NAIROBI HALF LIFE Breakthrough

Despite his parents’ wishes, Mwas leaves his small village and embarks on a journey to Kenya’s capital in order to pursue a career in acting. Naïve and filled with hope, he quickly learns why the city is nicknamed “Nairobbery.” A few innocent mistakes land him in jail, which eventually leads Mwas to connect with a gang. Although he learns how to survive in the dangerous and sprawling urban center, Mwas is torn between his new lifestyle of theft and violence and his dream of becoming an actor. Rising talent Joseph Wairimu delivers a strong performance as a charming and compelling character that never forsakes his dreams. Emerging from the One Fine Day Film Workshop, a German-Kenyan collaboration, director Tosh Gitong’s debut feature film is Kenya’s second-ever official submission for the Oscar®.