Stories of Our Lives
| Stories of Our Lives | |
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Stories of Our Lives Film poster
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| Directed by | Jim Chuchu |
| Produced by | Wangechi Ngugi |
| Written by |
Jim Chuchu Njoki Ngumi |
| Starring | Kelly Gichohi Paul Ogola Tim Mutungi Mugambi Nthiga Rose Njenga Janice Mugo Allan Weku Maina Olwenya Louis Brooke Judy Gichohi |
| Music by | Jim Chuchu |
| Cinematography | Dan Muchina Jim Chuchu |
| Edited by | Dan Muchina Jim Chuchu |
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Production
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The NEST Collective
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Release date
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Running time
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62 minutes |
| Country | Kenya |
| Language | English Swahili |
| Budget | $15,000 |
Stories of Our Lives is a Kenyan film, released in 2014. Created by the members of The Nest Collective, a Nairobi-based arts collective, the film is an anthology of five short films dramatizing true stories of LGBT life in Kenya.
The five vignettes that make up the film are as follows:
Kate—a rebellious young high school student—encounters Faith, a fellow student in the school corridors. They begin a secret relationship, until the school principal takes action to separate the two by suspending Kate from the school. While away from the school, Kate impulsively has a sexual encounter with a boy in her neighborhood. Upon her return, Kate tells Faith about the encounter with the boy. This annoys Faith, leading to an end of their relationship.
After negotiating a business deal with a disc duplicator, Patrick stumbles upon a local gay bar while walking with his best friend, Kama. Kama expresses negative sentiments about the bar as they walk past it. Patrick later returns to the club for a night out, hoping no one will find out. Kama spots Patrick leaving the bar, and they have a violent confrontation about it. Patrick runs away to escape the fight.
Farm workers Ray and Athman have been close friends for years. Hurt by Athman’s flirtatious relationship with newcomer Fiona, Ray has an awkward conversation with Athman about their relationship. Athman reiterates that he isn't interested in a sexual relationship with Ray. They reconcile, then Ray asks Athman whether he can kiss him. Athman is taken aback by the question and leaves, uncomfortable. The two reconcile again the next day, but Ray decides to leave the farm.
Jeff—a researcher visiting the UK for a conference—hires escort Roman for an hour-long session in his hotel room. Roman arrives, and—sensing Jeff's anxiety—attempts to calm him down. Jeff asks if they can talk a little before engaging in any physical activity. The two sit and have a conversation about inter-race relations. Roman then offers to give Jeff a massage, which causes Jeff to be less anxious. The two proceed to make out.
Liz visualizes dramatic escape plans for herself and partner Achi when local legislators threaten to enforce anti-gay laws.
Stories of Our Lives began as a documentation project by the Nest Collective. The collective travelled around Kenya, recording audio interviews with persons identifying as LGBTIQ. These recordings formed the basis for the film vignettes. The film's $15,000 came from Uhai/EASHRI - an East African sexual rights fund based in Nairobi, Kenya - and was shot by the collective over a period of eight months using a single Canon DSLR video camera.
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