Watch Nairobi Half Life

Nairobi Half Life is a 2012 Kenyan film directed by David Gitonga. It explores the struggles of Mwas (Joseph Wairimu), a young aspiring actor from upcountry who travels to Nairobi to pursue his dreams of making it in the city's thriving theatre scene. However, upon arrival in Nairobi, Mwas quickly learns that life in the big city is not as glamorous as he had imagined.

Mwas initially stays in a rundown hostel in one of the city's infamous slums where he meets a group of young gangsters, led by the charismatic Oti (Olwenya Maina). Unbeknownst to Mwas, Oti and his gangsters have nefarious intentions and lure him into their world of crime, causing him to abandon his dreams and fall into a life of petty theft and fraud to make ends meet.

As Mwas finds his footing in the criminal underworld, he also makes friends with a group of theatre performers, especially the encouraging and supportive Amina (Shix Kapyenga) who becomes his love interest. Mwas juggles his commitment to both the theatre group and Oti's gang, leading to some tense situations that threaten to expose him.

The film is a powerful commentary on the realities of life in Kenya's urban centers, where poverty and unemployment drive youths to engage in criminal activities. Nairobi Half Life is a master class in weaving multiple plot threads into an engaging narrative that explores the harsh realities of life in the African city, with authentic performances from its cast.

Joseph Wairimu delivers a standout performance in his portrayal of Mwas, conveying the character's desperation to make it big in the city and his transformation from an innocent dreamer to streetwise criminal. Olwenya Maina is equally impressive as Oti, exuding menace and charm in equal measure. Shix Kapyenga impresses in her role as Amina, a streetwise theatre performer who becomes Mwas' support system in the city.

The film's direction and cinematography do a brilliant job in capturing the hustle and bustle of Nairobi life, and its disorienting energy. The gritty realism of the scenes set in the city's slums is especially striking. Nairobi Half Life also delves into some heavy themes, including corruption, love, betrayal, and redemption.

At its core, Nairobi Half Life is a film about the cost of ambition and the harsh realities of life in a city that can both make and break you. It offers a powerful portrayal of the human condition, with its flawed, vulnerable, and sometimes heroic characters. The film is an important window into the realities of life in urban Kenya and a must-see for anyone interested in African cinema.

Nairobi Half Life was the first Kenyan film to be submitted for consideration at the Academy Awards, in the Best Foreign Language film category. Although it failed to make the final cut, it was a testament to the critical acclaim it received both locally and internationally. The film won multiple awards at the Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards, including Best Art Director and Best Director.

In conclusion, Nairobi Half Life is a magnificent achievement in African cinema, with its authentic performances, beautiful cinematography, and visceral depiction of life in Nairobi. It is a story that resonates with audiences on an emotional and intellectual level, and its themes are relevant beyond the confines of its setting. Nairobi Half Life is a film that deserves to be seen by as many people as possible.

Nairobi Half Life is a 2012 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.