NAWI - release to be announced
13-year-old Nawi discovers that her father has sold her to an older man in exchange for a flock of goats. According to her mother, that is her destiny, and the council of elders approves. On the wedding night, Nawi flees to the capital, pursued by her own family. She is determined to fulfill her dream of attending high school.
This film is a beautifully crafted narrative that offers an enlightening perspective on the phenomenon of child brides. The story highlights the clash between tradition and dreams, with the young actress successfully portraying a character who symbolizes countless girls worldwide. In the region where the film is set, one in four girls marries as a minor. According to UNICEF, there are 640 million child brides worldwide.
- direction
- Vallentine Chelluget
- cast
- Michelle Lemuya Ikeny, Joel Liwan, Nyokabi Macharia
- duration
- 103 min
- year
- 2024
- country
- Kenya
- language
- Swahili
- Subtitles
- Dutch
"The film delves into these old-world customs, highlighting how poverty and outdated religious practices are usually the driving forces... Nawi is bold and daring, unafraid to show the toll these decisions take on young girls." − Frank J. Avella, The Contending