Kenyan film, Act of Love, is one of the many films set to screen on November 7 at the Kenya Cinema Week 2025 event in London. Beginning at 8 PM, the film will be one of the films showing at the RichMix Cinema.
“Act of Love” has had 21 Festival Selections, 26 Nominations and 11 Awards in the two years since its release.
According to organisers, the event is aimed at showcasing Kenyan talent to an international audience.
“Kenyan cinema is a powerful medium that reflects the nation’s rich cultural heritage, diverse voices, and compelling narratives,” a statement from event organisers says. “However, many filmmakers face challenges in gaining international visibility and access to funding opportunities. Kenya Cinema Week is designed to be a gateway for filmmakers to reach broader audiences, secure partnerships, and establish a lasting presence in the global film industry.”
Speaking about the opportunity for filmmakers, one of the Kenya Cinema Week co-founders called it a “cultural milestone”.
“This is more than just a film festival, it is a cultural milestone,” says Mr Sidney Sambu, Co-Founder of Kenya Cinema Week. “For the first time, European audiences will experience the rich narratives, talent, and creativity of Kenyan filmmakers.”
Inspired by Shelly Gitonga’s true story, “Act of Love” is a moving short film set in Nairobi, about Juliana (Mwixx Mutinda) – a young Mother, who holds on to Sanity by a thread, as her world is turned upside-down in search of a livelihood.
“Act of Love” is a film that makes society acknowledge the ugly side of motherhood”, says Ms Shelly Gitonga, the award-winning scriptwriter. “Statistics show that Post-Partum Depression affects 10-20% of Women globally, but in Africa, the situation is worse, with up to 32% of Women suffering from PPD.”
Agreeing with Ms Gitonga, the film’s director said it was about advocating for the well-being of mothers.
“In Kenya, the prevalence of the Maternal Mental Health challenge of PPD is reported as 11-13%, affecting the well-being of mothers, newborns, families and communities”, says Erick Mwangi.
“Act of Love” was produced by Blackwell Films, in conjunction with Ripple Productions, through Funding by Some Fine Day Pix, GIZ, Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development of Germany, and DocuBox East Africa Fund. It was also produced with support from Naomi Mburuh Films, Film Studios and Jenga Leo.
Other films screening at Kenya Cinema Week include Makosa Ni Yangu from Philit Productions, written by renowned storyteller Abel Mutua, “Once Upon A Maybel”, a feature film by Cliff Webster, and Checkmate by Buda Boss.
