(Posted 30th August 2024)
“SEARCHING FOR AMANI,” a Kenyan American co- production, will offer an exclusive sneak peek screening series beginning on August 30th at Unseen- Nairobi for one week.
This event provides an opportunity for industry insiders, friends, and family to engage with the film before its wider release later this year.
Directed by Debra Aroko and Nicole Gormley and produced by Mungai Kiroga, Nicole Gormley, Peter Goetz, and Caryn Capotosto, “SEARCHING FOR AMANI” follows the story of Simon Ali, a 13-year- old boy grappling with the sudden and suspicious death of his father, a conservancy guide in Kenya.
The film documents Simon’s journey as he seeks to uncover the truth behind his father’s
death, equipped only with a video camera and a determination to find answers.
The project brings together diverse perspectives, reflecting a collaboration
between filmmakers from Kenya and the United States. Executive produced by Dr. Paula Kahumbu, a conservationist with a long-standing commitment to Kenyan wildlife, the film aims to offer a narrative that explores themes of resilience and truth-seeking.
The Filmmakers and Kahumbu are currently working on a dynamic educational Impact Campaign to roll out after the release.
“SEARCHING FOR AMANI” premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival, where it received the Albert Maysles Best New Documentary Director award. The film was also recognized
at the 2024 Raindance Film Festival in the UK, where it received the Best Documentary
award. It has been nominated for the Jackson Wild Media Awards and the Shine Global
Award for Best Documentary.
The screening at Unseen will begin with an opening night gala on August 30th at 7 PM,
featuring appearances by Simon Ali, his family, as well as key contributors to the film,
including Executive Producer Dr. Paula Kahumbu and Director Debra Aroko. This event will be followed by a Q&A with filmmakers and participants. The film will be playing for one week at Unseen through September 5th.
THE FILM
A 13-year-old aspiring journalist investigates his father’s mysterious murder within the
boundaries of one of Kenya’s largest wildlife conservancies. As a ravaging drought
encroaches, his quest to find the killer shifts, and an activist is born as the collateral
damage of a warming world is revealed.
SHORT SYNOPSIS
Searching for Amani, a character driven coming-of-age story set to the backdrop of a
climate crisis, follows thirteen-year-old aspiring journalist, Simon Ali, as he uncovers the mystery surrounding his father’s murder. Simon’s father was killed in 2019 while working as a nature guide in Laikipia’s largest wildlife conservancy.
Over the course of four years, Simon searches for the answers his family seeks. As a
devastating drought rages through Sub-Saharan Africa, conflict erupts and the collateral
damage of a warming world is revealed as he begins to fully understand the forces that
led to his father’s death. Exploring the life and death of Simon’s father catalyzes a
nuanced conversation about the changing environment, conservation, and community
equity in a time of crisis.
WEBSITE: www.searchingforamani.com
