Kinyua Kamau will debut his feature film “Nyūmba Ya Mbūri at the ongoing Nairobi Film Festival.
The film will begin showing on Friday, October 25 at the Prestige Plaza Cinemas at 7:00 pm EAT and on 26 at Unseen Nairobi from 5:00 pm.
The film is set to officially premiere in Kenyan cinemas on November 4.
The film follows hikers as they explore the hidden gems of Mt. Kenya, such as Lake Ellis, Nithi Waterfall, Kechi Tarn, Billiard Table, Roadhead campsite, and Nyūmba Ya Mbūri caves where freedom fighters hid from colonialists as they learn about the mountain and its history.
Speaking about the film’s title, Mr Kamau gave more historically significant details.
“Nyũmba ya Mbũri is a cave found in Mt. Kenya where Mau Mau freedom fighters used to hide from colonialists and perform rituals,” he said.
“However, in relation to the film, the title works as a symbol of mystery, hidden history and knowledge.
“Furthermore, the title has several meanings that should be left for the audience to interpret.”.
Nyūmba Ya Mbūri features mountaineer and Director of Mara Expeditions Stella Njeri Kaburu, famously known as ‘The Mountain Goat.’
With a background in tourism and making her film debut in Nyūmba Ya Mbūri, Stella helps tell the story of Mt. Kenya, sharing its history and demystifying myths about the iconic mountain.
Stella shares that while these stories exist, many people do not know about them.
“It is important to teach stories about the mountain because some of these stories or experiences aren’t known and it was easier telling it through the movie,” she shared.
For her, the stories connect the people of Kenya and the rest of the world to the mountain and its beauty.
“The stories also bring the mountain closer to a wide range of people worldwide.”
Director Kinyua believes that “Nyūmba Ya Mbūri” offers a fresh perspective on Mount Kenya beyond its well-known political associations.
He encourages viewers to approach the film with an open mind, free from preconceived notions.
“This movie is unique in its style and approach to storytelling,” he noted.
“Every time I watch it, I feel like time slows down in the best way possible, and I am immersed in the beauty of the mountain,” he added.
Stella added that working on Nyūmba Ya Mbūri was a dream come true. As a character who drove most of the film’s story.
“With Nyūmba Ya Mbūri, I aimed to showcase Mt Kenya in a specific way other than my usual climbing and hiking.”
Adding that this film explores other ways of experiencing Mt. Kenya and other iconic spaces in Kenya and beyond.
“This piece of art will repackage Mt Kenya and open up different ways of enjoying the mountain.”
