From first-time feature filmmaker Likarion Wainaina and co-producer Tom Tykwer comes this honest and inspiring story about the power of community, imagination and filmmaking itself. The story follows nine-year-old Jo as she battles a terminal illness with wit and wisdom beyond her years.
A spirited young girl, Jo dreams of being a superhero, surrounding herself with posters of superheroes, watching action films and re-enacting Jackie Chan. When Jo moves back home to Maweni, a rural village in Kenya, from the hospital to live out the rest of her short life, her overprotective mother, Kathryn, insists that she stay inside and rest. But her rebellious teenage sister, Mwix, has different plans. With the entire village’s support, they decide to make dreams a reality, transforming Jo into the superhero they know she is.
Newcomer Stycie Waweru delivers a captivating and earnest performance, imbuing her character with a subtle energy that ignites the screen. This film is a stunning reminder of the power of imagination, the spirit of young people in the face of adversity, and the strength of a community united over their love for one of their own.
FESTIVALS & AWARDS
JUST IN: 2018 Alexander Valley Film Festival Audience Award for Best Feature Narrative
Africa Magic Viewers Choice Award - Best Indigenous Language Movie or TV Series – Swahili
Berlin International Film Festival (2018) - Crystal Bear - Special Mention -Generation Kplus - Best Feature Film
Cinetopia Film Festival (USA/Detroit/2018) - Audience Award - Foreign Narrative
Durban International Film Festival (2018) - Artistic Bravery Prize
Edinburgh International Film Festival (2018) - Best International Feature Film - Special Mention
Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival (2018)- Youth Jury Award
Seattle International Film Festival - GOLDEN SPACE NEEDLE AWARD - BEST FILM
Subjects: African Studies, African Cinema, World Cinema
Institutional Licensing Options
DVD with PPR: $349
DVD with Digital Site License: $449
DVD with Digital Site License + Public Performance Rights: $499
ORIGINAL TITLE: Supa Modo
YEAR: 2018
GENRE: Drama, Children & Youth
DURATION: 74 min.
ORIGINAL LANGUAGE: Swahili
COUNTRY: Kenya
DIRECTOR: Likarion Wainaina
WRITER: Mugambi Nthiga, Silas Miami, Wanjeri Gakura, Kamau Wandung‘u
CAST: Stycie Waweru, Marrianne Nungo, Nyawara Ndambia, Johnson Fish Chege
PRODUCTION: One Fine Days Films, Ginger Ink Films