Imani is the story of three different people who are having to make decisions that are affected by their past and will affect their future. Directed by Caroline Kamya, it takes an in-depth look at the issues that face the three characters and the factors that influence their life decisions.  Contemporary music and local/traditional music are interwoven, forming a fitting backdrop for the characters’ experiences.  The story is written by Agnes Kamya who is a social anthropologist.

Imani Poster

Olweny (Stephen Ocen) is a deep thinking, intense 12 year old former child soldier. A new chapter in his live begins as he starts his journey to his rural home after a few weeks of post-war rehabilitation. Is he ready to return to his family who have not seen him for over 4 years or are demons of his past going to resurface once again?

Mary (Rehema Nanfuka) is a strong and determined 25 year old maid who returns from her village to a wealthy suburb in the capital Kampala where she works. Family responsibilities create havoc in her daily routine forcing her to make some tough decisions that will forever affect her life.

Armstrong (Philip Buyi Roy) is fun loving and talented 18 year old break dancer with a turbulent background. He makes plans to return to the inner city “hood” to stage a free dance performance but skeletons from his past surface and force him to face what he thought he had left behind.

The movie has won the following 8 awards so far:

1. 34th Cairo International Film Festival 2010 (The Silver Award)
2. AfryKamera 2010 (Critics Award for Best Feature Film)
3. Durban International Film Festival 2010 (Special Jury Mention)
4. Zanzibar International Film Festival 2010 (Best Feature Film Silver Dhow)
5. Tarifa African Film Festival (Best Full Length Feature Film Director and Best Actress in Full Length Feature)
6. African Movie Academy Awards 2010 (Best Film and Most Promising Actress for Rehema Nanfuka)

Caroline Kamya is currently working on a project, commissioned by the Rotterdam International Film Festiva, called ‘Firefly‘.   It promises to bring a lot of great reviews as well.  Jamati Online will keep you posted.  To learn more about Imani, visit the official website.