Abila (14) lives in one of the most miserable slums in Africa. His girlfriend Shiku belongs to a different tribe, as the result of which he is not really allowed to fraternize with her. And then one drunken night his father gambles away his own soul.
Direction
Hawa Essuman's debut packs more vision than most veterans.
Acting
Samson Odhiambo carries entire film at 14 years old.
Production
Kibera slum location shooting feels dangerously authentic.
Director
Hawa Essuman
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Shot entirely in Kibera, one of Africa's largest slums, with local non-professional actors. Director Hawa Essuman is Ghanaian-Kenyan and this was her first feature.
The 'soul gambling' premise draws from actual East African folklore about witch doctors and spiritual debt, modernized for urban Nairobi.
US
