In this profile, we spotlight Wanjiru Kinyanjui, a filmmaker and educator who has been a defining figure in both Kenyan and wider African cinema. Her work has not only gained international recognition but has also played a crucial role in shaping the next generation of filmmakers in her home country.
Wanjiru Kinyanjui: A Voice of Kenyan Cinema
Born in Nairobi in 1958, Wanjiru Kinyanjui’s journey into the world of filmmaking started with a deep love for storytelling. This passion eventually led her to Germany, where she pursued studies in filmmaking at the prestigious Deutsche Film- und Fernsehakademie in Berlin (German Film and Television Academy). Although she initially went to study German Literature, her exposure to African cinema during her time abroad ignited a new interest in using film as a medium to tell the stories of her homeland.
At the German Film and Television Academy, students were encouraged to explore their craft through practical projects rather than theoretical exams. This unique educational approach gave Kinyanjui the freedom to develop her distinctive voice, focusing on themes that resonate deeply within African society, such as the clash between tradition and modernity, and the evolving roles of women.
Her graduation film, The Battle of the Sacred Tree, remains her most celebrated work. The film tells the story of Muthoni, a young Kenyan woman who returns to her rural village after living in the city. Upon her return, Muthoni finds herself at odds with her family and community, particularly over the issue of marriage. The film centers on her refusal to marry a man chosen for her, which becomes the catalyst for a broader critique of the tension between tradition and modernity in Kenyan society.
The film’s title refers to the sacred tree, a metaphor for deeply rooted cultural customs that Muthoni challenges by asserting her independence. Through this narrative, Kinyanjui critiques the rigid gender roles enforced in many African communities while highlighting the internal and external conflicts that women face when they seek to defy these norms.
A Filmmaker with a Unique Perspective
Kinyanjui’s experiences studying and living in Germany gave her a unique perspective on Kenya’s post-colonial identity and the changing societal landscape in Africa. After completing her studies, she returned to Kenya, where she was met with a nascent film industry, one lacking the professional infrastructure and technical resources she had grown accustomed to in Europe.
Despite these challenges, Kinyanjui remained committed to contributing to the development of Kenyan cinema. She became actively involved in the Riverwood movement—Kenya’s answer to Nigeria’s Nollywood. Riverwood films, known for their low budgets and quick production cycles, speak directly to local audiences, reflecting the everyday realities of Kenyan life.
Kinyanjui believes that for African cinema to thrive, it must tell stories that resonate with its audiences. “I prefer films that embrace the whole character of Africans,” she has said, emphasizing that modern African life—whether in the rural countryside or the bustling urban centers—deserves to be depicted with all its complexities and contradictions.
Mentorship and Education
In addition to her work as a filmmaker, Kinyanjui has played a pivotal role as an educator. She currently teaches filmmaking at Kenyatta University in Nairobi, where she mentors a new generation of Kenyan filmmakers. Teaching, she admits, comes with its own set of challenges. A lack of resources—such as a film library or access to technical books—makes the task difficult, and there is also a prevailing belief in Kenya that filmmakers are merely technicians, not artists.
Yet Kinyanjui’s passion for teaching lies in helping young people discover that filmmaking is an art form—a medium through which they can tell their own stories. Many of her students have gone on to volunteer at significant events, such as the Kenya International Film Festival and the Future Filmmakers Workshop, gaining valuable exposure and experience in the process.
For Kinyanjui, it is essential that African filmmakers find their own voice. She has expressed concern over the dominance of Western narratives in African cinema, emphasizing the need for films that reflect the lived experiences of African people. In her view, African cinema must go beyond simply portraying traditional rural life and delve into the complexities of modernity, the struggles of women, and the experiences of those living in urban environments.
Advocating for African Women in Film
Throughout her career, Kinyanjui has been an outspoken advocate for African women in the film industry. She has consistently highlighted the importance of creating strong female characters who challenge societal norms. According to Kinyanjui, women need to see themselves represented as independent, capable individuals in order to challenge the entrenched beliefs that seek to limit their potential.
She also believes that cinema offers a powerful platform for reimagining women’s roles in society. Through her films, Kinyanjui explores the ways in which women can assert their independence and redefine their roles in the face of deeply patriarchal traditions.
Her advocacy extends beyond her own films. In interviews and discussions, Kinyanjui has encouraged more African women to step into the world of filmmaking, seeing the industry as a crucial space for social and cultural change. Her influence as a mentor, educator, and advocate has been felt across the African continent, with her work contributing to wider discussions about gender, identity, and the post-colonial experience.
A Lasting Legacy
Wanjiru Kinyanjui’s contributions to Kenyan cinema are vast and far-reaching. Through films like The Battle of the Sacred Tree, she has offered nuanced portrayals of African life, shedding light on the complexities of tradition, modernity, and gender roles. Her work has challenged the status quo, sparking conversations about the place of women in African society and the importance of telling African stories through African voices.
As a filmmaker and educator, Kinyanjui has played a crucial role in shaping a uniquely Kenyan cinematic voice. Her influence, both on screen and in the classroom, will undoubtedly be felt for generations to come.
The Barbican’s screening of The Battle of the Sacred Tree offers audiences the chance to revisit this important work and reflect on the themes that continue to resonate in African cinema today. As part of the Cinema Restored series, it highlights the ongoing importance of preserving films that challenge, inspire, and provoke dialogue—just as Kinyanjui’s work has done for decades.
Words by Matthew Barrington
