Nostalgia And Excitement For Film Lovers As Kenyan ‘Mono’ Film Premiers

NAIROBI, Kenya, Dec 1 - A new Kenyan Film ‘Mono’, depicting the life of a first-year high school student, is set to premiere at Anga Diamond Plaza on Friday, December 1, 2023.

The film’s release coincides with the selection and admission of the last crop of Form One students as the curtain closes on four decades of the 8-4-4 education system which has been phased out in favour of the CBC system.

The cinematic film, created by Cheese Pictures Limited, is a 90-minute deep dive into the life of young students as they join a Kenyan boarding high school. The story is full of nostalgia for those who experienced the country’s boarding schools and sheds light on the orchestrated misfortunes that befell the first formers.

Speaking ahead of the premiere, Joyce Wamwira Musoke, Director of Cheese Pictures, highlighted the film's theme's relevance, which was initially inspired by growing concerns about school unrest in Kenya.

Cheese Pictures Limited was among 14 local production houses to receive a filmmaking grant from the Kenya Film Commission, underscoring the burgeoning growth and support for the Kenyan film industry.

“While this film was intended to depict daily life in a Kenyan high school, it is now likely to become one of the few nostalgic movies for people who lived through those moments,” she remarked.

‘Mono’ showcases Young Oliver Samaja's arrival at the prestigious Francis Morris Morton Mission High School (Framomo) to join Form One. The film unveils the challenges faced by the new students, confronting deep-seated traditions and institutional issues prevalent in the school system.

Director of Photography, Chris Rohio, captured the film's compelling narrative, portraying the students' struggles against systemic challenges, aiming to reclaim their dignity and challenge archaic traditions.

The film features a talented cast, combining young new faces like Roger Lulu, Ahsante Ng’ang’a and Josh Muli, with veterans like Zainabu Harri, Andrew Muthure, Nyokabi Macharia, Steve Katingima and David Opondoe, delivering powerful performances that resonate with the film's poignant themes.

After its premiere at Anga Diamond Plaza, ‘Mono’ will continue to screen across various venues during the month of December, with admission details and screening schedules to be communicated.

The film’s narrative echoes societal challenges depicted in a recent parliamentary report outlining root causes of indiscipline in secondary schools, encompassing issues of communication gaps, academic pressure, and deficiencies in school management.

‘Mono’ seeks to amplify crucial societal discussions while showcasing the rich storytelling prowess of Kenya's burgeoning film industry.