KENYAN CINEMATIC GEM MONO DEBUTS ON THE BIG SCREEN

A new Kenyan Film Mono, depicts the life of a first-year high school student premiered at Anga Diamond Plaza on Friday December 1.

The film’s release coincides with the selection and admission of the last crop of form one students as the curtain closes on four decades of the 8-4-4 education system which has been phased out in favour of the CBC system.

Created by Cheese Pictures Limited, the 90-minute film dives into the life of young students as they join a Kenyan boarding high school. The story full of nostalgia for those who experienced the country’s boarding schools, sheds light on the orchestrated misfortunes that befall the first formers. 

Speaking at the premiere, Joyce Wamwira Musoke, Director of Cheese Pictures, highlighted the film’s theme’s relevance which was initially inspired by growing concerns about school unrest in Kenya. “While this film was intended to depict daily life in a Kenyan high school, it is now likely to become one of the few nostalgic movies for people who lived through those moments,” she remarked.

Cheese Pictures Limited was among 14 local production houses to receive a filmmaking grant from the Kenya Film Commission, underscoring the burgeoning growth and support for the Kenyan film industry.

Mono showcases Young Oliver Samaja’s arrival at the prestigious Francis Morris Morton Mission High School (Framomo) to join Form One. The film unveils the challenges faced by the new students, confronting deep-seated traditions and institutional issues prevalent in the school system. Director of Photography, Chris Rohio, captured the film’s compelling narrative, portraying the struggles of the students against systemic challenges, aiming to reclaim their dignity and challenge archaic traditions.

The film features a talented cast and young new faces: Roger Lulu, Ahsante Ng’ang’a, Josh Muli, Zainabu Harri, Andrew Muthure, Nyokabi Macharia, Steve Katingima and David Opondoe, delivering powerful performances that resonate with the film’s poignant themes.

After its premiere at Anga Diamond Plaza, Mono will continue to screen across various venues during the month of December. The film’s narrative echoes societal challenges depicted in a recent parliamentary report outlining root causes of indiscipline in secondary schools, encompassing issues of communication gaps, academic pressure, and deficiencies in school management. 

Mono seeks to amplify crucial societal discussions while showcasing the rich storytelling prowess of Kenya’s burgeoning film industry.