Raak mij aan! Touch me!

Country

Kenya

Year

2024

Language

Swahili, English spoken, Dutch subtitles

Actors

Michelle Lemuya Ikeny, Joel Liwan, Benson Ochungo Obiero

Director

Vallentine Chelluget

Duration

104 min

The impressive images of the African landscape, the infectious music and the wonderful lead role of Michelle Lemuya Ikeny, who plays the role of Nawi with verve, combine to create an entertaining, must-see film.

Thirteen-year-old Nawi lives in Turkana, a remote region in northern Kenya, where child marriages are still commonplace despite being officially banned. As the only daughter in the family, it is her duty to save them and sacrifice herself so that the price paid for the dowry can help them. As she writes in her diary and the audience hears in voice-over, the price is ‘60 sheep, eight camels, 100 goats. No more, no less.’

When Nawi discovers that her father has sold her for a herd of goats, she decides to run away on the eve of her wedding. What follows is a poignant and courageous struggle against a deeply rooted tradition, but also a struggle for self-determination and the right to education. In doing so, Nawi is trying to change not only her own fate, but that of all girls in Kenya.

Agenda

There are no new dates planned (yet) for Nawi.

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