New Kenyan Psychological Thriller Film ‘Anam’s Wake’ Set to Premiere

Anam’s Wake is a gripping Kenyan psychological thriller, set to premiere in Kenya on 31 July 2026 at Prestige Cinema.

Written and directed by acclaimed Kenyan filmmaker Likarion Wainaina, Anam’s Wake explores themes of grief, memory and the lingering consequences of unresolved loss. With its haunting narrative and powerful storytelling, the film is poised to captivate audiences and leave a lasting impression. Produced by Wanjiru Njoroge and brought to life through the striking cinematography of Enos Olik, the film showcases a compelling blend of visual artistry and emotional depth.

Set against the backdrop of African mourning rituals and traditions, the film follows Anam, a professional mourner trained to summon Death and negotiate the passage of souls. Though skilled in guiding others through loss, Anam remains emotionally numb after her mother’s death sixteen years ago. When tasked with her first solo ritual at the influential Ebale family home, what begins as a solemn wake spirals into a chilling ordeal.  

As Death arrives earlier than expected, the family is forced to confront long-buried secrets while Anam discovers the ritual was never truly about the deceased patriarch. Instead, it becomes a deeply personal reckoning that forces her to uncover the truth behind her mother’s death and confront the emotions she has spent years suppressing.

Anam’s Wake features an exceptional Kenyan cast including Marima Wanjiru (Anam), Sam Omondi, Peter Kawa (Mason Ebale), Vanessa Okeyo (Amani Ebale), Ruth Apondi (Aunt Kavata) and Pras Jadi (Kwame Ebale), Gathoni Mutua (Zuri Ebale), Brenda Ngeso (Nyawira), who together breath life into a uniquely African story rich with tension, where every word spoken could alter the fate of both the living and the dead. 

Director Likarion shares a personal story and his inspiration behind making this film: “Anam’s Wake was born from my own journey through grief. After attending numerous burials in early 2024, I became fascinated by the way sorrow often stays hidden, only to return with overwhelming force later.” a

Adding, “This film explores that terrifying truth, that unprocessed grief waits in the shadows, ready to consume us. Through Anam, a mourner who guides others while shutting down her own pain, I wanted to explore grief as a ritual, a burden and an inheritance. I also aimed to bring Death to life, not as a distant concept, but as an intimate presence within communal mourning. This film is my attempt to capture the complex dance between death and grief and the dangers of postponing emotional truth.”

Producer Wanjiru Njoroge also shares her inspiration behind this film: “The film is the kind of film I entered this industry to make African culture universal in its themes. It is a story about grief, family secrets, identity and a young woman navigating the tension between tradition and her own path. What drew me to the project was its trust in silence and the emotional weight carried in what remains unsaid.” 

She adds, “Through a cast capable of conveying profound emotion with remarkable restraint, we have created an authentic African story that speaks to audiences everywhere. I am incredibly proud of what we built together and the conversations it will inspire about family, truth and healing.”