Soul Boy (2010)

Abila (14) lives in one of the most miserable slums in Africa. His girlfriend Shiku belongs to a different tribe, as the result of which he is not really allowed to fraternize with her. And... See full summary »

Directors:

Hawa Essuman, Tom Tykwer

Writer:

Billy Kahora

Stars:

Samson Odhiambo, Leila Dayan Opou, Krysteen Savane

1 win.

Cast

Credited cast:
Samson Odhiambo	...	Abila
Leila Dayan Opou	...	Shiku
Krysteen Savane	...	Nyawawa
Frank Kimani	...	Macharia
Joab Ogolla	...	Abi's Father
Lucy Gachanja	...	Abi's Mother
Katherine Damaris	...	Aunt Susan
Kevin Onyango Omondi	...	Bojo
Calvin Shikuku Odhiambo	...	Kaka
Nordeen Abdulghani	...	Willie
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Christopher Abuga	...	Auctioneer
Rose Adhiambo	...	Mama Akinyi
Jones Onyango Ajwala	...	Old Couple - Man
Consolata Apondi	...	Weaver Woman
Micheal Babu	...	Kama

Storyline

Abila (14) lives in one of the most miserable slums in Africa. His girlfriend Shiku belongs to a different tribe, as the result of which he is not really allowed to fraternize with her. And then one drunken night his father gambles away his own soul.

---

Genres:

Drama

---

Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

Kenya Germany

Language:

Swahili

Release Date:

4 March 2010 (Kenya)

Also Known As:

Chlopiec, który szukal duszy

Filming Locations:

Kibera, Kenya

Company Credits

Production Co:

Ginger Ink Films, One Fine Day Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

61 min

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

User Reviews

Technically impressive, weak story.

I watched this film in a special presentation at the Berlin Film Festival. It was technically impressive, the visuals and sound very high quality for an African-theme film. It is excellent that youth were also trained on the production. I liked the performance of the main actress, she was spectacular. The main actor, at times, felt stilted and uncomfortable, perhaps this was due to the fact that this was the first film he every appeared in.

However, I found the story-line to be thin and unrealistic. It felt more European and almost like Tom Twyver's Run Lola Run but set in an African slum. Reminded me of the short film Kibera Kid, yet it lacked a certain authenticity. This may have been due to the mainly European technical crew and the influence of Tom Twyver on the production. He was the producer and the supervising director on the film and from my understanding directed / supervised the film.

Overall worth seeing if interested in African films, yet don't expect too much. It's simple, well executed but not too deep or authentic.