Faith Nyasuguta
With an impressive 16 Festival Selections, 13 Nominations, and 7 Awards within just four months of its premiere, “ACT OF LOVE” has become a standout in the film festival circuit.
The latest accolade is the Nile Grand Prize for Best Short Film at the 13th Luxor African Film Festival in Egypt, making it only the second Kenyan short film to achieve such recognition.
The film, inspired by writer Shelly Gitonga’s true story, has garnered attention not only for its storytelling but also for shedding light on critical issues surrounding motherhood, particularly post-partum depression (PPD).
The journey of “ACT OF LOVE” is marked by significant milestones, including winning Best Short Film and Best Scriptwriter at the inaugural Mombasa International Film Festival just two weeks before its Luxor triumph.
The celebration of this achievement took place at the 2nd #WeWatchKenyan Watch Party by MyMovies.Africa™, a fitting acknowledgment of the film’s success and its resonance with audiences.
The director, Eric Mwangi, personally received the award in Egypt and expressed his gratitude, stating, “Winning at Luxor has been incredibly affirming as a creative. It’s a blessing to see people who don’t speak your language resonate with the film.” The film’s universality, despite language barriers, underscores the power of storytelling to connect people across different cultures.
“ACT OF LOVE” addresses the often-overlooked challenges of motherhood, specifically focusing on post-partum depression. The film has not only captivated audiences but also raised awareness about maternal mental health.
Shelly Gitonga, the award-winning scriptwriter, emphasizes the societal impact, saying, “The prevalence of post-partum depression in Kenya is reported as 11-13%, affecting the well-being of mothers, newborns, families, and communities.”
The film’s success extends beyond Luxor, with previous wins at the MASHARIKI African Film Festival in Kigali, the Sauti Zetu Film Festival in Dar-es-Salaam, and the Under Our Skin International Film Festival in Nairobi. Additionally, three cast and crew members from “ACT OF LOVE” have been nominated for the 5th Women In Film Awards (WIFA) in Nairobi, highlighting the film’s recognition in various categories.
While celebrating its achievements, “ACT OF LOVE” remains committed to its social impact mission. The film has initiated special screenings for underserved communities of women and healthcare workers across Kenya and Africa to raise awareness about post-partum depression, maternal health, and mental health. The team also expresses openness to collaborating with partners who share their vision.
Produced by Blackwell Films in collaboration with Ripple Productions and funded by Some Fine Day Pix, GIZ, and the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation & Development of Germany, “ACT OF LOVE” continues to make a significant impact on audiences worldwide, addressing critical societal issues with cinematic excellence.
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