Nairobi Half Life

I like this film very much.

I saw it in Nairobi and we thought this is a good one The actor is a true African boy his story is good and like a lot that I know.

I think it is funny but a bit sad and the director for this is very very good.

I want them to win the Oscar for this one but don't think they can Kenyan film is growing and this can help It was in Cinema in Nairobi for very very extra long.

All my Kenyan friends like it and me too Europeans should like this also

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.

The film is a poignant and powerful portrayal of the challenges faced by young people in Kenya, particularly those from rural areas, who come to Nairobi with hopes and dreams of a better life. The acting is outstanding, with Joseph Wairimu giving a particularly compelling performance as Mwas. The supporting cast is equally strong, with each character bringing their own unique perspective to the story.

What makes Nairobi Half Life stand out is its honest portrayal of life in Nairobi. The film doesn't shy away from showing the gritty realities of the city, from its poverty-stricken neighborhoods to its seedy underbelly of crime and corruption. But it also captures the city's vibrant energy and the hope that it offers to those who are willing to work hard and persevere.

The film's cinematography is also worth noting. The use of handheld cameras and natural lighting gives the film a raw, documentary-style feel, which adds to its authenticity.

Overall, Nairobi Half Life is a powerful and thought-provoking film that offers a compelling look at life in Nairobi. It's a must-see for anyone interested in African cinema or who wants to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by young people in Kenya.

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.

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.