Amakula _________________________________ ____ _____ ______View trailer

makula is a celebration of Kenya's vibrant and varied culture, an investigation into the problems facing musicians and artists in Kenya's rapidly changing society, and a valuable insight into the thoughts and feelings of those who struggle to retain their cultural heritage and preserve traditions which have been passed down the generations since time immemorial.
 

 
All too often we have seen African countries used in fiction as conveniently exotic and dangerous backdrops for high drama that is mainly viewed from the perspective of white European/American protagonists. Alternatively the Western media presents countries filled with helpless victims of poverty, disease and war. Amakula portrays Kenya from the point of view of its citizens and provides an insight into the real lives of real Kenyans.
       
 

 
Filmed in only two weeks, the documentary traces a journey from Mombasa , spanning the width of Kenya crossing into Kampala , Uganda . British cultural organisation Faustuss International sent a crew of three to undertake the journey, picking up performing artists from a number of different tribal groups across Kenya who would perform at Amakula International Film Festival 2006 in order to promote their music and to raise awareness of the difficulties that face musicians in Kenya today. As the journey continues we are introduced to characters who demonstrate an awe-inspiring faith and pride in their heritage, not only as a means of entertainment, but as an important factor in the correct upbringing and education of future generations. These are people of dignity and tenacity who have persevered in maintaining aspects of their traditional culture that have been overlooked and neglected from the beginning of the colonial era until now. With frankness and honesty they speak of their hopes and fears regarding the future of their culture.