Nawi: A Powerful Narrative on Child Marriage Shines at Beijing International Film Festival

The poignant words “60 sheep, eight camels, and 100 goats” resonate deeply in the heart of “Nawi: Dear Future Me,”a Kenyan-German coming-of-age drama that represents Kenya in the race for Best International Feature at the 2025 Oscars. This compelling story follows a young African girl who fights against the oppressive tradition of child marriage, aspiring to secure an education and her independence. The animals mentioned symbolize the price a stranger is prepared to pay to acquire a child bride.

On April 4, 2025, the film crafted by directors Toby and Kevin Schmutzler alongside Apuu Mourine and Vallentine Chelluget, premieres at the 15th Beijing International Film Festival, showcasing its relevance and universal appeal.

A Global Stage for Nawi

Nawi will be featured in the main competition section of the festival, which concludes on April 26. Esteemed Chinese actor and director Jiang Wen, known for his work in “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story”and “Let the Bullets Fly,”will lead the jury responsible for awarding the prestigious Tiantan Award. Other jurors include notable filmmakers and actors such as Joan Chen, David Yates, and art director Tim Yip, among others.

Nawi’s Heartfelt Story

The plot of Nawi centers around its titular character, the brightest student in her village, whose dreams of high school education crumble when her father arranges her marriage to a stranger, driven by tribal customs and the prospect of livestock as a bride price. Entrenched in tradition, her father and her three mothers find themselves at odds with Nawi’s aspirations, compelling her to escape on what was meant to be her wedding night.

A Creative Collaboration Rooted in Authenticity

Set against the stunning backdrop of Kenya’s remote Turkana region, the film features Michelle Lemuya Ikeny in the lead role, a performance that earned her the African Movie Academy Award for Best Promising Actor. The supporting cast includes talented actors such as Joel Liwan, Ochungo Benson, and Michelle Chebet Tiren. Nawi is a collaborative effort between FilmCrew Media, Baobab Pictures, and the Turkana-based NGO Learning Lions, which is dedicated to empowering youth through education.

The screenplay originated from a national writing contest, where first-time writer Milcah Cherotich submitted her story inspired by her sister’s life experience. Toby Schmutzler noted, “The core framework of Nawi’s story is based on Cherotich’s family narrative, providing a rich, authentic backdrop to our film.”

Innovative Filmmaking Approach

In a recent interview, Kevin and Toby Schmutzler discussed their journey into social impact filmmaking, which began in 2017 when they collaborated with a Kenyan NGO. Understanding the need for locally relevant storytelling, they embarked on a quest to create a narrative that authentically represented African voices and perspectives. This approach culminated in a writer’s room collaboration, blending Western storytelling techniques with local authenticity.

“What emerged was a unique narrative blend that reflects both Western and African perspectives,” Kevin elaborated. This synthesis enabled emerging directors from Turkana, such as Vallentine and Apuu, to enrich the film’s cultural representation, ensuring the portrayal of women’s roles and societal norms was authentically depicted.

Overcoming Cultural Challenges

The filmmakers were met with cultural nuances that demanded respect and understanding. For instance, a pivotal scene where Nawi sells fish near a church required relocation based on local customs. Kevin recalled, “Our female directors helped guide these decisions, ensuring cultural accuracy—something we might have overlooked.”

This ongoing dialogue between the filmmakers illustrates the delicate balance required to resonate with both Kenyan and Western audiences while promoting discussions on the sensitive issue of child marriage.

A Successful Release and Community Impact

Since its premiere in Kenya, Nawi has achieved remarkable success, boasting the second-longest cinema run for a local film. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, particularly among the youth, who feel empowered to discuss the serious issue of child marriage openly.

Cherotich has taken the initiative to screen the film in remote communities, facilitating important discussions surrounding these pressing social issues. The community’s engagement with the film reflects its potential for real-world change—with individuals even inviting Milcah for further discussions post-screenings.

The Future Role of Filmmaking in Social Change

As the Schmutzler brothers navigate the landscape of social impact filmmaking, they reinforce their commitment to creating narratives with real-life implications. According to Toby, “We are driven to tell stories that matter, with measurable impacts on society.” Through Nawi, they not only aim to entertain but also to motivate viewers to engage actively with the subject matter, as highlighted by the film’s support initiatives for education and rights of at-risk girls.

“We hope the awareness raised by Nawi will prompt viewers to take action,” Kevin concluded. “The issues discussed in the film are not limited to Kenya; they are global challenges resonating everywhere.”

The Schmutzlers’ next project “Beyond Day Zero” is set to explore the pressing water crisis. As they delve deeper into issues with global ramifications, their filmmaking journey is poised to continue fostering important conversations that spark change.

To learn more about this impactful film and its initiatives, visit Hollywood Reporter.

Watch the Trailer

Experience the story of Nawi by watching the trailer here.