its current 12-minute form, it cost about $7,000 to make. The longer version "could definitely be shot in Kenya," Ms Msangi-Omari said. Censorship of her script would probably not occur, despite the film s controversial subject matter, she said. "But getting it screened around the country would be another story." Read More >>