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 hard to combat with idealism alone; Boniface soon finds that challenging strong political dynasties puts his family at risk. Director Sam Soko vividly captures the charismatic Softie’s grassroots campaign, and his internal struggle to balance a fierce desire for change with his family’s safety. Should a country really come before family, as he’s always believed?
World Cinema Documentary Special Jury Award for Editing, 2020 Sundance Film Festival
Did you enjoy this film? Have any comments or questions? You can send filmmakers your feedback by leaving them a written or video note at feedback@doxafestival.ca.
- Year2020
- Runtime96 minutes
- CountryKenya, Canada
- DirectorSam Soko
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 hard to combat with idealism alone; Boniface soon finds that challenging strong political dynasties puts his family at risk. Director Sam Soko vividly captures the charismatic Softie’s grassroots campaign, and his internal struggle to balance a fierce desire for change with his family’s safety. Should a country really come before family, as he’s always believed?
World Cinema Documentary Special Jury Award for Editing, 2020 Sundance Film Festival
Did you enjoy this film? Have any comments or questions? You can send filmmakers your feedback by leaving them a written or video note at feedback@doxafestival.ca.
- Year2020
- Runtime96 minutes
- CountryKenya, Canada
- DirectorSam Soko