Kenya International Film Festival kicks off

By Jelimo Chelagat

Film buffs gather in Nairobi and Kisumu this week as the Kenya International Film Festival Kicks off. The festival, whose theme is The Classics, will screen films from all around the world in various venues including Alliance Francaise, Gothe Institut and the National Museum.

Among the scores of films being screened are The Captain of Nakara, Cajetan Boy, Leadership in transition-South Sudan and Robert Mugabe, what happened?  For lovers of expository documentaries, the last two are a must watch. 

Producer Fleur van Dissel  gives a fresh behind the scenes look at African leadership in her documentary  Leadership in transition-South Sudan.  The film, which begins with scenes of legendary leader John Garang in action, proceeds to interrogate the challenges faced by Africa’s youngest nation.

With incisive interviews and bold scenes van Dissel’s manages to paint a picture of the state of governance in South Sudan in just over 30 minutes.

Simon Bright’s  Robert Mugabe… what happened? is a sensational undercover documentary tracking the leadership of controversial Zimbabwean president, Robert Mugabe.

The film is described by its producers as “ A definitive account of Mugabe’s life, from his successful liberation and development of Zimbabwe to his ruthless and cunning retention of power at all costs.”

Produced by exiled Zimbabwean filmmaker, the piece offers an insightful and personal story told with refreshing honesty.

The festival will feature animations, movies and documentaries from all around the globe. Entrance is free at all halls.