The 3rd Nairobi Film Festival (NBO 3) kicked off yesterday with their 2019 lineup of narrative features, documentaries, and short films. Films are set to screen from 6th June to 16th June at Prestige Cinema, Ngong Road. Many turned up to celebrate the premiere of Kenyan-made production ‘Lusala’.
Good cheer filled the air in celebration of the premiere of Mugambi Nthiga’s directorial debut, ‘Lusala’. Mugambi Nthiga also previously co-wrote previous NBO Opening Night films ‘Kati Kati’ and ‘Supa Modo’. The touching film ‘Lusala’, tells the story of a young man rescued from his abusive upcountry home, who then moves in with an affluent Nairobi family. Years later, when he comes of age, he is imposed upon to leave the nest and start out life on his own. Eager and acquiescent at first, he makes the most of his new life, until the demons from his past return, and he is forced to face them alone.
And based on the rave reviews online, this short film is definitely a must watch. Touching on some previously taboo subjects such as mental health, domestic violence, and even incest, this movie provides insight into Mugambi’s creative might. It also serves as a testament to the sheer talent of the cast and crew involved. And this became quite apparent to all who attended the premier with many taking to social media to heap praise on the ‘Lusala’ cast and crew.
Ayo @ItsMugambi, caught #Lusala today at the premiere! Loved it ! Such a great movie, best plotline and soundscore bro!! Really really really cool!!
Cc. @Sam_AndyKE #NBOFilmFest— KABOCHI (@kabochiofficial) June 6, 2019
Attended the premiere of Lusala. Its amazing to see Kenya's film industry grow.🙌🏿🙌🏿
— Savara Mudigi© (@savarafrica) June 6, 2019
@itsmugambi introducing the cast of #Lusala… And whoa… What an experience the film is! Incredibly proud of Mugash… I know how much blood and sweat he has poured into this, and it shows… Woi and the cast…… https://t.co/k933DvvBM9
— Joyce Wamwirua Musoke (@wamwiruamusoke) June 6, 2019
Congratulations Mugambi! This is such a big deal! Your directorial debut!✨✨ Wishing you an amazing day ahead @ItsMugambi ❤️ #Lusala https://t.co/TIxAhpPhud
— #MuthoniDrummerQueen (@muthoniDQ) June 6, 2019
‘Lusala’ has set the bar high for the coming days of the NBO Film Festival. Adhering to its mission to bring the best of the independent cinema world to Nairobi, this year’s Festival is lined up with not only Kenyan films but also films from Africa and the Afro-Latin/Afro-Caribbean regions and diasporas, as earlier reported by The Sauce.
The lineup boasts of an array of genres surrounding the African diaspora and features a multitude of emerging and veteran filmmakers. Each of this year’s selections tackles topical issues including, survival, violence, parenthood, health, love, forgiveness, mental illness and friendship. These stories continue to illustrate the Festival’s commitment to being the cornerstone for content creators, as well as highlight empowering stories pertinent to today’s society.
“Nairobi audiences deeply care about good storytelling and the festival plays the role of tastemaker. The festival also seeks to cultivate Kenya’s film industry by generating demand for the great films that are made in the country and raising the possibility of a commercially viable film business model and we are excited that this year we will be exploring more films beyond our Kenyan borders, ” says co-founder Sheba Hirst in her welcome speech.
She also highlighted the need for industry collaboration to foster connections and strengthen the local film industry through skills and knowledge exchange. “NBO3 will be co-hosting industry events together with local and international collaborators that will touch on ideation, pitching, production and distribution,” she concluded.
Other feature films showing this year are Adama, Cook Off, Keteke, City of God, Subira, Miriam Mente, Talking About Trees, Yuli, The Tokoloshe, Tango Negro, Sew the Winter to My Skin, My Friend Fela, Liyana, Akasha, The Extraordinary Journey of Celeste Garcia, Mercy of the Jungle, The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, Five Fingers for Marseilles and The Burial of Kojo.
To watch Lusala and other films, click here to get your tickets and support local art.
