Nawi

“Creating the film was a deeply personal journey for me. As a native of Turkana, a woman, and a mother, I grew up with the struggles, particularly regarding early child marriage and education for young girls and women. To me, Nawi’s journey is a vessel for the untold stories of my people, carrying the responsibility to inspire positive change and eliminate harmful practices.

Working with a seasoned and professional team who understood the significance of this story for Turkana and beyond was both humbling and empowering. I gained so much knowledge and skills in cinema, and at the same time was able to share so much of our culture and traditions. I have been making music since I was a child, and working together in our directing team and with the whole crew reminded me of playing in a band. This complexity of producing and directing a film in the real world is still amazing to me.

Being the first woman director in my community to complete a full-length film is monumental. Words cannot capture the honor and hope I feel. This achievement is a testament to the power of dreams, intentionality, passion, and discipline, supported by an incredible team. Our collective determination to use our knowledge and experience to tell African stories and create opportunities for others is stronger than ever.”

Apuu Mourine