Kenyan doccie makes 2021 Oscars shortlist
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Softie, a Kenyan film about the life of activist Boniface Mwangi, has made it to the 2021 Oscars shortlist in the best documentary feature category, and is among more than 40 documentaries shortlisted.
After winning the prize for the best documentary at the 2020Durban International Film Festival, Softie qualified for consideration for the Oscar documentary shortlist for the 93rd Academy Awards ceremony, presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
The film chronicles a seven-year journey beginning with chaos-filled street protests and culminating in Mwangi's decision to run for a political seat in his old neighbourhood, Starehe. He soon finds that challenging strong political dynasties is putting his family at risk.
Kenya’s struggle with political tribalism
The documentary first premiered in January 2020, winning a special jury prize for editing. It has been greatly reviewed, citing its conscientious storytelling of Kenya's struggle with political tribalism.
Softie was also the opening night film at the Hotdocs Film Festival and the Human Rights Festival held in Berlin, Germany, under the patronage of Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Nadia Murad, with opening and keynote speeches having included former secretary-general of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon.
Softie, a Kenyan film about the life of activist Boniface Mwangi, has made it to the 2021 Oscars shortlist in the best documentary feature category, and is among more than 40 documentaries shortlisted.
After winning the prize for the best documentary at the 2020Durban International Film Festival, Softie qualified for consideration for the Oscar documentary shortlist for the 93rd Academy Awards ceremony, presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
The film chronicles a seven-year journey beginning with chaos-filled street protests and culminating in Mwangi's decision to run for a political seat in his old neighbourhood, Starehe. He soon finds that challenging strong political dynasties is putting his family at risk.
Kenya’s struggle with political tribalism
The documentary first premiered in January 2020, winning a special jury prize for editing. It has been greatly reviewed, citing its conscientious storytelling of Kenya's struggle with political tribalism.
Softie was also the opening night film at the Hotdocs Film Festival and the Human Rights Festival held in Berlin, Germany, under the patronage of Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Nadia Murad, with opening and keynote speeches having included former secretary-general of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon.
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