‘Our Land, Our Freedom to Open at Nairobi Film Festival: A Reclamation of Kenya’s Colonial History

The highly anticipated documentary, Our Land, Our Freedom, directed by celebrated Kenyan filmmakers Meena Nanji and Zippy Kimundu, is set to make its Kenyan premiere at the Nairobi Film Festival on October 26th, 2024. After receiving widespread international acclaim, the film’s return to its homeland promises to be a momentous occasion, offering Kenyan audiences a rare opportunity to engage with a story that speaks directly to the country’s complex and painful colonial history.

The film is not only a documentary but a reclamation of Kenya’s past, highlighting the experiences of freedom fighters whose voices have often been neglected in the retelling of the country’s struggle for independence. Our Land, Our Freedom chronicles the compelling journey of Mukami and Wanjugu Kimathi—the widow and daughter of Dedan Kimathi, one of Kenya’s most iconic freedom fighters. Their mission to locate Dedan Kimathi’s remains and expose the brutal realities of British colonialism is central to the film’s narrative. Through their personal quest, the documentary explores the broader themes of colonialism, land rights, and the enduring scars left on the Kenyan population.

A Kenyan Story Told by Kenyans

The significance of Our Land, Our Freedom lies not only in its subject matter but in the manner in which it is told. Too often, African stories, particularly those related to colonialism, are narrated through foreign lenses, which can dilute the authenticity of the experience. In contrast, this film is resolutely Kenyan in its voice and vision. Directed by Meena Nanji and Zippy Kimundu, both of whom have long been passionate about bringing Kenyan stories to the global stage, the film ensures that the lived experiences of those who fought for Kenya’s freedom are at the forefront.

Speaking about the importance of telling this story from a Kenyan perspective, the filmmakers remarked, “It’s crucial that we own our history, and this film is our way of ensuring that the legacy of our freedom fighters is preserved for future generations. This is a Kenyan story, told by Kenyans, for Kenyans, and for the world.”

Mukami and Wanjugu Kimathi’s journey is particularly poignant as it not only reveals the personal grief and trauma suffered by Dedan Kimathi’s family but also sheds light on the broader national narrative of colonial oppression. The film delves into the harsh realities of British colonial rule, including the use of concentration camps, land theft, and the violent suppression of the Mau Mau rebellion, a movement in which Dedan Kimathi played a pivotal role.

An Internationally Acclaimed Documentary

Before its Kenyan premiere, Our Land, Our Freedom enjoyed a successful run at several international film festivals, where it garnered critical acclaim. The documentary premiered at the prestigious International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA) in November 2023, marking the beginning of its journey across global stages. It went on to captivate audiences at the Sheffield Doc Fest and Movies That Matter Festival in The Hague, where it received an honorary mention. Other notable screenings included the FIFDH Geneva and Docs Barcelona, where the film earned a Special Jury Mention and the Catalonia Amnesty International Award.

The film’s African premiere took place at the Encounters Documentary Festival in South Africa, where it won the Encounters Adiaha Award for Best Documentary by an African Woman. This was followed by another triumph at the Zanzibar Film Festival in 2024, where it was named Best Documentary.

Each of these accolades underscores the film’s universal appeal and its ability to resonate with audiences far beyond Kenya. However, its return to Kenya, where its narrative is deeply rooted, is undoubtedly the most significant milestone in its journey.

Honouring the Legacy of Freedom Fighters

One of the most compelling aspects of Our Land, Our Freedom is its focus on the human stories behind Kenya’s fight for independence. While much has been written about the Mau Mau uprising and the colonial government’s brutal response, the film highlights the personal sacrifices made by individuals and families, many of whom have not received the recognition they deserve.

Mukami Kimathi’s unwavering determination to locate her husband’s remains is emblematic of the unhealed wounds left by colonialism. Dedan Kimathi, who was captured and executed by the British in 1957, has become a symbol of Kenya’s struggle for independence. His final resting place, however, remains unknown, a painful reminder of the erasure that often accompanies colonial histories.

For Mukami and Wanjugu Kimathi, the search for Dedan Kimathi’s remains is not just about closure for their family but also about honouring the memory of all those who fought and died for Kenya’s freedom. The film highlights how the fight for land and identity, key issues during the colonial period, continues to resonate in modern-day Kenya.

Wanjugu Kimathi’s transformation into a leading advocate for justice and land resettlement is a central theme in the documentary. Her efforts to confront the ongoing struggles over land ownership in Kenya reflect the lasting impact of colonialism, which continues to affect many Kenyans to this day.

Reclaiming History

The documentary is particularly significant for its role in reclaiming Kenya’s history. As the filmmakers have noted, the story of Kenya’s independence is often told through the lens of foreign historians, which can distort or oversimplify the complexities of the period. In Our Land, Our Freedom, the filmmakers have made a conscious decision to centre Kenyan voices, particularly those of freedom fighters and their families.

By doing so, the film offers a more nuanced and authentic account of the country’s history. Rather than relying on external experts, the documentary draws on firsthand accounts from individuals who lived through the events it depicts. This approach not only adds emotional depth to the narrative but also challenges the dominant historical narratives that have sidelined the contributions of Kenya’s freedom fighters.

The filmmakers’ decision to produce the film with a predominantly Kenyan crew further reinforces their commitment to telling this story from a Kenyan perspective. Produced by Meena Nanji (Twende Pictures), Zippy Kimundu (Afrofilms International Ltd), and Eliane Ferreira (Muitaquitã Filmes), alongside executive producer Mira Nair (Queen of Katwe), Our Land, Our Freedom represents a collaborative effort to preserve an important part of Kenya’s history.

A Story with Contemporary Relevance

While Our Land, Our Freedom is a historical documentary, its themes have undeniable contemporary relevance. The struggles over land ownership, identity, and justice that the film explores are not relics of the past but ongoing issues that continue to affect many Kenyans.

In a country where land rights remain a contentious issue, the documentary’s focus on the Kimathi family’s fight for justice serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring legacies of colonialism. The film’s emphasis on the need to reclaim and preserve Kenya’s history for future generations is particularly timely, as the country grapples with questions of identity and nationhood.

A Must-Watch for Kenyan Audiences

As Our Land, Our Freedom makes its Kenyan premiere at the Nairobi Film Festival, it is poised to make a profound impact on local audiences. The film not only offers a window into Kenya’s colonial past but also invites viewers to reflect on the ongoing struggles for justice and land rights in the country.

For Kenyan audiences, the documentary is more than just a film—it is a powerful reclamation of history and an urgent call to honour the sacrifices made by those who fought for the country’s independence. As the filmmakers have eloquently stated, “It’s about honouring our freedom fighters and confronting the lasting impact of colonialism that still affects us today.”

By elevating the voices of Kenyan freedom fighters and their families, Our Land, Our Freedom ensures that their stories are preserved for future generations and that the legacy of Kenya’s independence struggle is not forgotten.