Section
Original title
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Synopsis
When he was small, they used to call him Softie because of his slight build, but today Boniface Mwangi has become one of the bravest photo-journalists and activists in Kenya. Determined to change the future of his country, in 2017 he stood in the regional elections, openly challenging the powerful and corrupt political lobbies. But when the death threats become serious, Boniface has to decide whether to out his political fight or his family first. The documentary follows the events in the politics and family of this young idealist leader over 10 years of struggle.
Cast
Boniface Mwangi, Njeri Mwangi
Films Distribution
EyeSteelFilm Distribution Inc.
Production
Toni Kamau, Sam Soko
Editing
Sam Soko
Cinematography
Joel “Ingo” Ngui, Chris Rhys Howarth, Sam Soko
Editing
Mila Aung-Thwin, Sam Soko, Ryan Mullins
Language
English, Kiswhahili/Kikuyu
Subtitles
Italian
Premiere
Italian Premiere
Main awards
City of Milan Award for Best “Windows on the World” Feature Film (30th FESCAAAL 2021), Winner World Cinema Documentary Special Jury Award for Editing (Sundance Film Festival), Winner Best Documentary (Durban International Film Festival 2020), Winner Willy Brandt Documentary Award (the Human Rights FF Berlin), Winner Silver Star for Feature Documentary (El Gouna Film Festival 2020), Winner Best Documentary (Lunenburg Doc Fest), Winner Best African Documentary (Encounters South Africa)
Biography
Sam Soko is a film director and producer based in Nairobi who seeks out stories that enable him to engage in socio-political spaces. His work on civic literacy projects in music, non-fiction and fiction has allowed him to connect with artists around the world. He is co-founder of LBx Africa, a Kenyan production company that service produced the 2018 Oscar nominated short fiction film Watu Wote. Soko's first feature documentary film, Softie, premiered at the Sundance Festival in 2020.
Filmography
2019 - Softie, ff (doc)