A Kenyan film “Watu Wote” which means “All of Us” was last week nominated for an Oscar award under the category of best live action short film.
“Watu Wote” is based on true events that happened in northeastern Kenya.
On the 21st of December 2015, al-Shabaab militants attacked a Mandera bound bus.
They tried to separate Christian and Muslim passengers, intending to kill those who did not follow Islam.
But the Muslims resisted, some even gave their clothes to Christians to help disguise them.
Two people were killed in the incident and several others were injured.
The film carries a strong message about overcoming differences to fight a common enemy.
“I feel honoured, one that we were able to tell this very important story especially in this time in the history of our country and in the history of our world where there is so much animosity between everybody is looking for something to divide us. But there are more things that bring us together than divide us”, Bramwell Iro, the film’s producer said.
“It has never happened in Kenya that such a film has been made and nominated for an Oscar. I’m so proud to have been involved. It is such a huge thing. So huge! I’m so happy”, said actor Faiza Abdul.
The joint German-Kenyan production has won more than 40 awards at film festivals around the world.
“It just shows that we have stories here that we can tell that the world is interested in and as much as the seed of that story was not good because a lot of people, some people lost their lives, some people got hurt, but I think it is a celebration of their lives and it is a celebration of our unity and the things we can do together”, actor Justin Mirichi said.
The Academy Awards take place on the 4th of March in Los Angeles.
