The opening of the 32 Raindance Film Festival is on 19 - 28 June, at various partnering cinemas. Last year we attended and was blown away by the organisation of the festival and the impressive calibre of films.

This year our eyes are on the Best Documentary Feature nominee, SEARCHING FOR AMANI by first time film directors Nicole Gormley and Debra Aroko. Set in Kenya, SEARCHING FOR AMANI charts the heart wrenching journey of Simon Ali, a 13 year old boy who aspires to be a journalist and yearns to know the truth behind the murder of his beloved father who worked as nature conserver for one of the largest game park. Premiere is on Friday, 21st June, at the Prince Charles Cinema, Leicester Square, at 6pm with a Q&A.

With the death of his father, Simon's foundation was unexpectedly pulled from under his feet with concession for him and his family. No father meant he had to grow up fast and assume adult responsibilities, provider, protector, nurturer and so on. Just in the attached trailer itself you sense the directors' mindful sensitivity to the characters fragility and ambition.

Unfortunately, Simon's burden is heavily laden with other complexities, as he and his community have to contend with the harsh realities of climate change on their humble farm life and the ongoing tribal dynamics of the surrounding communities.

We can't wait to see this film and the rest of this brilliant festival. Huge Congratulations to our dear friend Elliot Grove, the festival’s founder and his amazing team. Get your tickets here:

https://raindance.org/festival-programme/searching-for-amani-qa/