Mumbi Maina (Sense8, The Matrix Resurrections), Catherine Kamau aka Kate Actress (Plan B, Sue na Jonnie) and Alfred Munyua (Crime and Justice, Sense8) will star in Nafsi, an upcoming feature film from Reuben Odanga.
The story follows Aisha (Mumbi), a woman who, unable to conceive, uses her best friend as a surrogate leading to a series of events that threaten their close bond and those around them.
Nafsi is Odanga’s feature directorial debut, a major shift from the Swahili telenovelas that he’s popularly known such as Selina. Odanga also wrote the film, which he is co-producing with his wife Jacqueline Kalekye, under Multan Production Limited.
Sharing his excitement about the film, Odanga described it as a “real and simple story” while also praising both Mumbi and Kate (whom he directs for the first time) for their performance. “Working with Mumbi was phenomenal; she bought into the vision and carried the story in a very personal way. Kate was just magical; after she auditioned, I knew she could do more than comedy, and she delivered.”
Speaking about her role, Mumbi, who makes a major comeback with this role, said that working with Odanga has been an adventure. “He has a great vision and I appreciate that he is doing something different with this film.”
Mumbi also revealed that Nafsi is a deeply moving story that touches on a sensitive topic that is rarely spoken about, not only in film but in African culture. “I’m honoured to be part of a project that will hopefully de-stigmatize and spark important conversations,” she said.
Her co-star Kate, who takes a major leap from comedy to drama with this role, described the project as a “a thought-provoking film” that she couldn’t pass on. “I was in pursuit of growth as an actor, and this was different for me. It’s what I needed.”
Nafsi, which has already wrapped up production, also stars Raymond Ofula (Monica, The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind); BET’s Top Actor Africa runner-up Alex Khayo (Watu Wote, Selina); and first-timers: radio presenter Alex Mwakideu, radio presenter and singer Monique Bett, and singer and former Kora Awards winner Silaiyo.
Update: Nafsi is now available to stream on Netflix.
