Ndoto Za Elibidi
Ndoto Za Elibidi is a 2010 Kenyan film in Swahili about two brothers who travel to Nairobi to find work. The story follows their fortunes and those of their families—parents, four daughters and their lovers—as they navigate love, loyalty, ignorance and forgiveness, with songs and humor woven throughout. The project began as a stage play created by actors from Nairobi’s slums and was brought to the screen by the S.A.F.E. (Sponsored Arts for Education) company. The film blends fiction with documentary-style insight, showing the story as well as the perspective of the ghetto audience.
The film tackles difficult topics such as HIV and related issues, including ARV treatment, stigma, condom use, circumcision and PEP treatment for rape victims. It runs for 75 minutes and is a Kenyan production in Swahili. Directed by Kamau Wa Ndung’u and Nick Reding, with a screenplay by the same duo, it features Juma Williams, Sharleen Njeri, Mercy Wanjiru, Krysteen Savane, Ednah Daisy and Peter Nzioki. The music is by Jeffrey Harrison; cinematography by Guy Wilson; and editing by Carole Gikandi Omondi. Ndoto Za Elibidi has earned several awards, including the Golden Dhow for Best East African Talent, along with recognitions from the Ousmane Sembene and Verona awards.
This page was last edited on 3 February 2026, at 00:45 (CET).