At the start of 2025, I made a conscious decision to seek out new experiences beyond my usual scope of interests, which is why it was easy for me to say yes when Mony Maringa, Kuza’s Head of Marketing invited me to Kuza’s 2nd indie film screening. I had never been to a movie theater, never attended a screening, and up until recently, was not even aware that film collectives existed in the country. My relationship with cinema has always been lukewarm. I struggle to lose myself in films unless they demand my attention with shocking twists and truly frightening plots.
What however intrigued me about Kuza’s screening was their dedication to amplifying African filmmakers. A quick look at their instagram showed proof of African cinema being their focal point. The fact that this collective started out as casual movie nights among friends before evolving into something bigger made it even more endearing. There is something admirable about people coming together over a shared love of storytelling in whatever creative medium.
With an open mind and zero expectations, my friend and I arrived at Bao Box at around 2 PM. The venue immediately made an impression. Open, airy, and welcoming, with just enough greenery to keep things feeling light. The added bonus? It doubled as a restaurant, meaning I could analyze the complexities of film and revel in resultant epiphanies while indulging in well-made burgers and a cocktails. Pretty cool, eh?
I have always been fascinated by death, so the first film, God is Grey, immediately caught my attention. Death, whether literal or metaphorical, is often a catalyst for transformation, and this film explored that through the story of Chris, a young man raised Christian by his two queer mothers. When one of them, Paddy, passes away, he returns home to find that everything has changed. The film’s exploration of queerness and religious beliefs was thought provoking, necessary, and deeply human.
Four other films screened, however, what ultimately stood out to me was Vuta N’Kuvute. The cinematography was breathtaking, with lighting and color grading that added an extra layer of depth to an already compelling story. Set in 1950s Zanzibar, the film told the story of Denge, a young freedom fighter, and Yasmin, an Indian Zanzibari woman escaping an arranged marriage. Their fates intertwined in a romance marked by the broader struggle for independence. Adapted from a novel, the film reinforced a truth as old as time; No matter how chaotic the world becomes, people will always find a way to love.
The screening wrapped up around 8 PM, with proceeds from ticket sales going directly to the filmmakers, a rare but commendable practice. Walking out of Bao Box, I realized that I had genuinely enjoyed myself and developed a newfound appreciation for cinema.
I think I will be back for the next one.
