UoN holds 2nd VUKA FILM FESTIVAL 2025
The University of Nairobi's Department of Journalism and Mass Communication lit up with a cinematic flair during the 2nd Vuka Film Festival 2025, which was held from June 11th to 13th. This three-day celebration transformed the Manu Chandaria Auditorium into a screening room, where final-year students unveiled their film projects, raw and refreshingly original.
Themed 'Voices Unheard', the festival was a platform for storytelling that dared to challenge norms and amplify perspectives often overlooked. The students returned to the rural areas, mostly to listen to the voices that are often unheard. The films reflected the diverse voices and creative courage of UoN's budding filmmakers.
Organized by the fourth-year students, the event was more than just a showcase; it was a rite of passage, as the name 'Vuka' in Swahili meant crossing. Attendees included the CEO, Kenya Film Commission, Mr Timothy Owase, Angela Wamai, a filmmaker, writer, and editor, Dr. Judy Kibinge, founder of DocuBox, Prof. Jack Odhiambo, Dean of Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Prof. Jennifer Muchiri, Associate Dean, industry professionals, faculty, alumni, and students, all eager to witness the next generation of Kenyan storytellers in action.
The energy was electric, with post-screening Q&As sparking deep conversations about identity, justice, and the power of narrative. The Department of Journalism and Mass Communication praised the students' work, noting that the festival not only honed their technical skills but also encouraged bold, socially conscious storytelling.
"Vuka is a transition and a breakthrough. We look at the creative works and offer mentorship programs to the young filmmakers, ' Mr Owasi said. 'You are crossing over, and I am willing to be your ally in your journey,' he told the finalists.
Angela Wamai, talking on the topic of building effective and emotional film narratives, said that the voice had power. 'You join your pictures so that you make a film and bring a desired effect or mood.' She also urged the budding filmmakers to tell the story very effectively using the film inside their heads.
Then there was a viewing of the films, even though they were given the same topic for their projects, they looked into the impacts of grief on the families who have been deceased, mostly the widows, widowers, and orphans. The finalists really did a good job, from the production post post-production, their films were an outcome of their efforts. This was also part of their examinations, and they were to be graded individually. Since they were doing the research and the projects, they learnt their work was a medium to make it known and echo the voices that were unheard.
Day two of the festival, the screening continued for the films and documentaries, and also featured a different panel. Sam Soko, CEO, LightBox Africa Graphics, being the keynote speaker, inspired the young filmmakers using a story about his journey into the film industry. Among his well-known works was the Kenyan film, Softie, which had gained a lot of attention in the industry, and it is one of his successful projects, winning several awards. ‘I was honest with myself and thus I urge every young filmmaker to be honest in their work,' he insisted, ' Progress is owning where you are, if you stop owning, you will be stuck for a very, very long time.'
Abu Melita and Karugu Murithii, both being Directors and Filmmakers, were the panelists talking about AI in filmmaking. 'Research is key,' Karugu said,' I envy you guys cause you can access the internet anytime doing your research; we used to peruse books in the library in the old times.' Karugu also said that even though the AI has helped in the making of films, there is no authenticity in that; the human touch and emotions that can be used to create a certain mood in the film or documentary. Melita added on by saying that as a filmmaker, you opted to study the trends in the industry and stay in the NOW and in the KNOW.
The Third and long-awaited day, when the winners were announced in the Vuka Film Festival Awarding Ceremony, all the finalists were given certificates for their participation. Mercy Anyango emerged as the winner of the best documentary, among other subcategories. Lloyd Kamau secured the runner-up position, and Fred Newton took the 2nd runner-up position. The Vuka Film Festival had not only showcased emerging talent but also ignited a passion for storytelling that will ripple far beyond the university gates.
Vuka wasn't the end of a journey; it was the threshold. The finalists will now step into the world, cameras in hand, and stories burning bright, they carry with them the power to shape narratives and reimagine our world, one frame at a time.
