Nairobi Half Life

Release Date: 29 Jul. 2012Runtime: 1h 40mRating: 0.0 / 5

Nairobi Half Life is a gritty, fast-paced coming-of-age story that masterfully balances a dual narrative. Mwas lives a literal double life (or "half-life"). By day, he rehearses for an avant-garde theatrical production alongside upscale, elite actors. By night, he is a criminal operating in the dangerous slums of downtown Nairobi, stealing car parts to pay off corrupt police officers. The film acts as a sharp social commentary on the massive wealth disparity in Kenya, systemic corruption, and the desperation of youth facing extreme unemployment.

Director: David ‘tosh’ Gitonga
Language: Swahili,English
Genre: Drama

Storyline

The film follows Mwas, a charismatic young, aspiring actor from a rural village who sells Western action movie DVDs by aggressively acting out the scenes for his customers. Dreaming of making it big, he packs his bags and heads to Nairobi, the city of opportunity. Instantly upon arrival, he experiences why the capital is nicknamed "Nairobbery"—he is ambushed, robbed of all his belongings, and thrown into a jail cell. Left penniless, Mwas crosses paths with Oti, a smooth but tough small-time gang leader. Oti takes him under his wing, dragging Mwas into a dark underground world of carjackings, theft, and violent crime just as he lands an audition for a major local stage play.

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