Watch Kati Kati

Kati Kati is a Kenyan drama film from 2016 directed by Mbithi Masya. The movie follows the story of a young woman named Kaleche (Nyokabi Gethaiga), who wakes up in the middle of a vast wilderness with no memory of her past. The film deals with existential questions and explores themes such as life, death, memory, and the meaning of human existence.

The protagonist Kaleche finds herself in a remote location surrounded by other people who have also lost their memory. A man named Thoma (Elsaphan Njora) greets her, and Kaleche gradually discovers that she is in a place that functions as a limbo for souls who died suddenly and seek to make peace with their past lives. Thoma is the leader of the community and acts as a facilitator for them to confront their past and seek redemption.

The lost souls living there have formed a small community and live in a sprawling oasis of small outdoor shacks that are painted in vivid colors. They interact with each other, cook food, and spend time searching for any remaining memories of the lives they had before. However, as community members begin piecing together snippets of their past lives, their interactions become tense, and long-held secrets threaten to come to light.

As Kaleche starts exploring the surroundings with Thoma, she finds that the community is a place of limbo, a deserted sanctuary where life is suspended between past and future. She becomes curious and concerned about the other inhabitants' stories and seeks to understand why they had ended up there. Over the course of the film, Kaleche forms relationships with different community members, including Thoma and a young man named Mike (Paul Ogola), and begins to remember her own life.

The film's unique setting and rich storytelling make it a truly cinematic experience. The isolated location is filled with breathtaking views of Kenya's countryside, while an inspired soundtrack perfectly complements the moods and emotions on screen. The writing is sharp and engaging, and Mbithi Masya treats his audience to a visually and emotionally striking work of art.

Nyokabi Gethaiga delivers a career-making performance as the enigmatic Kaleche. She adds depth and nuance to her portrayal of a woman discovering her identity and finding her path in life. Elsaphan Njora is superb in the role of Thoma, who guides the community members towards achieving some kind of closure. Paul Ogola is also remarkable as Mike, a complex character who has to confront his own demons while helping others.

Kati Kati is a film that demands the viewer's attention and rewards it generously. Its exploration of themes such as memory, life, and death is profound in its simplicity, and the execution is top-notch. The movie won the FIPRESCI Prize at the Toronto International Film Festival and was Kenya's official submission for Best Foreign Language Film at the 90th Academy Awards. It is a unique gem of a movie that is not to be missed.

In summary, Kati Kati is a poignant and emotionally charged film that tells a rich story of redemption and self-discovery. With its unique premise, outstanding performances, and spectacular visuals, the movie is a tour-de-force of Kenyan cinema. It is a powerful work of art that will stay with you long after the credits have rolled.

Kati Kati is a 2016 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 15 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7.