Kenya’s young talent is all up for making their own way, and creating their own destiny and the ‘Uhuru’ cast and crew are leading the pack.
Multitalented public figure Foi Wambui took to social media to share with the world some great news. The young actress revealed the local production ‘Uhuru’ has received a nomination in the 7 Day Film Festival. According to her Instagram account, the 7-minute short film which was written and directed by the gifted Munene Mwarania and shot by the talented KG Brian is nominated in a couple of categories.
The short film focuses on two female domestic servants Agnetta and Rose played by the dynamic duo of Akinyi Oluoch and Foi Wambui respectively who are liberated as Kenya gains its independence on 12th December 1963. The twosome finds freedom as their masters Lord Mayfair and Madam Elizabeth leave in the dead of the night leaving their stately home empty. In the film, Rose and Agnetta celebrate the genesis of a new era, as they enjoy their newly found liberty and of course the large estate.
The production tackles a variety of grave topics including liberty, state independence, national pride, and self-determination all in seven minutes. Speaking to The Sauce, director and scriptwriter Munene Mwarania spoke about the process leading up to the riveting production. He said, “Everything was supposed to happen within seven days which was quite interesting. There was a really nice and collaborative team spirit between the cast and crew.” Speaking about the inspiration for ‘Uhuru’ Mwarania points out, ” The theme of the festival was “Better Days”. And we thought one of the most optimistic days for Kenya was just at the cusp of independence, so we wanted to explore what it would have been like to be a young person during that time…The youth have always been criticized for being apathetic politically; and we wanted to offer a different perspective for the youth.”
The 7 Day Film Festival is a Kenyan timed Film competition with a broad vision of unveiling unique entertaining Kenyan films made in Kenya. It gives Kenya’s filmmakers a platform to unlock their potential by pushing their limits to create a story within a time duration of 7 Days. Award winners in the Best Short Film stand to win 500,000Ksh in prize money. The 7 Day Film Festival jury is spearheaded by local film industry greats including award-winning Mbithi Masya and Mugambi Nthiga.
To learn more about the 7 Day Film Festival click here.
