Celebrated Kenyan filmmaker Tosh Gitonga has added another accolade to his name, clinching the Best Documentary award for his compelling work “Two Villages” at the esteemed Open World Toronto Film Festival (OWTFF).
Expressing his gratitude on LinkedIn, Gitonga shared the exciting news, remarking, “And Another….. Grateful To Sir God for this journey!” alongside a congratulatory note from the festival organizers.
The festival’s message extended a warm welcome to Gitonga, inviting him to join the event slated from June 28 to June 30, 2024, at the Factory Theatre in Toronto.
“Two Villages,” inspired by the Swahili proverb “Ndovu wawili wakipigana, nyasi ndio huumia” (When two elephants fight, the grass gets trampled), delves into the intricate narrative surrounding the activities of the NGO WE Charity. The documentary portrays the contrasting realities of Chemengwa and its neighboring village separated by the Mara River. While one thrives under the benevolence of WE Charity, boasting amenities like clean water, extensive educational facilities, and a functional hospital, the other, Chemengwa, grapples with abject poverty and lack of basic necessities.
As the film unfolds, it sheds light on the disillusionment faced by Chemengwa’s residents, left grappling with unfulfilled promises by WE Charity. Investigative efforts, including those by CBC’s The Fifth Estate, uncovered discrepancies in the charity’s operations, revealing instances of misrepresentation and unmet obligations.
Driven by a sense of justice and empathy, Gitonga’s documentary seeks to amplify the voices of Chemengwa’s marginalized populace, bringing their plight to global attention.
Gitonga’s commitment to storytelling prowess isn’t new; he gained acclaim with his previous work, “Nairobi Half Life,” which earned recognition as Kenya’s submission to the 85th Academy Awards for Best Foreign Language Film. In addition to his directorial achievements, Gitonga’s latest endeavor, “Volume,” a teen drama series, is currently captivating audiences on Netflix.
With laurels like the Best Short award at the Julien Dubuque International Film Festival (JDIFF) and now the Best Documentary honor at OWTFF, Gitonga continues to leave an indelible mark on the world of cinema, using his platform to illuminate pressing societal issues and advocate for change.