Kenya’s Oscar Entry ‘Nawi,’ About an Arranged Child Marriage, Picked Up by Atlas (EXCLUSIVE)

Leo Barraclough

27 January 2025 at 3:33 pm·1-min read

Atlas International Film has taken international rights for “Nawi,” a drama about a 13-year-old Kenyan girl who yearns to go to high school but instead is going to be forced into an arranged marriage. The film was Kenya’s official entry for the best international feature film category of the Oscars.

The film centers on Nawi, played by Michelle Lemuya Ikeny, whose aspirations of attending high school are shattered when she learns that her father plans to marry her off to a stranger. Despite her family’s need for the dowry, Nawi refuses to accept her fate and resists the marriage. Her ally in this struggle is her brother Joel.

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However, Nawi’s father remains entrenched in tribal traditions, swayed by the counsel of uncles, stepbrothers, and the elders of the clan. Even her mother believes that being a wife is Nawi’s destiny.

In a bold move, Nawi flees on her wedding night. Pursued by her family, she embarks on a journey toward Nairobi, clinging to her dream of a promising future. But her sense of responsibility tugs her back when news arrives that her sister will have to take Nawi’s place in the impending marriage.

The directors are Toby and Kevin Schmutzler, Apuu Mourine Munyes and Vallentine Kinaga Chelluget.

The film is a Kenyan-German co-production produced by FilmCrew Media, Startup Lions Assets Kenya and Baobab Pictures.

The film picked up five Africa Movie Academy Awards nominations and Michelle Lemuya Ikeny won most promising newcomer.

Atlas International Film will give the film its market premiere at the European Film Market during the Berlinale.

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