Film director Tosh Gitonga’s ‘Two Villages’ clinched the Best Documentary award at the Open World Toronto Film Festival (OWTFF).
Sharing his joy on LinkedIn, Tosh Gitonga expressed gratitude to God for the journey, exclaiming “And Another….. Grateful To Sir God!” while posting a congratulatory message from the festival organizers.
The Kenyan film maker clinched the Best Documentary Award for his film “Two Villages” at the Open World Toronto Film Festival, a testament to his storytelling prowess.
On his LinkedIn page, Tosh shared the exhilarating news, expressing gratitude for the journey and his fans’ support.
Mark your calendars for June 28 as the Factory Theatre in Toronto hosts the prestigious Open World Toronto Film Festival, where “Two Villages” will captivate audiences.
“Two Villages” intricately explores the cultural, social, and economic dynamics of its titular locales, interweaving their distinct identities with universal human experiences.
With a narrative style that seamlessly blends intimacy and expansiveness, “Two Villages” invites viewers to immerse themselves in the villagers’ personal narratives while contemplating timeless themes of tradition, transformation, and resilience.
The documentary “Two Villages,” inspired by the Swahili proverb “Ndovu wawili wakipigana, nyasi ndio huumia” (When two elephants fight, the grass gets trampled), serves as a critique of the controversial practices of the NGO WE Charity.
Exploring the contrasting realities of Chemengwa and its neighboring village across the Mara River, “Two Villages” paints a vivid picture of prosperity and disparity. On one side, the village thrives under the aid of WE Charity, boasting clean water, thriving schools, and a fortified hospital, while on the other side, challenges persist.
Amidst the flourishing of one village, across the river, lies Chemengwa, ensnared in dire poverty. Women, their backs bent under the weight of hardship, embark on a daily pilgrimage to the Mara River, their sole water source. With the nearest hospital a grueling 80 kilometers away, their journey is fraught with uncertainty.
Meanwhile, the donor foundation once known as Free the Children, now WE Charity, stands accused of deceiving its donors. Promising to build two schools, they delivered only one, leaving Chengemwa’s residents clinging to a forgotten promise.
Years later, Tosh’s resolve to fulfill the promises made to the residents of Tosh remains steadfast. Through this documentary, he endeavors to amplify their voices, ensuring their narrative resonates globally.
Drawn by the stark juxtaposition of circumstances and moved by the unwavering resilience of Chemengwa’s inhabitants, Tosh Gitonga abandoned the comforts of his life in Nairobi. His journey, both metaphorical and harshly real, led him to the heart of the Mara. There, amidst the stark contrasts, he encountered a community teetering on the edge of despair yet clinging fiercely to hope.
Recently, the documentary has garnered recognition, earning laurels as an Official Selection and clinching the prestigious Best Short award at the Julien Dubuque International Film Festival (JDIFF), marking a significant achievement at the ceremony held in May 2024.
Tosh Gitonga, fondly referred to as Tosh, stands out as a luminary in the realm of Kenyan filmmaking, his impact reverberating across the African film industry.
Growing up in Kenya, Gitonga’s innate love for storytelling and film propelled him towards a career that has witnessed unprecedented expansion in recent times.
Among his notable achievements is the groundbreaking film “Nairobi Half-Life,” which catapulted Kenyan cinema onto the global stage, earning widespread recognition for its raw and captivating portrayal of urban life in Nairobi.
