Togetherness Supreme


Togetherness Supreme is a 2010 Kenyan film.

Synopsis

Based on actual events, Togetherness Supreme is the story of Kamau, an artist, searching for change in the midst of tribal tension in the slums. Kamau stands up against his father and his tribe to join a rival tribe with his friend Otieno. Kamau and Otieno fight for political change for those living in extreme poverty, but they are caught up in the middle of the ethnic conflict that tears apart their country and, furthermore, they are rivals for the love of Alice, a preacher's daughter. After a contested presidential election, the slums erupt in violence and Kamau's world collapses around him.

Plot

Togetherness Supreme was made in the aftermath of the 2007–2008 political, economic, and humanitarian crisis that break out after President Mwai Kibaki was re-elected in December 2007. This film dramatizes the post-election violence in Kibera, where police fired on demonstrators and rival groups fighting in the streets.Based on actual occurrences and the ethnic strife that shattered a nation. In the midst of ethnic hostility in the slums, Kamau, an artist, is striving for change. Along with his companion Otieno, Kamau joins the other side, defying his father and his clan. Otieno and Kamau struggle for political reform on behalf of those in extreme poverty. The slums explode in violence following a presidential election battle, shattering Kamau's society.

Cast

  • Wilson Maina as Kama
  • Geoffrey Jefferson Ong'ong'o as Otieno
  • Martha Kisaka as Alice
  • Chrisphine Onyango as Masher
  • Peter Chege as Mwangi
  • Teddy Onyango as Peter
  • Owino Kotieno as William
  • Billy Oloo as CJ

    Results

The film had a positive effect on audiences in Kenya and internationally and it encouraged Kenyans to see it as the 2012 elections approach. Different tribes were included in the film. It helps to have a common project to work on. Working on a film is a lot of work but small in scale compared to working on the larger project of one's community and country. During the production of the film, the actors helped translate the script, which was written in English, to make their lines into their own tribal dialects. That had a harmonious effect because everyone practiced his and her own culture while also reaching out to others. The main goal in the film is to grow the concept, beyond Kibera, to other parts of Kenya and East Africa. To refine our model and spread it. To set a new mold for film education for the region that is more accessible to lower income communities. That looks for talent and ambition over resources as a pre-requisite. That uses the best of local knowledge and resources yet can also tap into international teachers and working professionals from the USA and Europe.

Awards

Awarding OrganizattionCategoryYearNomineeResult
Santa barbara International Film FestivalBest International Film2011Nathan CollettWon
Cinequest San Jose Film FestivalAudience Award2010Daniel Ruiz Hueck
Juan Luis Fermin
Cinequest San Jose Film FestivalGlobal Landscape Award2011Daniel Ruiz Hueck
Juan Luis Fermin		Won
African Movie Academy AwardsMost Promising Actor2010Wilson MainaWon
African Movie Academy AwardsMost Promising Actress2010Martha Kisaka
African Movie Academy AwardsBest Child Actor2010Teddy Onyango
Billy Oloo		Won
Pan African Film FestivalBest Film2011Togetherness Supreme
Kalasha International Film and TV AwardsBest Supporting Actor Film2010Geoffrey Jefferson Ong'ong'oWon
Kalasha International Film and TV AwardsBest Picture2010Togetherness Supreme
Kalasha International Film and TV AwardsBest Lead Actor Film2010Wilson Maina