SIFF DocFest: Searching for Amani
October 7, 2024
A 13-year-old aspiring journalist investigates his father’s mysterious murder within one of Kenya’s largest wildlife conservancies. As a ravaging drought encroaches, his quest to find the killer shifts as the collateral damage of a warming world is revealed.
Individual Tickets: Select showtime to purchase
Passes: $100 | $75 Members - Provides access to all DocFest screenings
SIFF year-round passes are not valid for DocFest screenings.
Thirteen-year-old Simon Ali lives on a small Kenyan farm with his mother and siblings, dreaming of becoming a journalist. Simon Ali's world is shattered when his father, a respected conservancy guide, is found murdered under mysterious circumstances at the wildlife conservancy where he works. When the authorities fail to solve his father’s murder, he takes matters into his own hands. Armed with only a video camera and an unwavering determination to uncover the truth, he seeks to reach a state of Amani—Swahili for “peace”. As Simon delves deeper into the investigation, he uncovers a complex web of regional conflict, colonial legacies, and the harsh realities of a warming planet. The impact of a devastating drought becomes a critical backdrop, intertwining with Simon’s quest for justice. In their thought-provoking feature film debut, directors Debra Aroko and Nicole Gormley infuse Simon’s journey with striking cinematography, showcasing the natural beauty of his homeland. Through each of their lenses, the film captures the raw and poignant reality of his transition from a grief-stricken boy to a determined young man. It’s a powerful exploration of resilience, truth, and the quest for justice.
- Director: Nicole Gormley, Debra Aroko
- Country: USA, Kenya
- Year: 2024
- Running Time: 80 min.
- Producer: Peter Goetz, Mungai Kiroga, Nicole Gormley, Caryn Capotosto
- Cinematographers: Campbell Brewer, Nicole Gormley, Simon Ali
- Editors: Tessa Malsam, Davis Coombe, Chris Naum, Dave Wruck
- Music: Dave Fleming, Monica Sonand, David Naroth
- Awards: Tribeca Film Festival 2024 (Best New Documentary Director)
- Filmography: Debut Feature Film
- Language: Swahili
- Format: DCP
- International Sales: Autlook Filmsales