The Kenyan film scene is thriving, with four new short films now available on YouTube, showcasing the country's rich storytelling talent. Among them is "Little High," a 29-minute comedy-drama directed and written by Allan Bosire and Saumu Kombo. The film follows two friends, Zuri and Ciku, as they navigate relationship challenges and misadventures. With its smart handling of scope and visually appealing characterization, "Little High" has received praise for its solid performances and technical execution.
"Little High" boasts decent costume and makeup work, great locations, and a strong sense of direction. However, the film's opening minutes suffer from heavy exposition, and the editing feels safe and conventional. The screenplay tries too hard to be comedic, sacrificing great moments of tension in the process. Despite these flaws, "Little High" remains a fun, quick watch. Another notable short film is "Unwrapped," directed and written by Lynn Muthiri, which tells the story of two students, Maria and Kamau, as they prepare to part ways before heading off to different universities.
"Unwrapped" stands out for its grounded, authentically rural feel, set in Nakuru. The production team accomplished a lot with limited resources, delivering natural props, locations, sound design, and cast performances. The highlight of the film is the mother-daughter dynamic, with a relatable conversation between Maria and her mother adding emotional depth. However, "Unwrapped" prioritizes messaging over story innovation, making it a rather forgettable watch. In contrast, "Butterflies," directed and written by Juliet "Koi" Muiruri, explores themes of grief, bullying, and self-awareness.
"Butterflies" features recognizable actor Ken Ambani and follows a grieving father struggling to coexist with loss while remaining oblivious to his teenage daughter's emotional crisis. Technically, the film looks polished, with great cinematography and a clean typeface. However, the story becomes obsessed with its message, forgetting to entertain. The film's execution lacks creative ambition, relying on standard tropes rather than pushing boundaries with its edit or narrative structure. Despite this, "Butterflies" is competently put together and worth a one-time watch.
The fourth short film, "The Test," written by Trevor Sudi, stands out as a favorite for its experimental approach. The nine-minute film follows Hawi, who reluctantly joins his girlfriend Ayira for an STI test and counseling session. "The Test" dares to experiment, making it a refreshing watch. The Kenyan film scene is thriving, with these four short films showcasing the country's rich storytelling talent and technical skills. With their diverse themes and styles, these films are definitely worth checking out.
These short films demonstrate the creative range of Kenyan filmmakers, from comedy-drama to explorations of grief and self-awareness. With their unique perspectives and technical execution, they offer a glimpse into the country's vibrant film scene. Whether it's the relatable conversation in "Unwrapped" or the experimental approach of "The Test," each film brings something new to the table.
Overall, these four Kenyan short films are a great addition to the country's film scene, showcasing its rich storytelling talent and technical skills. Available on YouTube, they offer a convenient and entertaining way to experience the best of Kenyan cinema. With their diverse themes and styles, these films are definitely worth watching.
Key points
- The four short films - "Little High," "Unwrapped," "Butterflies," and "The Test" - explore themes of relationships, grief, and self-awareness.
- The films showcase the creative range of Kenyan filmmakers and their technical skills.
- Available on YouTube, the films offer a convenient and entertaining way to experience the best of Kenyan cinema.
