The NBO Film Festival is back for a thrilling 5th edition from 17 – 27 October 2024. This year, the festival returns to its home at Prestige Cinema on Ngong Road, while expanding its footprint with additional screenings at iconic venues across Nairobi. From the historic Kaloleni Social Hall in Eastlands to Docubox at Shalom House, and the definitive home of independent cinema screenings, Unseen Cinema in Kilimani, this year’s festival promises a captivating celebration of cinema in the heart of the city.
The NBO Film Festival continues to stand as a premier platform for showcasing groundbreaking Kenyan and East African films. The 10-day celebration of cinematic excellence will showcase 17 new feature length films, 22 new short films and 2 Kenya premieres of Award winning films being presented to audiences for the first time. Two powerful Kenyan documentaries that address the critical issue of land conflict set the tone for the festival – rich in transformative stories that challenge perspectives and inspire change. ‘The Battle for Laikipia’, a visually stunning and compelling exploration of Kenya’s ongoing land disputes will be the festival opener with the closing documentary pick being ‘Our Land, Our Freedom’, an in-depth look at the nation’s struggle for land rights, examining the complex ties between land, identity and justice.
Festival co-founder Sheba Hirst, says, “After a long hiatus, we’re excited to bring the NBO Film Festival back to a city and region that urgently needs storytelling that moves us—stories that speak to our deepest emotions, connect us to our shared humanity, and reveal essential truths. In this time of reflection, we’ve come to understand that our most critical role is to safeguard the spaces where art, creativity, and critical inquiry can thrive. In a world where these spaces are increasingly under threat, it’s more important than ever to protect and celebrate the power of art to question, challenge, and inspire.”
Audiences will also experience a diverse lineup of recently-released films from Africa and the African Diaspora, including notable works by Afro-European and Afro-Caribbean filmmakers. A hallmark of the NBO Film Festival is its dedication to fostering thoughtful dialogue around film. Each screening will be followed by engaging Q&A sessions with filmmakers or facilitated “FilmTalk” discussions, offering deeper insights into the films’ themes and their relevance to contemporary audiences.
In addition to a stellar lineup of films, the NBO Film Festival will host an exciting range of Industry Events under the banner of the EU – Kenya Film Exchange. Presented at all three of the festival’s locations, this film-maker exchange will serve as the festival’s central hub for networking, offering filmmakers, collaborators and investors space to engage through Q&A sessions, Talkback sessions and skills training workshops.
For a unique twist, the festival will close with the return of ‘Shorts, Shorts and Shots’, an audience-favorite created and presented by DocuBox at their venue in Shalom House on Ngong Road. This hybrid beach-party film screening invites attendees to don their favorite shorts, enjoy shots, and immerse themselves in short films exploring the theme of African Futures. What’s more? The Creators Brunch will provide a supportive space for young and emerging female creators, offering mentorship and connection opportunities with established female creators and leaders in the creative industry.
This year’s NBO Film Festival promises to be a celebration of African cinema, offering something for every film lover. Whether you’re attending screenings, engaging in discussions or participating in other sessions, the festival is a unique opportunity to explore the diverse and dynamic world of film in Kenya and beyond.
