Kenya Creates Films presents a bold and fresh collection of short films that explore Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights and Justice (SRHRJ) from the perspective of young people. Featuring a talented group of filmmakers – most of them making their directorial debuts – this initiative brings to life four short films that highlight often-overlooked stories of autonomy, justice, and self-discovery.
Born from a shared vision to create space for filmmakers to explore narratives about bodily autonomy, the project is supported by Docubox, the International Resource for Impact and Storytelling (IRIS), and Journalists for Human Rights (JHR). The films underwent a rigorous process of mentorship, production, and post-production to bring these vital stories to the screen.
With a strong presence of child actors – many of whom hold their own against their more experienced counterparts – the four films traverse different tones and styles, from drama and surrealism to poetry and comedy.
While some films are more polished and engaging than others, the collection as a whole is a bold and necessary step toward addressing conversations that are often silenced, serving as both educational tools but also sparking much-needed critical discussions.
Bella is Dying
Directed by: Abigail Arunga & Mkaiwawi ‘MK’ Mwakaba
Produced by: James Kombo
Bella is Dying is an expressive exploration of the silence surrounding sexual health discussions within the family unit. Bella, experiencing unexplained changes in her body, finds herself torn between the fear of upsetting her parents, the confusion of school sex education, the exaggerations of her friends, and the overwhelming flood of information from the internet.
The film pirouettes between different perspectives – men, women, and children – and often, presenting monotonous and inorganic conversations that resemble a public awareness advertisement rather than a fully immersive narrative. While the film effectively highlights the vacuum left when parents avoid critical discussions, it struggles to balance its educational intent with engaging storytelling.
Known for her writing on projects like Pepeta and 4Play, Abigail Arunga makes her directorial debut with Bella is Dying.
Home
Directed by: Adelle Onyango
Produced by: Roy Ncheeri
The most ambitious of the collection, Home explores the lineage of women through the eyes of a young girl, poetically portraying the struggle against external forces that hinder her self-love. Adhis, reduced to a shadow among her peers, grapples with her desire to fit in while the traumatic echoes of her authoritarian mother steadily chip away at her self-image.
Visually, the film takes the audience on a colourful and evocative spiral through Adhis’ anxiety. However, some sequences linger longer than necessary, slightly slowing the pacing. Ultimately, the film delivers a cathartic and rewarding resolution, celebrating the generational bonds that shape the girl’s identity.
Home marks Adelle Onyango’s debut as a filmmaker and director.
Know Thy Body, Know Thyself
Directed by: Anthony ‘Ty’ Ngachira
Produced by: Wanjiku Waweru
Know Thy Body, Know Thyself a film that blends stand-up comedy with storytelling, is a little box filled with intimate laughter and warmth that speaks with a candidness, breathing effortless humour into the collection. Helmed by comedian and first-time director Antony Ngachira, Know They Body is easy on the eye and paced with the beats of his stand-ups, taking full advantage of its format to blend through actors and scenes to deliver the punchlines.
The stories shared, little vignettes across the many sexual conversations Ngachira has shared with those around him, from parental habits that were oblivious then, to conventions regarding sex and contraceptives, are all seemingly universal, especially to the Kenyan household, which only makes this comedy the more wholesome.
This marks Anthony Ngachira’s debut as a filmmaker and director.
Float
Directed by: Lydia Matata
Produced by: Ivy Kiru
The final film, Float, follows a young swimmer struggling with body image. Feeling self-conscious about her weight gain compared to her peers, she faces the rigid expectations of her coach and the isolation from the other kids.
Talented yet withdrawn, the girl finds unexpected solace in the company of a worker at the swimming facility, forming a touching bond that helps her rediscover her self-worth. While the film’s message on body image is clear, its execution at times feels somewhat unfocused – floating through the surface of its themes rather than fully diving in.
Kenya Creates Films will officially premiere on 21 February at Shallom House.
