FAST FORWARD 2025 / Projections:
12/12/2025 / 20h45 / Montenegrin Cinematheque / Podgorica
Vallentine Chelluget, Apuu Mourine, Kevin Schmutzler, Tobias Schmutzler / Kenya, Germany / 2024 / 103’
Directors: Vallentine Chelluget, Apuu Mourine, Kevin Schmutzler, Tobias (Toby) Schmutzler
Screenplay: Milcah Cherotich, Kevin Schmutzler, Tobias (Toby) Schmutzler
Cast: Michelle Lemuya Ikeny, Joel Liwan, Ochungo Benson Obiero, Ben Tekee, Michelle Chebet Tiren, Patrick Oketch, Nungo Marrianne Akinyi, Nyokabi Macharia, Rael Atyang, Kevin Basara, Milcah Cherotich, Simon Ebei, Fredrick Ekiru Ekitela, Furaha Kitumaini, Jeremia “Chapchap” Logele
Producers: Lydia Wrensch, Caroline Heim, Brizan Were
Executive Producers: Ludwig Bayern, Steven Haft, Katja Eichinger, Matthias Rosenberger
Directors of Photography: Klaus Kneist, Mwende Renata
Music: Apuu Mourine, Amadeus Indetzki
Production Design: Erixon Kangethe
Costume Design: Vivian Njeri Kimotho
Make-up: Mercy Ng’endo
Sound Design: Roman Pogorzelski
Production: FilmCrew Media GmbH, Baobab Pictures, Learning Lions
Countries: Kenya, Germany
Year: 2024
Runtime: 103’
SYNOPSIS
In northern Kenya, thirteen-year-old Nawi learns that her father has promised her into marriage in exchange for a dowry – a herd of cattle. Instead of submitting to the arranged marriage, she runs away and embarks on a journey to defend her right to education and self-determination. Based on true stories from Turkana, the film follows Nawi as she builds courage, a supportive community and hope, standing up to traditions that violate children’s and women’s rights.
ABOUT THE DIRECTORS
The film is directed by Vallentine Chelluget, Apuu Mourine, Kevin Schmutzler and Tobias (Toby) Schmutzler – a creative team that brings together the experience of young filmmakers from Turkana in northern Kenya and European film professionals. Chelluget and Mourine come from local film education programmes and focus on stories about growing up, gender inequality and the everyday life of pastoralist communities. Brothers Kevin and Tobias Schmutzler, directors and producers from Germany, develop socially engaged projects in collaboration with African partners, with a strong emphasis on empowering local authors. Nawi: Dear Future Me is their joint project that combines personal experience, local knowledge and international production into a powerful story about children’s rights, education and resistance to harmful traditions.
FESTIVALS AND AWARDS
- Raindance Film Festival, 2025 – Best International Feature; Best Performance in a Debut Feature (Michelle Lemuya Ikeny)
- Pan African Film & Arts Festival (PAFF), 2025 – Best Narrative Feature (Jury Award)
- Beijing International Film Festival (Tiantan Awards), 2025 – Special Jury Honor
- Zlín Film Festival, 2025 – Youth Jury Award – Best Feature (Junior & Youth)
- Stockholm Film Festival Junior, 2025 – Bronze Horse – Best Film (11–19)
- African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), 2024 – Best Promising Actor (Michelle Lemuya Ikeny)
- Novi Sad Film Festival, 2025 – Best Film (Main Competition)
- Raindance Film Festival, 2025 – Official Selection
- Beijing International Film Festival, 2025 – Tiantan Competition
- Zlín Film Festival, 2025 – International Competition (Junior)
- Africa Film Fest Australia, 2025 – Selection