Kenya, Germany | 2024 | 99 Min. | Swahili, English | Hebrew Sub | Fiction
Based on the winning story of a nationwide writing contest, NAWI portrays the life of a determined girl growing up in rural Kenya.
Nawi‘s aspirations of attending high school are shattered when she learns that her father Eree plans to marry her off to a stranger, Shadrack. Despite her family‘s need for the bride-wealth – symbolized by a substantial amount of livestock – Nawi refuses to succumb to this arranged child marriage. Her steadfast ally in this struggle is her brother and closest friend, Joel.
However, Nawi‘s father remains entrenched in tribal traditions, swayed by the counsel of uncles, stepbrothers, and clan elders. Even her three mothers, constrained by their roles as women, believe that being a wife is Nawi‘s destined path.
In a bold move, Nawi flees on her wedding night. Pursued by her own family, she embarks on a journey towards Nairobi, clinging to her dream of a promising future. But her sense of responsibility pulls her back when news arrives that her newly-born sister would have to take Nawi’s place in the impending marriage. Nawi returns home to confront her family and husband, with a notion to rewrite the fates of countless child brides.
Directors: Toby Schmutzler, Kevin Schmutzler, Apuu Mourine, Vallentine Chelluget
Story by: Milcah Cherotich
Producers: Lydia Wrensch, Caroline Heim, Brizan Were
Cinematography: Klaus Kneist, Renata Mwende
Sound: Roman Pogozelski
Editing: Toby Schmutzler