»Are we telling the stories that we really want to tell, or is the funding dictating the stories we tell?« Vincho Nchogu

It’s a milestone moment: the members of the Kenyan village of Sayit receive official documents recognising, for the first time, their ownership of the land based on kinship ties. But Star grew up an orphan and is unmarried – so the right does not apply to her. She faces losing her home. Her struggle to prove her identity turns into a race against time, as she pursues every available option – marriage is one, a deal with a dubious NGO another. Vincho Nchogu’s feature debut delivers a sharp, often hilarious critique of international NGOs and their »white saviour« complexes. Having made »propaganda films« for such organisations, Nchogu frequently witnessed people holding back their personal stories to conform to the prescribed »myth of redemption«. She is also unsparing in exposing the predatory mentality and lack of solidarity within the village, particularly towards women who fall outside the patriarchal framework of legitimacy. The vibrant ensemble scenes, shot on location with the people of Nkosesia and members of a travelling theatre group by cinematographer Muhammad Atta (who also worked on Beyoncé’s Black Is King) result in a compelling, surprise-filled film that navigates the tension between cultural reflection and ethical dilemma.

Guest: Vincho Nchogu

German premiere

With the support of Goethe Institut

Awards for »One Woman One Bra«
Sutherland Award for Best Debut Film– BFI London Film Festival 2025