The Goethe‑Institut Kenya and Docubox have officially formalized their partnership through Kamera Kwanza, a film screening series dedicated to showcasing African documentaries. The collaboration builds on years of joint programming and now establishes a consistent platform for audiences to encounter authentic stories from across the continent.
“Kamera Kwanza reflects something we have held close for many years: that African documentaries deserve to live, to travel, and to be experienced by the audiences they speak to most intimately,” says Susan Mbogo, Executive Director at Docubox.
Premiere Screening: Zippy Kimundu’s Widow Champion
This year’s screenings open on February 25th at the Goethe‑Institut with Zippy Kimundu’s sophomore documentary Widow Champion (2025).
The film celebrates women’s resilience in the face of entrenched patriarchy. It follows Rodah Nafula, a widow and activist, as she challenges cultural traditions while empowering women in her community. Widow Champion premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival 2025 in New York and later in Nairobi, in partnership with KELIN and Afro Films International.
“What I love most about this series is the intensity of the conversations after the films,” notes Cristina Nord, Director of the Goethe‑Institut Kenya. “The audience’s questions strike me as both thoughtful and compassionate. For filmmakers, the warm and informed response often sparks new ideas and emotions.”
Why Kamera Kwanza Matters
Since 2024, Goethe‑Institut and Docubox have hosted 16 screenings of African documentaries. While many acclaimed films premiere at festivals in Europe and the U.S., they often remain unseen on the continent. Kamera Kwanza seeks to change that by giving Kenyan audiences access to films that might otherwise remain invisible.
The screenings are followed by Q&A sessions with directors, offering audiences deeper insight into the creative process and challenges behind each film. Occasionally, the program extends into masterclasses, where filmmakers share expertise with emerging talent in Kenya.
The Partners
- Zippy Kimundu: An award‑winning Kenyan filmmaker, she has worked in over 20 countries as an editor, director, and producer. Her debut feature documentary Our Land, Our Freedom premiered at IDFA in 2023 and continues to screen internationally. She is also the founder of Afrofilms International, a collective dedicated to igniting political consciousness through film.
- Docubox: A leading supporter of African filmmakers, Docubox has funded over 100 films in the past decade, including documentaries and short fiction, while fostering a nurturing environment for creativity.
- Goethe‑Institut: Germany’s cultural institute, active worldwide, promotes artists, ideas, and exchange. In Nairobi, it partners widely to foster Kenyan‑German cultural collaboration through projects, co‑productions, training, and language programs.
Looking Ahead
Kamera Kwanza is a cultural movement. By amplifying African voices, it connects filmmakers and audiences, strengthens regional exchange, and ensures that African documentaries are seen, discussed, and valued at home.
With Widow Champion leading this year’s lineup, the series promises to deliver stories that resonate deeply, challenge perspectives, and celebrate resilience across the continent.
