The Battle for Laikipia
In Kenya’s Laikipia Plateau, a seemingly endless and increasingly deadly land rights battle rages on between the region’s indigenous Samburu pastoralists and the European-descended ranchers who do not take kindly to “trespassers.”
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Monday, May 20 - Monday, May 27, 2024
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- Matinee
In the heart of Kenya's Laikipia region, a long-standing conflict simmers, intensified by the shadow of past injustices and the looming threat of climate change. Here, the land whispers tales of strife between local Indigenous farmers and the white landowners who claim vast expanses for wildlife preservation. The region, known as a conservation haven, becomes the backdrop for a narrative that intertwines the legacies of environmental and colonial history. The Battle for Laikipia, a documentary film, is the brainchild of co-directors Daphne Matziaraki and Pete Murimi. Matziaraki, known for her work on 4.1 Miles and The Me You Can't See, alongside Murimi, famed for I Am Samuel, blend their visionary talents to narrate this poignant story. Their filmmaking approach, characterized by deep empathy and an unflinching portrayal of reality, navigates through the intricate mosaic of Laikipia's socio-environmental landscape. Their story weaves together multiple themes—the relentless march of climate change, the echoes of colonial dominion, and the delicate balance of conservation efforts—all converging to shape the lives of Laikipia's residents in the present day. The Battle for Laikipia thus unfolds as a compelling odyssey, engaging viewers in a deep, reflective journey through the heart of Kenya's environmental and cultural battlegrounds.
—Nancy Pappas
- Director: Daphne Matziaraki, Peter Murimi (Kuria)
- Country: Kenya, USA, Greece
- Year: 2024
- Running Time: 94 min.
- Producer: Toni Kamau, Daphne Matziaraki
- Cinematographers: Daphne Matziaraki, Peter Murimi, Maya Craig
- Editors: Sam Soko
- Music: William R. Fritch
- Filmography: Matziarak: Debut Feature Film; Murimi: I Am Samuel (2020)
- Language: Samburu, English, Swahili
- Has Subtitles: Yes
- International Sales: Met Film Sales
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