Stories of Our Lives

  • 60'
  • Kenya
  • 2014

Atmospheric, poetic story told in black-and-white about forbidden loves in Kenya, featuring five different stories about what it means to identify as LGBTQI in Kenya – from the countryside to the city and from teenager to adult. Subtly told and with an eye for intimacy, the film shows a broad spectrum of experiences: poignant, hilarious, tender and violent.

The Nest Collective started in Kenya in 2013 collecting archives, initially anonymously, of stories from the LGBTQI community – stories that were only told behind closed doors. They called this project 'Stories of Our Lives', and it resulted in a book and a film of the same title. Although the aim of the film was to share these hidden stories with a larger audience in Kenya, no one there has yet been able to see it – the film is still banned in Kenya to this day. Truly a work – and act – of love.

Director
Jim Chuchu
Countries of production
Kenya, South Africa
Year
2014
Festival Edition
IFFR 2018
Length
60'
Medium
DCP
Languages
Swahili, English
Producer
Wangechi Ngugi
Production Company
The Nest Arts Company Limited
Sales
Big World Cinema
Screenplay
Jim Chuchu, Njoki Ngumi
Cinematography
Dan Muchina, Jim Chuchu
Editor
Dan Muchina, Jim Chuchu
Cast
Kelly Gichohi, Paul Ogola, Tim Mutungi, Mugambi Nthiga, Rose Njenga
Director
Jim Chuchu
Countries of production
Kenya, South Africa
Year
2014
Festival Edition
IFFR 2018
Length
60'
Medium
DCP
Languages
Swahili, English
Producer
Wangechi Ngugi
Production Company
The Nest Arts Company Limited
Sales
Big World Cinema
Screenplay
Jim Chuchu, Njoki Ngumi
Cinematography
Dan Muchina, Jim Chuchu
Editor
Dan Muchina, Jim Chuchu
Cast
Kelly Gichohi, Paul Ogola, Tim Mutungi, Mugambi Nthiga, Rose Njenga