Nairobi Half Life

Was able to watch this gem at last year's Dubai International Film Festival. By the end of the screening, I was sure that this had to be my favorite movie in the festival. The performances were fine. And this being a trial-and-error sort of attempt for the filmmakers, Nairobi Half Life was really good than one can expect. The story is solid, and probably the best part of the experience. And best part is, the director manages to tag as long for a journey throughout Nairobi, from the police jail cells, the slums, to the gangster infested roads, it is like visiting Nairobi after all. Everyone in the audience loved it. If the film is playing near you, please go watch it.

I saw this film at the Rotterdam film festival 2013 (IFFR), where it was part of the Bright Future section. Main character Mwas grows up in a small village. He dreams of becoming in actor in the capital city Nairobi, also known as Nairobbery. The latter side of the large city takes him off guard immediately upon arrival. Pennyless he winds up in jail, albeit not guilty of any crime. He needs some time to adjust himself to the environment, thereby attracting the attention of a fellow prisoner when showing an original twist on an assignment to clean the toilets.

After his innocence is established and he is released, he remembers the promise of that fellow prisoner to help him find a job. His disarming and fearless attitude makes him a perfect fit for a gang that "obtains" parts from parked cars. He shows extraordinary talents in misleading policemen, and his natural insight in body language makes him very useful in price negotiations when re-selling the stolen goods.

While still on the lookout for auditions where they need an actor like him, we see a duo-story enfold. Both story lines develop steadily in alternating scenes. As a bonus we get an inside view in Nairobi, and how people live there in the big city. We can only assume that this view is realistic. But even if we are mislead in this, it still is beautifully shot and acted throughout.

On one of his first auditions he shows remarkable knowledge how criminals operate, and a natural way of playing the role of a criminal. Of course, we viewers know how he obtained inside information about the underworld. Anyway, it serves him well and he immediately gets the role. He has some problems in combining the two ways of life, but on average he copes very well under the circumstances.

A cynic like me may point out that some events are a bit too coincidental. He seems to have an above average amount of luck working in his advantage. On the other hand, when otherwise we would have had no story, hence no scenario to base this film on. Yet I remain skeptical, when for instance he is the only one who gets unharmed out of a gang clash. And a shootout near the end of the film considerably delays him, but he is still able to reach just-in-time the premiere of the stage play he has a role in. A bit unlikely, maybe, but providing for extra emphasis on his impressive monologue in the finale of the play.

All in all, 96 minutes well spent. That this film got a justified place in the Bright Future section of the festival, is an unmistakable hint that we long to see more of these film makers and lead actor in the future to come. The festival visitors gave this film a good score of 4.45 (out of 5), thus ranking it a deserved 10th place (out of 178) for the audience award.

I loved this movie....it had it all. It told a great moral lesson to our youth that humility and a sense of humor will carry you much further in life than a fancy car, a handgun, or flashy clothing. The other thing I so enjoyed was the recurring theme that people with "old fashioned" values coupled with a dash of wit and a friendly smile, will often triumph in the end. This movie was an amalgam of Mr. Smith goes to Washington and Slum Dog Millionaire for telling the tale of a country bumpkin trying to make his way in a big bad City. The comparison of "country" vs. "city" morals isn't lost on the audience and the director does a good lob of leading you to the correct conclusion that old fashioned values of honesty, charity, and humility are best. THe movie also treats the issues of poverty and corruption in a direct and honest way. What sets this movie apart is that the viewer experiences these very graphic depictions of life in the slum of a developing country in the context of what is otherwise an incredibly positive and uplifting message. The production crew deserve a great deal of credit for making a masterpiece on what I expect was a shoestring budget.

Nairobi Half Life does not boast an original premise. A young kid from rural Kenya with dreams of moving to the city(Nairobi) and becoming an actor.

What immediately differentiates it from other local films and a lot of international films is how it casts an unforgiving realistic eye on the protagonists life and actions. The movie does an excellent job of examining the underbelly of suffering and desperation in the country, from personal struggles of the youth to larger hurdles the nation is trying to leap; all the while narrating a story that will take you through a full range of genuine emotions before leaving you somewhat inspired and in some form of reflection.

The actors are commendable in their performances and bar one minor continuity error (or two), the storytelling is superb.

I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a different African cinematic experience.

I have a full length review on my website, should you care for more details

In Kenyan film and TV industry, no other film has had the ratings that NHF has had, even at the local box office. It shows and refutes claims that Kenyans do not buy what is local, goes on to show there's a great market for film, and the possibilities are endless. Give people something they can relate to; directly or otherwise, you shall keep smiling. It shows there's hunger for content among Kenyan consumers. The hash tag #NHF and #NairobiHalfLife trended for a while after the premiere. It serves and acts as the bar to reach in Kenyan film making. Judging by the reviews and feedback from film festivals, a masterpiece. Outstanding performances by Mws (Joseph Wairimu) and Oti (Maina Olwenya). Audience appeal top notch, execution thumbs up to Tosh Gitonga. A must watch.