The third edition of Kitale Film week is set to take place in the first week of February with an opening ceremony at the Deepsea Resort.
The 8-day schedule for the event will feature film screenings at the Kitale Museum, the Deepsea Resort with a number of outdoor screenings also scheduled.
“2025 is set to bring a dazzling array of films to the heart of Kenya, showcasing the rich diversity and creative brilliance of filmmakers from across Africa, with a few films out of competition coming from outside the continent,” event organisers said.
“From February 2nd to February 9th, Kitale will become a cinematic hub, hosting narrative features, documentaries, short films, and animated works that explore themes ranging from social justice to cultural heritage, environmental sustainability, and the transformative power of storytelling.”
This year’s event boasts a lineup of 50 films from over 20 countries, including Kenya’s selection for the Oscars, “Nawi.”
Highlights from the 50 include:-
- “Nawi” (Kenya) – A powerful drama addressing child marriage and the fight for girls’ education, co-directed by Kevin Schmutzler, Toby Schmutzler, Apuu Mourine Munyes, and Vallentine Chelluget. This film has already earned acclaim as Kenya’s official submission for the 97th Academy Awards.
- “Hanami” (Cape Verde) – A poetic coming-of-age story set against the stunning volcanic landscapes of Cape Verde, directed by Denise Fernandes.
- “Mission Xylara” (Uganda) – A sci-fi thriller set in 2056, blending suspense and high-tech adventure under the visionary direction of Denis Junior Dhikusooka.
- “Mandabi” (Senegal) – A restored African classic by Ousmane Sembène, presented in collaboration with Institut Français, celebrating its legacy as the first African film shot in an African language.
- “A Country Called Ghana” (Ghana) – Starring legendary Nigerian actor Ramsey Nouah, this comedic drama by Frank Gharbin explores cultural preservation and the fight against foreign exploitation in a small Ghanaian village. The film is a standout for its humor, patriotism, and its powerful message about unity and resilience.
- “The Sorghum Sisters” (Kenya) – A documentary directed by Tabitha Maina that highlights the resilience of Turkana women adapting to climate change through innovative farming practices.
In addition to the 50, the festival has long been a bastion for emerging filmmakers.
“The Kitale Film Week has long been a champion of emerging voices in cinema since its inception where it has primarily focused on Kenya and Ugandan films in the first two editions,” a statement from organisers said.
This year is no different. Films from emerging filmmakers includes:-
- “Half Chocolate Half Vanilla” (Uganda) – A heartfelt exploration of self-acceptance and love, directed by Nodryn Evanci Kabuye.
- “Tiny Winnie” (Kenya) – A poignant psychological drama delving into mental health and faith, directed by Kitale-based filmmaker Joshua Kasyu Wambua.
- “Njambi and The Missing Bananas” (Kenya) – A heartwarming family drama by Wanyuru Muiruri that explores childhood mischief and family dynamics.
Organisers further stated that this year’s selections “demonstrate the festival’s commitment to amplifying diverse stories and nurturing young talents from Kenya and beyond.”
Beyond fiction, the festival will also screen eye-opening, educational documentaries. This include:-
- “Descendants of Broken Heroes” (Kenya) – A poignant exploration of generational trauma and mental health in Nyeri County.
- “Our Land, Our Freedom” (Kenya) – A powerful narrative chronicling the journey for justice and land rights in post-colonial Kenya.
- “The Equalizer” (Kenya) – A groundbreaking documentary celebrating an all-women film crew reshaping the industry.
These films highlight the transformative power of documentaries in uncovering hidden stories and sparking meaningful conversations.
Speaking about the 2025 festival and lineup, Festival Director Peter Pages Bwire shared his enthusiasm over sharing these films globally.
“This year’s lineup reflects the incredible diversity and depth of stories that Africa and the world have to offer,” says Bwire. “We are thrilled to share these remarkable films with our community and the global audience.”
To see the full lineup visit the Kitale Film Week website.
