Inspired by the Writer’s true story, ‘Act of Love’ (16+) is a moving Short Film set in Nairobi, about Juliana (Mwixx Mutinda) – a young mother, who holds on to sanity by a thread, as her world is turned upside down in search of a livelihood.
After losing her job at a restaurant, Juliana downsizes to a one-roomed house in an informal neighbourhood. Her luck turns when she is shortlisted for an interview, by a top accounting firm! However, before she can leave her house, the landlord – Mr. Mutisya (Dennis Musyoka), gives her a final notice to pay her rent arrears the same morning. Then, her neighbour – Mama Mukami (Veronica Gatuguta) – who had promised to watch her 2-month-old baby, has a campaign engagement for a local politician. Sister Magdalene (Julisa Rowe), despite being sympathetic to Juliana, cannot allow her to leave the baby at the church, due to a ‘pandemic’ of mothers abandoning their children in the compound. Undeterred, Juliana beats the clock and makes it for the interview – her upset baby in her arms. A sequence of events, triggered by her baby’s cries, makes Juliana lose her promising interview. Broken, frustrated, and holding onto sanity by a thread, she questions her love for her baby.
“’Act of Love’ is a Film that makes society acknowledge the ugly side of Motherhood”, says Ms. Shelly Gitonga – the Writer. “Statistics show that Post-Partum Depression (PPD) affects 10-20% of Women globally; but in Africa, the situation is worse, with 10-32% of Women suffering from PPD.”
“In Kenya, the prevalence of this Maternal Mental Health challenge is reported as 11-13%, affecting the well-being of Mothers, Newborns, Families and Communities”, says Ms. Shirleen Wangari, the Producer, at Blackwell Films. “The condition can impair a Mother’s ability to care for her Child and, in extreme cases, can lead to post-partum Psychosis, Suicide and/or Infanticide.”
“Emotional, Educational and Triggering! This film speaks to the core of your Humanity”, says Ms. Naomi Mburuh – the Associate Producer.
Ms. Kalekye Mumo concurs: “’Act of Love’ is gripping, real and thought provoking!”
Screening Manager at DocuBox – Ms. Wambui Gathee, concludes: “‘Act of Love’ is an extraordinary Film, that effortlessly transports viewers into a realm of awe, through its powerful visuals, profound performances, and gripping narrative. This film will create impact on different audiences, particularly on Parents from diverse backgrounds”.
After already being Selected for the prestigious Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF) and Sauti Zetu Film Festival in Tanzania, Swahili International Film Festival & Awards in Kenya, Fragments Festival in the United Kingdom and the Hollywood African Cinema Connection (HACC) Film Festival in America, the official Premiere for ‘Act of Love’ is on Friday 20th October 2023, at Anga Cinema, Diamond Plaza 2 in Parklands. Red Carpet begins at 5.30pm, followed by a Cocktail before the Screening at 7.00pm; then a Panel Discussion with Cast & Crew, moderated by Mugambi Nthiga, from 7.30pm. Tickets are available, at https://app.mymovies.africa/view/f23879c9f04ad9b0
“We are intentionally premiering ‘Act of Love’ on Mashujaa Day”, says Ms. Trushna Buddhdev-Patel, CEO of YAKWETU™ – the Distributor, “to Stand with all the Heroes living with, either themselves or via those they support, Post-Partum Depression. Film has tremendous Power in effectively Communicating this Issue, and being a Catalyst for Conversation – which very often Leads to various Life-changing supportive Actions.”
‘Act of Love’ shall simultaneously Premiere online, and be available in all 195 countries & territories globally, exclusively via Digital Cinema Extension – MyMovies.Africa™, here: https://app.mymovies.africa/view/f23879c9f04ad9b0
Thereafter, there shall be Screenings in February (the Month of Love) and March (the Month of Women) 2024, to underserved Communities of Women and Healthcare Workers around the Kenya and Africa, to raise further Awareness and spark Conversations for supportive Action on Post-Partum Depression.
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