It was one of the most heavily anticipated cinematic events in a long while.
KATI KATI premiered on Kenyan soil at an industry heavy event at the Prestige Plaza cinema yesterday (Thursday, 26th) with demand heavy for opening night tickets.
The film itself has made the rounds in recent months, winning both acclaim as well as awards. Lovers of cinema, friends of the team including Mbithi Masya and Mugambi Nthiga as well as radio and TV Personalities got dressed up to the nines to celebrate a truly Kenyan artistic moment.
@Maqbuli & his 'twin' (who we won't mention) at the #KatiKati Premiere earlier on tonight #NBOFilmFest pic.twitter.com/5OGfz7R3MU
— #NBOFilmFest (@NBOFilmFest) January 26, 2017
Kati Kati is produced by One Fine Day Films – their fifth production in Kenya. The team itself started a number of workshops in conjunction with Film Africa. Almost everyone engaged in Kati Kati participated in those workshops and through them were forged the relationships that eventually led to the start of the project.
The lovely @amayonde came through as well! #KatiKati Premiere #NBOFilmFest pic.twitter.com/PN5Nb4u43N
— #NBOFilmFest (@NBOFilmFest) January 26, 2017
The film written by Mbithi alongside Mugambi Nthiga was eventually honoured with the FIPRESCI (International Federation of Film Critics) prize for Discovery at the Toronto International Film Festival at the tail end of last year.
https://twitter.com/NBOFilmFest/status/824704276274487296
The expectation had been for a December release date, but it’s sheer popularity meant that Kenya would have to wait a little longer to see the masterpiece in action. The reviews meant that its festival tour was lengthened, and obligations by cinemas also resulted in a January release.
But it’s out now and ample time to check it out even if you didn’t make it to the Premiere.
Bloggers Abigail Arunga and Magunga Williams
Katikati lead actress Nyokabi gethaiga is standing with her mother Sheila Gethaiga
The event was just the beginning of a celebration that will see some of Kenya’s most successful and accomplished films screened at cinemas and halls across Nairobi.
We didn't expect such awesome people tonight. We say thank you! #KatiKati Premiere #NBOFilmFest pic.twitter.com/OY1tTFL1OF
— #NBOFilmFest (@NBOFilmFest) January 26, 2017
Included in this list are Nairobi Half Life, Veve and From a Whisper.
This is what you can expect:
Check out the schedule for Kati Kati beyond the NBO Film Fest :
The NBO Film Fest is looking to engage, inspire and document the progress and challenges of film and creativity in the 254.
Film Festival Director Sheba Hirst, Nakumatt MD Andrew Dixon and Mrs. Seonaid Dixon
Be a part of the journey and take some time to discover, talk up and share some amazing moments throughout the course of the next few days.
Follow @NBOFilmFest on Twitter for more details on how you can get involved in the action.
IMAGE: PSIFF
