We did it!!! Together with our partners and collaborators; Insignia Films, Retro Report and News Slate Ventures for Free Money and Docubox, NYU Abu Dhabi, Same But Different, Seven Thirty Films for Baba, we have made history by having world premieres of both Baba and Free Money at the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival.
This is such a monumental milestone and it speaks to the value of great collaborations and working with awesome crew and talent to bring these films to life.
It was really special to celebrate this feat in person at the festival represented by Baba’s Director, Mbithi Masya, Producer, Bramwel Iro, Production Manager, Ivy Kiru and Free Money Director, Sam Soko who Co-Directed the film with Lauren DeFilippo from Insignia Films, New York.
So many special moments and highlights made our experience memorable.
Both films were well received at the festival. We opened Baba and Free Money to sold-out theatres and it was exciting to see the conversations that both films generated.
We were also joined by celebrated journalist Larry Madowo who is an interesting character in Free Money and whose thoughts bring a fresh perspective to the story.
‘It’s a timely film because Universal Basic Income has become a topic of increasing discussion worldwide.’
AWARDS RADAR / Shane Slater
‘The filmmaking truly excels through its varied perspectives, each of them adding thought-provoking new angles to understanding the outcomes of the project.
FILM THREAT / Bradley Gibson
‘Free Money is an important documentary continuing a discussion of how best to globally distribute the wealth of nations. Mostly what we learn is that as long as anyone is in control of the wealth, there’s a corruptible power structure in place.’
“BABA is a compelling look at a complex scenario dealing with familial abuse and how defence mechanisms embraced to survive it can sometimes continue its vicious cycle.”
Check out this Shimoni review by Black Girl Nerds for more perspective.
“Wamai’s background is in film editing, and her ability to tell the story through showing is magnificent. The editing in this film is flawless; coupled with beautiful cinematography, lighting, sound design, efficient dialogue, costume design, and a compelling score, Shimoni (The Pit) is storytelling at its best.”
Another highlight for us at TIFF was getting to pop champagne with the Kenyan High Commissioner to Canada, Immaculate Wambua and Honorary Consul, Mr. Sunir Chandaria.
The Kenyan High Commission in Canada put together a little soirée to celebrate the Kenyan filmmakers at the festival which made our experience extra special.
Special thanks to Mr Sunir Chandaria from the Kenyan High Commission in Canada, Afrolicious Restaurant and Slyd Photography for their amazing hospitality.
We can’t wait to share both films with our Kenyan folks! Look out for updates.