The documentary 'Kikuyu Land', co-directed by Bea Wangondu and Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Andrew H. Brown, will make its Kenyan debut at the NBO Film Festival, set to begin on October 15 to 25. The film follows a land claimant seeking justice for land taken from his family, as Wangondu's investigation uncovers a much longer history of colonial dispossession and family secrets.
Land in Kenya is an economic asset and a personal marker of identity, but given the country's colonial history and the injustices endured during that period, it also remains at the centre of questions of ownership, tenure and access. According to a report published by the National Lands Commission, it has received 3,665 claims relating to historical land injustices.
Wangondu's film has screened in over 40 film festivals globally since its release, and the feedback has been overwhelming. The film has also been an important tool for challenging some of the misconceptions people have about Kenya. It has opened conversations about what colonialism did to Kenya, what it took from the people, and the ways those consequences continue to shape their lives today.
To Wangondu, filmmaking is a responsibility, and she believes Africans must tell their own story in their own peculiar way. She doesn't have to dilute or explain away the specificity of her story for it to resonate internationally. The film's homecoming means everything to Wangondu and the team, as they finally get to share it with the people whose history, land and lived experiences are at the heart of the film.
The theme for the NBO Film Festival this year is 'Cinema For Us', which means a lot to Wangondu in relation to this film and its scheduled screening. She believes it's a privilege to have made a small contribution to Kenyan cinema for the people. Wangondu hopes the film gives Kenyan audiences room to introspect and spark conversations that emerge afterwards.
Wangondu's story is not just journalism, but a personal story as well. She relates to each of the characters on an extremely personal level, but when it came to her own family story, she almost abandoned ship. The discoveries were brutal, and she now knows that those two cannot be separated. Understanding their history gives them the opportunity to ask what they want to carry forward, what they need to confront, and what they need to change.
Wangondu hopes the film opens up a much larger conversation around land repatriation across Kenya. Land is not just a historical question; it remains a very present and deeply personal issue for many people. She hopes to see a stronger demand for accountability and responsible management of public resources, and ultimately, justice to be done.
Key points
- The documentary 'Kikuyu Land' explores the land issue in Kenya and its colonial history.
- The film has screened in over 40 film festivals globally since its release.
- The film's homecoming is set to take place at the NBO Film Festival, from October 15 to 25.
