Njue Kevin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Njue Kevin
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| Born | 19 February 1992 |
| Alma mater | Kenyatta University |
| Occupation | Filmmaker |
| Years active | 2013—present |
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Notable work
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| Awards | 1. Forbes Africa #30Under30 list 2. Africa Movie Academy Award for Best First Feature Film by a Director |
Njue Kevin (born February 19, 1992) is a talented filmmaker from Kenya. He directs movies, helps make them, and writes the stories. He is famous for writing and directing the movie 18 Hours. This film won the award for Best Overall Movie in Africa at the AMVCA in 2018. This was a huge deal! No Kenyan film had ever been nominated or won in this category before. In 2019, Njue also made history by becoming the first Kenyan filmmaker to be featured on the Forbes Africa "30 Under 30" list. This list celebrates young, successful people.
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Njue Kevin's Filmmaking Journey
When Njue went to Kenyatta University, he reconnected with his childhood friend, Bill Jones Afwani. Since then, they have worked together on all their film projects. During his time at university, Njue directed two short films and produced two others. All of these films won awards at international festivals outside Kenya.
Early Short Films
Sticking Ribbons (2013)
Njue wrote his first film, Sticking Ribbons, in 2013 while in his Kenyatta University dorm. He produced the film, and his friend Bill directed it. The movie starred Maureen Koech, a well-known Kenyan actress. Sticking Ribbons was a success! It won the SIGNIS award for best East African talent at the 2014 Zanzibar International Film Festival.
Saidia/Help (2014)
A Kenyan filmmaker named Phoebe Ruguru, who lives in London, was impressed by Sticking Ribbons. She contacted Njue on Facebook, and they decided to make a second short film called Saidia/Help. Njue wrote the story for this film.
Phoebe Ruguru directed Saidia. The film was shot entirely on an IPhone 4S and edited on the same day! This was because the filmmakers were rushing to meet a festival deadline. They filmed it at Kenyatta University and in Njue's dorm room. Saidia won the 2014 Best Young Director award at a film festival in London.
Saidia tells the story of Jurgis, an African man who is sold into slavery on a farm in Lithuania. He has to learn a new culture and language before he can find his way back home.
Intellectual Scum (2015)
In 2015, Njue got the rights to an article called "You Lazy Intellectual African Scum." He then wrote and directed a film based on it, also called Intellectual Scum. This film was released the same year. Intellectual Scum showed everyone that Njue was one of the brightest young minds in Kenyan film. It was shown on three different continents: Africa, Europe, and North America! It played at 10 different international film festivals. Some of these included the Zanzibar International Film Festival and the Silicon Valley African Film Festival.
Many film critics in East Africa praised Intellectual Scum. They called it the most successful short film in Kenyan cinema history.
18 Hours (2017)
At the start of 2017, Njue was named one of the "Young African Talents" to watch. He then went on to write and direct his first full-length movie, 18 Hours. The film premiered on November 10 to a sold-out audience.
Who Inspires Njue?
Njue has mentioned many famous directors who inspire his work. These include Woody Allen, Christopher Nolan, Luc Besson, and the Coen brothers. Some of Njue's favorite movies are Léon: The Professional, Chinatown, Inception, and Fargo.
Njue's Thoughts on Kenyan Film
Njue strongly believes in supporting African films. He often talks about how few established filmmakers there are in Kenya. He always speaks out about the need for more support from both the Kenyan government and private investors. Filmmaking can be very challenging. He once said in an interview, "Film is a business like any other. Billions are made annually in other regions. Why not Kenya?"
Njue Kevin's Filmography
| Year | Film | Role | Notes |
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| 2013 | Sticking Ribbons | Writer and Producer | Won the best East African talent at the 2014 Zanzibar international film festival. |
| 2014 | Saidia/Help | Writer and Producer | Won best young director award at the 2014 modern day slavery short film competition in London. |
| 2015 | Intellectual Scum | Writer and Director | Official Selection at many festivals, including:
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| 2015 | Plastic Maasai | Writer and Director | Completed. Distributed by Showmax Kenya. |
| 2017 | 18 Hours | Writer and Director | Opened in cinemas across East Africa on November 10, 2017. Screened for 6 weeks after a sold-out premiere. |
See also
In Spanish: Njue Kevin para niños
