The Kenyan film “Nawi: Dear Future Me” took center stage at the 15th Beijing International Film Festival, where it was shortlisted for the prestigious Tiantan Award and received a Special Jury Honor.
The recognition marks a milestone for African storytelling on the international stage and highlights the growing visibility of African cinema in China.
For African filmmakers, Nawi’s success raises important questions: What does this moment mean for the African film industry? And can cinema become a powerful bridge for cultural exchange between Africa and China?
Kenyan filmmaker Vallentine Chelluget, co-director of Nawi explored what this recognition means for African cinema and how it can foster people-to-people exchanges between the two continents.
Telling Stories That Matter
“Nawi” means “home” in the local Kenyan dialect, and for Chelluget, the film is deeply personal. “It’s a story about our culture, our home, and the tension between tradition and the dreams of a new generation,” she explained. The film follows a 13-year-old girl named Nawi, who excels in school and dreams of becoming a doctor, but is forced into an early marriage arranged in exchange for cattle, a still-prevalent practice in some communities. Rather than submit to her fate, Nawi flees in pursuit of her education.
Chelluget revealed that the film was inspired by her own experiences growing up as a Kenyan girl. “We were always told what girls should or shouldn’t do, how to behave, and how to serve their husbands. I wanted to challenge that,” she said. “As a child, I believed I’d grow up with superpowers to change the world. I later realized that my power lies in storytelling.”
That belief is central to her approach to filmmaking. “I always want to tell stories that bring change, stories that give the voiceless a voice. Even when the themes are painful, we also try to offer hope. Hope for a better tomorrow.”
Winning an honor at an international festival in China was not something the filmmakers expected. “We were overwhelmed by the response. In Nairobi and other cities, screenings were packed. In China, audiences connected deeply, even without knowing the cultural background. That emotional connection proves the universality of the themes.”
Cinema as a Cultural Bridge
Vallentine Chelluget was optimistic about the role film can play in China-Africa cultural exchange. “We’re not just telling stories for entertainment. We’re building bridges—bridges of understanding, empathy, and dialogue.”
As Chinese cinema gains global attention with films like The Wandering Earth, and as African filmmakers strive for greater visibility, both sides see enormous potential in using film as a tool for soft power and cultural diplomacy. Initiatives like the planned China-Africa Film Conference in Hunan later this year could provide fertile ground for further collaboration.
The journey of Nawi: Dear Future Me from rural Kenya to the red carpet in Beijing symbolizes more than artistic achievement. It reflects a shifting narrative where African voices are being heard and celebrated in global arenas. With continued institutional support, co-productions, and a shared commitment to authentic storytelling, African and Chinese filmmakers are poised to write a new chapter together.
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