City festivals feature films, books and a live show for Binyavanga

Two major cultural festivals have been running all this week, one associated with books, languages and acclaimed authors, and organised by Kwani?, the other related to film and organised by Alliance Francaise in cooperation with the French Ministry of

Culture and Communication and the National Centre of Cinematography based in Paris.

The French Film Festival ends today, so one can still see  the award-winning animated ‘family-friendly’ adventure film, Mia et le Migou, which won Best Animation Award at the European Film Awards in 2009.

It’s a fantasy about a little girl out to save the world while searching for her father in the process. The French brought this film especially as it will be screened at the same time as world leaders are in Paris, also on a mission to save the planet from man-made environmental destruction.

The other cultural festival that began last Tuesday is Kwani?’s fifth bi-annual LitFest 2015. It runs through tomorrow when there will be panel discussions in the afternoon, one with Dr Ken Walibora,

the other on African languages including Sheng, Pidgin and Patois.

On Sunday, there will also be readings by African writers Siphiwo Mahala, Boris Boubacar Diop and Mikhail Lossel as well as a farewell party for Kwani? friends and fellow writers who have come

from all over the region to take part in the LitFest.

Earlier the same day, the acclaimed Somali author, Nuruddin Farah, will pay a visit to Eastleigh High School where he will meet with members of the local Somali community and talk about his writings

and all things literary.

NEW BOOK

Meanwhile, this afternoon, Farah will launch his new book, Hiding in Plain Sight at Kwani Trust. He will also have a conversation with Tom Maliti about the book that partially takes place in Nairobi and explores the themes of family, freedom and loyalty.

Then later in the day, the latest Kwani? Journal (No.8) will be launched. The Journal addresses a myriad of timely topics including those associated with the 2013 elections, among them the political campaigns, the IDPs, the Constitution and how that recent

history relates to our political situation in Kenya today.

But possibly the most important event of this year’s Kwani? LitFest is happening Saturday night at The Elephant, where there will be a Love Concert for Kwani?’s founding editor Binyavanga Wainaina, who has been unwell for the past month.

Advanced booking for tonight’s concert that will feature a wide array of local musicians will be Sh1,500. That can be done through www.ticketsasa.com. At the gate, tickets will be Sh2,000, a portion

of which will be part of a fund-raising initiative for Binyavanga’s medical care.

The award-winning Kenyan writer had a life-threatening stroke on October 31 and spent time in Nairobi Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU) before flying out for specialised treatment in India early this week.

Binyavanga’s family has witnessed a huge outpouring of support and love for their illustrious son. But possibly the best way to express your appreciation and concern for one of Kenya’s most important writer-activists is to come to the Love Concert and help raise funds to cover the costs of his medical treatment and recovery.

Already, more than three-quarters of the target amount that the family estimated to cover Binyavanga’s medical costs, has been raised.

But as there is no telling how long Binyavanga will require medical attention, his people will be grateful for all the support they can get.

For more information on Binyavanga’s condition, you can visit www.kwani.org to get the latest news on how he is progressing.