Manyatta Mengi Mashariki festival 2025

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by

Tessa Lwanga
in ,

Tonight the Manyatta Mengi Mashariki Film festival hosted by the Africa Centre, takes place at UAL London College of Communication.

Part of the 2025 UK/Kenya Season of Culture at The Africa Centre, supported by the British Council. The films explore themes of identity, desire, mortality and warmth.

Curated by Hawa Essuman and Fibby Kioria of Manyatta Screenings and Wanjeri Gakuru of Mengi Mengi Film Club (Kenya) showcasing work from Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia,and Réunion Island. 

“This showcase provides a snapshot of the current voices of the makers and watchers emerging in Eastern African cinema.“ Manyatta Mengi Mashariki team

Programme:

Section 1:

Rolex (2020) – Dir. Benon Mugumbya, Uganda

Scalp Deep (2020) – Dir. Naseeba Bagalaaliwo, Uganda

Love & Brain (2020) – Dir. Semagngeta Aychiluhem, Ethiopia

Stero (2022) – Dir. Tevin Kimathi & Millan Tarus, Kenya

Section 2:

Transaction (2025) – Dir. Wanjeri Gakuru, Kenya

An Ode To The Time I Loved Bread (2021) – Dir. Neema Ngelime, Tanzania

Set Lam (2023) – Dir. Vincent Fontano, Réunion Island“

“At The Africa Centre, our mission is to champion diverse African voices and create spaces where their stories can resonate globally. This showcase not only reflects the vitality of Eastern African cinema but also deepens cultural connections between Africa and the UK.” Fadil Elobied, Programme Director, The Africa Centre