Kenyan filmmaker Likarion Wainaina is set to premiere his latest psychological thriller, Anam's Wake, a haunting story that explores grief, memory and African mourning traditions through the eyes of a woman forced to confront the pain she has buried for nearly two decades.
Written and directed by Wainaina, the film draws from his own experiences with loss to tell a psychologically layered story rooted in Kenyan culture.
Produced by Wanjiru Njoroge and shot by cinematographer Enos Olik, Anam's Wake blends striking visuals with restrained performances to create a tense and emotionally charged atmosphere.
The film stars Marima Wanjiru as Anam, alongside Sam Omondi, Peter Kawa, Vanessa Okeyo, Ruth Apondi, Pras Jadi, Gathoni Mutua and Brenda Ngeso.
At the heart of the story is Anam, a professional mourner who is trained to summon Death and guide souls during funerals and wakes. While she helps grieving families navigate loss, she has remained emotionally detached since the death of her own mother 16 years earlier.
"Playing Anam was no joke. I had to fully embody every aspect of the character, almost like method acting. It was an intense process because the role is emotionally heavy, but I love my work," said Marima Wanjiru.
Anam's first solo assignment at the influential Ebale family home begins as a solemn ceremony before descending into a tense ordeal filled with long-buried secrets.
When Death arrives earlier than expected, the family is forced to confront hidden truths that unravel the carefully planned ritual. As events unfold, Anam realises the ceremony is connected not only to the deceased patriarch but also to the mystery surrounding her own mother's death.
Peter Kawa, who plays Mason Ebale, said the film highlights the dangers of suppressing grief.
"The film addresses unresolved emotional pain, something many people experience. We often try to appear strong instead of acknowledging what we truly feel," he said.
He added that communities should encourage openness during periods of mourning.
"When people are grieving, it's important to cry, talk and process those emotions. Anam represents what happens when those feelings are ignored."
Wainaina said the story was inspired by attending several funerals in early 2024, where he observed how grief can remain dormant before resurfacing with devastating consequences.
Through Anam, a mourner who helps others while neglecting her own healing, the filmmaker explores grief as ritual, inheritance and emotional burden. He also presents Death not as a distant abstraction but as an intimate presence woven into African communities.
Producer Wanjiru Njoroge said the film is deeply rooted in African traditions while exploring universal themes of grief, identity, family secrets and healing.
Vanessa Okeyo, who portrays Amani Ebale, said the production required sensitivity because it touches on diverse cultural traditions across Kenya.
"The film educates audiences about traditions that many people may not be familiar with while addressing a universal experience of losing a loved one," she said.
For Okeyo, Anam's Wake is the kind of authentic African story capable of sparking global conversations about family, truth and healing.
Brenda Ngeso, who plays Nyawira, described the production as a "wake-up thriller" and praised the depth of talent within Kenya's film industry.
"Kenya has many talented actors who are yet to receive mainstream recognition. I encourage them not to give up," she said.
Kawa, who also serves as chairperson of the Kenya Actors Guild, said emotionally demanding productions require exceptional preparation from actors.
"In this film, Marima Wanjiru completely surrenders herself to the role. She embodies Anam so convincingly that audiences will naturally ask about method acting," he said.
He noted that while method acting has been used in Kenya, it requires extensive preparation and emotional recovery, support that is often lacking within the local industry.
"It takes months to prepare for and detach from such roles. Because the industry still lacks adequate mental health support for actors, method acting remains a complex subject," he said.
Kawa added that the Kenya Actors Guild, founded in 2008 by Lupita Nyong'o and fellow actors, continues to advocate for the rights and welfare of performers across the industry.
Built on cultural consultation and local knowledge, Anam's Wake aims to offer an authentic portrayal of African mourning traditions while examining how grief, trauma and family legacies can echo across generations.
The film premieres at Prestige Cinema in Nairobi on July 31, with additional screenings scheduled for August 1 and 2, 2026.