When we talk about classics in Kenya, some may look back at great TV shows like Vitimbi, Vihoja Mahakamani, Tausi, and many other old TV shows millennials used to binge-watch all day.
However, the Kenyan film industry has also evolved and produced great and timeless classics like David Gitonga's Nairobi Half Life.
Instead of indulging in binge-watching American series like Money Heist, Blacklist, and Stranger Things, you can spend the rest of your 2023 exploring the rich archives of timeless Kenyan films.
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You might consider adding these timeless Kenyan gems to your list for a binge-watching experience this December.
Nairobi Half Life
The film follows the life of Mwas (Joseph Wairimu), a young Kenyan from Western Kenya with a dream to be an actor.
Eager to pursue his dreams, he leaves the village to explore opportunities in the bustling city of Nairobi.
Once in Nairobi, he is robbed and falsely imprisoned.
Once out of jail, Mwas starts to live a double life; performing and following his dreams by day, and getting rich by stealing cars and other criminal activities by night.
However, can this duality hold or will his two lives come crumbling down like the house of cards? That's the movie.
Besides being screened in more than 100 theatres in the US, Nairobi Half Life has had a field day in the international awards.
It was the first Kenyan film to be considered by the Oscars in the (Best Foreign Language Feature category) and won an audience award from the American Film Institute, and the Best Actor award for Joseph Wairimu.
It was also nominated for nine awards at the African Movie Academy Awards.
The renowned film features great actors like; the late Olwenya Maina, Nancy Wanjiku Karanja, Paul Ogola, Nini Wacera and many others.
40 sticks
Kenya's very own Wrong Turn... if you are familiar with the famous American horror film.
The suspense in this crime fiction or thriller film should get you on the edge of your seat and tensed.
40 Sticks premiered on Netflix in November 2020, and is widely watched in Africa, the US, the UK, Canada, New Zealand and Australia.
In October 2023, the film was under the 'What People are Watching' list on Netflix.
The film follows a group of criminals when a prison bus crashes in a forest on a rainy night. They find themselves in a sticky situation battling wild animals and a mysterious killer lurking in the shadows.
Armed only with a matchbox containing 40 sticks, their sole mission is to catch the murderer by maintaining the flame, one stick at a time.
Each time darkness descends, a life is lost.
40 Sticks features Mumbi Maina, Isaboke Nyakundi, Robert Agengo, Cajetan Boy and others.
Disconnect
David Gitonga's Disconnect is a great romcom that gives insights into the Nairobi dating scene.
The Kanairo-inspired film follows a group of single people trying to manoeuvre the wild dating scene in Nairobi as two best friends wonder if their relationship is more than platonic.
The romantic comedy which stars Brenda Wairimu and Nick Mutuma, first premiered in 2018 in theatres and streaming sites.
Due to public demand, the romcom premiered on Netflix in 2020 after the premieres of other Kenyan films like Poacher and Sincerely Daisy.
In August 2022, the Disconnect sequel was released on Netflix.
In the sequel, Nick Mutuma who played Josh was dropped while the film added a Nigerian cast.
Uradi
This feature-length film directed by Kang'ethe Mungai premiered in September 2020.
'Uradi' which features Kenyan stars such as Mwaura Bilal, Shiks Kapienga, Manasseh Nyagah, and Peter Kawa premiered on Netflix in December 2021.
It follows a university student looking for a way to make quick cash, gets embroiled in crime and finds that it isn't as easy as it seemed. Can he get out or is it too late?
Komu (Mwaura Bilal) takes his viewers through the shadowy corners of city life. The narrative draws viewers into the depths of his character. Everyone falls in love with his gentle nature and feels his joy, pain, anguish, and even his desperation.
Rashid (Chris Kamau) was the big bad wolf while Kirigo(Shix Kapyenga) was the 'Little Red Riding Hood'- the girl you instinctively wanna put out of harm's way.
Sincerely Daisy
It's the first Kenyan film to be released via Netflix and at the time the most streamed film following the release of its trailer.
In this coming-of-age romcom, a high school graduate's dreams and expectations are crushed by family drama.
This teen drama features Ella Maina, Brian Abejah, Sam Psenjen, Foi Wambui and Mbeki Mwalimu in the lead roles.
The film was produced and directed by Nick Mutuma.
