Wanuri Kahiu

Just as you would have thought, there are Kenyan movies on Netflix. Kenya's film industry, nicknamed 'Riverwood,' has been growing steadily since the early 2000s. The name "Riverwood" comes from the fact that most of the early productions were shot in the low-income Nairobi suburb of River Road. Since then, the industry has expanded to include filmmakers from all over Kenya, with a particular focus on producing low-budget, independent movies that reflect the country's diverse cultures and languages. The film industry in Kenya has faced numerous challenges over the years, including a lack of government support and distribution challenges. Despite these difficulties, Kenyan filmmakers have managed to produce a considerable amount of high-quality content. However, due to limited distribution, many of these films are not accessible to international audiences. The emergence of Kenyan movies on Netflix is a significant development. As the world's leading streaming service, Netflix has over 200 million subscribers across 190 countries. By making Kenyan movies available on its platform, Netflix is providing an opportunity for international audiences to discover and appreciate the unique talents of Kenyan filmmakers. This move by Netflix could have a profound impact on the Kenyan film industry. By increasing the visibility of Kenyan films on a global scale, more people will be exposed to the creativity and artistry of Kenyan filmmakers. This could lead to greater demand for Kenyan films, which could help to boost the industry and provide more opportunities for filmmakers in the country. Moreover, the presence of Kenyan movies on Netflix could help to promote cultural exchange and understanding. Through film, people from different parts of the world can learn about different cultures and experiences. This could help to break down barriers and promote greater unity and collaboration across borders. Supa Modo (2018) This is a heartwarming story about a young girl with a terminal illness who dreams of becoming a superhero. The film was directed by Likarion Wainaina and won several awards, including Best European Film for Children at the European Children's Film Association Awards. Disconnect (2018) This film follows the lives of three strangers in Nairobi whose paths cross as they search for human connection in a digital world. The movie was directed by Tosh Gitonga and stars Brenda Wairimu, Nick Mutuma, and Catherine Kamau. 18 Hours (2017) This is a tense drama that takes place in an emergency room as doctors and nurses struggle to keep a critically ill patient alive. The movie was directed by Njue Kevin and stars Brian Ogola, Nick Ndeda, and Sue Wanjiru. Nairobi Half Life (2012) 'Nairabi Half Life' is no doubt one of the best Kenyan movies on Netflix. This film follows a young man named Mwas who dreams of becoming an actor in Nairobi's thriving film industry. However, he quickly learns that the city is not what he imagined it to be. The movie was directed by David Tosh Gitonga and was Kenya's submission for the Best Foreign Language Film Oscar in 2013. Kati Kati (2016) This movie is a haunting drama that takes place in a mysterious wilderness camp where a group of strangers find themselves trapped. The film was directed by Mbithi Masya and stars Nyokabi Gethaiga, Elsaphan Njora, and Paul Ogola. Rafiki (2018) This is a beautiful love story between two young women in Nairobi. The movie was directed by Wanuri Kahiu and was controversial in Kenya for its portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters. Despite being banned in Kenya, the film received critical acclaim and was screened at the Cannes Film Festival. It is most definitely one of the best Kenyan movies on Netflix. Poacher (2018) This is a crime thriller about a young man who turns to poaching to make a living, but quickly realizes the consequences of his actions. The movie was directed by Tom Whitworth and stars Brian Ogola, Marrianne Nungo, and Lenny Juma. Sincerely Daisy (2020) This is a coming-of-age story about a teenage girl named Daisy who navigates the ups and downs of high school while dealing with family issues. The movie was directed by Nick Mutuma and stars Ella Maina, Brian Abajah, and Muthoni Gathecha. Softie (2020) This is a documentary film that follows the story of Boniface Mwangi, a Kenyan photojournalist and political activist. The movie was directed by Sam Soko and won the World Cinema Documentary Special Jury Award for Editing at the Sundance Film Festival. Country Queen (2022) Kenya's first homegrown Netflix series, Country Queen, has taken the world by storm. The series follows the lives of ordinary Kenyans who are fighting corporate power and land grabs. Country Queen delves into urban and rural Kenya through the eyes of characters entwined by love, betrayal, and conflict. Overall, the inclusion of Kenyan movies on Netflix is a positive development for the Kenyan film industry, as it helps to raise awareness and recognition of the country's creative talents on the global stage. It also provides a platform for Kenyan filmmakers to showcase their work to a wider audience, which could lead to more opportunities for funding and distribution in the future.

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