About this Event
Columbia Global Centers Nairobi is pleased to host the screening of "Softie" by Boniface Mwangi. Mr Mwangi has long fought injustices in his country as a political activist. Known locally as the most vocal and courageous Kenyan of his generation, he is recognized globally for his passion and excellence in photography, this photographer-cum-activist could not resist the call to activism after witnessing first-hand the brutality that disadvantaged Kenyans experienced in the wake of the Post- Election Violence in 2008.
At 38, he has been a guest of the state on many occasions for championing justice and calling out powerful leaders for their wanton corruption and blatant violation of human rights. This has earned him friends and foes alike. His commitment to promote social change has also come at a heavy price. As a husband and father, his wife and children have endured hostilities from different quarters. The escalation of these hostilities has seen him being threatened with harm and/or death by powerful forces in government.
He has twice won the CNN Multichoice Africa Photojournalist of the Year Award and is the youngest Prince Claus Laureate. New African Magazine named him one of the 100 Most Influential Africans of 2014, 2016 and 2020 and he is also a senior TED Fellow. Time magazine recognized him as a Next Generation Leader in 2015 and was selected as Kenya’s Top 40 under 40 men 2016. He was named as top 100 Kenyans 2019 and 2020. He was the recipient of Luxembourg Peace Prize 2020/21 awarded Schengen Peace Foundation and Luxembourg Peace Prize. He is currently a Tutu Fellow.
In the movie, Mr Mwangi is running for office in a regional Kenyan election. From the moment he decides to run, telling his wife, Njeri, in passing with a hesitant laugh, he responds to each challenge with optimism. But running a clean campaign against corrupt opponents becomes increasingly harder to combat with idealism alone. He soon finds that challenging strong political dynasties is putting his family at risk. Should country really come before family, as he’s always believed?
Join us for an inspiring and engaging fireside chat with Boniface followed by the screening of his new film - "Softie".
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
The Forum at Columbia University, 601 West 125th Street, New York, United States
USD 0.00