2020 OPENING NIGHT FILM

FRIDAY | MAY 1 | 2020 | 7:00 PM | STUDIO CINEMA, BELMONT, MA

OPENING NIGHT DOCUMENTARY FEATURE FILM

Softie | 2020| Kenya | 96 MIN

DIRECTOR: Sam Soko

CATEGORY: DOCUMENTARY FEATURE FILM

SUBTITLES: Yes with English subtitles

PREMIERE STATUS: New England Premiere

Boniface “Softie” Mwangi has long fought injustices in his country as a political activist. Now he’s taking the next step by running for office in a regional Kenyan election. From the moment Boniface decides to run, telling his wife, Njeri, in passing with a hesitant laugh, he responds to each challenge with optimism. But running a clean campaign against corrupt opponents becomes increasingly harder to combat with idealism alone. And Boniface soon finds that challenging strong political dynasties is putting his family at risk. Should country really come before family, as he’s always believed?

Director Sam Soko captures a charming idealist’s transformation through his grassroots campaign, while exploring the complexities of balancing Boniface’s deep love of country with the needs of his family. Moments with Njeri and their children deepen our understanding of the aspiring elected official, offering introspective respites from the turbulent pace of the campaign. Though set against the backdrop of a country in transition, Soko’s film goes beyond politics to reveal what fuels one activist’s need to push for change.

FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHT: 2020 SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL