After serving seven years in prison, a once-revered teacher returns to his Kenyan hometown—known as “The Pit”—only to find the lingering ghosts of his trauma, a community that has turned against him, and an opportunistic pastor, in this devastating and lyrical drama from writer/director/editor Angela Wamai. —M.G. After seven years in prison for murder, Geoffrey is released into the care of a priest and taken back to his rural Kenyan hometown. Geoffrey loathes this place. Without family or a support system, however, he has no choice but to accept the priest’s offer to live and work as a farmhand on the village’s church compound. As an educated man and former English teacher, Geoffrey resents his assigned menial labor. Proving incredibly reserved, he rarely leaves the church gates and avoids others when possible. Old wounds reopen when, one day after mass, Geoffrey spots a haunting figure from his past. It becomes increasingly difficult to suppress his pain as both victim and perpetrator, eventually bringing his internal struggle to a head. With seamless editing and impactful moments of silence, SHIMONI is a restrained meditation on cycles of abuse and their enduring effect on one’s mind, body, and community. —D.O. Content Warning: This film contains material that may be difficult for some viewers. Viewer discretion is advised.

Shimoni

After serving seven years in prison, a once-revered teacher returns to his Kenyan hometown—known as “The Pit”—only to find the lingering ghosts of his trauma, a community that has turned against him, and an opportunistic pastor, in this devastating and lyrical drama from writer/director/editor Angela Wamai. —M.G.

New Direction Competition

Reel Women Direct Award for Excellence in Directing By a Woman

These films elevate stories, topics, and themes that are embedded in both Black communities and the African diaspora.