Experiencing Interruptions?

Nafsi

After a talented street kid is offered a lifeline by a complete stranger, he battles his inner demon to overcome adversity and grow both as an artist but more importantly, as a person.

  • Charlie Kimilu
    Director
  • Charlie Kimilu
    Writer
  • Teddy Gitau
    Writer
  • Charlie Kimilu
    Producer
  • Blake Simpson
    Producer
  • James Kahando
    Key Cast
  • Brian Kayongo
    Key Cast
  • Moses Odhiambo
    Key Cast
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    7 minutes 17 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    December 16, 2016
  • Production Budget:
    500 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Kenya
  • Country of Filming:
    Kenya
  • Language:
    Swahili
  • Shooting Format:
    High Definition (HD)
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Machakosfest 2016
    Machakos
    Kenya
    December 17, 2016
  • Danish Culture Night
    Nairobi
    Kenya
    May 4, 2017
Director - Charlie Kimilu
Director Statement

Three years after completing my studies (Diploma in Film & Television Production), Nafsi is the first and only film I have ever embarked on and actually completed. Backed by a great team, both cast and crew, it was originally created for the Machawood Machakosfest 2016 edition whose theme was GROWTH. The film was nominated for Best Cinematography.

I am personally obsessed with the mind's commentary on everything and this is evident in Nafsi, portrayed as a symptom of the street kid's (James Kahando) glue sniffing habit. This manifests itself as the off putting voice of his pseudo-companion (Brian Kayongo). I figured I could have delivered this fact better after watching the edit but I was asked, "Isn't this true for every film you make?"

Poverty, and growing out of it, is the central theme that drives this narrative. This is true for most of us especially at the point we undertake task the to carve lives for ourselves. It may not be as easy as the film makes it out to be but upon looking back, this story is a familiar reflection of my own journey in the 3 years after film school. I hope everyone who watches Nafsi recognizes a little bit of themselves in the short.