The highly anticipated crime-drama, Nairobi Half Life (NHL), premieres in Nairobi this Thursday, August 30th at Westgate Cinema. Film buffs, as well as the Kenyan film and entertainment industry players, are expected to be in attendance at the exclusive invite-only event. The action packed film entwines a tale of romance, humour and tragedy—the various hustles that shape city life.

Director David Tosh Gitonga, says he’s already watched the film’s final cut six times; “You can’t get tired of such a wonderful story. The authenticity of NHL is set to take Kenya’s film industry to the next level,” he asserts.

Undoubtedly it is off to a good start as Joseph Wairimu, who’s playing the lead role of “Mwas”, has already earned international acclaim, winning the coveted “Best Actor” award at the 33rd Durban International Film Festival (DIFF). DIFF is South Africa’s longest-running film festival that showcases screenings of current films from around the world, with a focal point on African cinema.

Joseph plays a young aspiring actor from an ordinary village in Central Kenya. He says, “It was a challenge playing two conflicting roles in the movie. People will relate to the story, because apart from demonstrating the struggle of city life, it shows the life of struggling actors. It’s the untold story”.

The film’s storyline revolves around Mwas and his determination to accomplish his dreams to make it big as an actor in Nairobi. He moves from upcountry to his presumed land of opportunities. However, Mwas soon finds himself living a double life.

Olwenya Maina who plays “Oti” (the film’s antagonist) has been a professional actor for seven years now. He believes that the high costs of producing quality films and the under-whelming support by the private sector are the main hindrances to the development of the Kenya’s film industry. Adding that there’s also room for improvement on the side of the Kenya Film Commission.

The UP team is looking forward to a riveting story that depicts the aspirations of the cross-section of people who migrate to the city, as well as those who are born into the city life. Other cast members include Nancy Wanjiku Karanja, Paul Ogola, Johnson Gitau Chege, Anthony Ndung'u, Abubakar Mwenda and Mugambi Nthiga.

Nairobi Half Life opens for public viewing Friday, August 31st to September 6th at Westgate Cinema. Ticket charges are KES 450 weekends and KES 350 on weekdays.