“Nawi,” Kenyan Drama Highlighting Child Marriage, to Release in north America March 6, 2026
Los angeles – “Nawi,” the critically acclaimed Kenyan film addressing the issue of child marriage, will receive a North American release on March 6, 2026, just days before International Women’s Day. The film, which recently won the Leo Award for Best Film at the DaVinci International Film Festival, follows 13-year-old Nawi, portrayed by Michelle Lemuya Ikeny, whose dreams of attending high school are threatened when her father intends to marry her off in exchange for “60 sheep, eight camels, and 100 goats.”
Directed by toby and Kevin Schmutzler, Apuu Mourine, and Vallentine Chelluget, “Nawi” is based on a script by Milcah cherotich, originating from a national writng contest. The film stars Joel Liwan,Ochungo Benson,Ben Tekee,Michelle Chebet Tiren,Patrick Oketch,Nungo Marrianne Akinyi,and Nyokabi Macharia.
Produced by FilmCrew Media and Baobab Pictures in collaboration with the Turkana-based NGO Learning Lions,”Nawi” has already garnered 20 awards and serves as kenya’s entry for the Best International Feature Film race at the 2025 oscars. Toronto-based New Mountain Films, founded by Khaled Sabbour, will distribute the film, focusing on cities including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, Phoenix, and Toronto.
A trailer for the North American release has been unveiled, offering a preview of the film’s narrative centered on a young girl’s fight for her voice and future.”Nawi” was also recently screened at the UN General Assembly.
[Link to YouTube Trailer]