Crowds Riveted by Heal the Nation Film at Documentary Launch

1133 candles, commemorating victims of the post-election violence, flicker in front of the photo exhibition as over 1000 participants watch the premiere of the Heal the Nation documentary. credit: Boniface Mwangi

Nairobi, Kenya – 23 October 2011

An enthusiastic and attentive crowd of 1000 Kenyans gathered for the  Heal the Nation documentary launch at City Hall Wall.  Participants joined prominent speakers and diverse performers in reflecting upon the post-election violence and calling for nationwide healing, unity, and peace.  The film questions, what will happen if we don’t reconcile before 2012 elections?

“Go out there and preach peace,” declared Laban Otuma, a victim of the post-election violence and the event’s special guest from Nakuru.

Businessman Aly-Khan Satchu praised Heal the Nation and highlighted everyone’s role in creating a better political and economic system: “We are not passengers; we are the stakeholders.”

At dusk, a candlelight vigil marked the 1,133 victims killed in the post-election violence.  Creative artist performances featured young spoken word poets, actors, and musicians, including award-winning hip hop artist Juliani.

To bring the story to millions more, film creator Mtaani Initiative plans for broad nationwide film distribution.  At the event, the public took home 1000 copies on DVD, pledging to share, copy, and distribute the film to others.

Learn more:

• The Launch in Numbers
• Facebook Event
• Selected Photos
• Coverage from The Star
• Analysis from a Participant
• Reflection on the Vigil