Congratulations Judy Kibinge

Kwani? writer Judy Kibinge has been honored with a special mention in the Africalia ‘Distinction in a Documentary’ Competition, for her documentary film Coming of Age

Africalia’s representative Charlotte Morantin was in Nairobi to hand Judy an award for distinguished achievement in person on 16 May, 2008.

Coming of Age depicts the three ages and stages of Kenyan democracy as seen through the eyes of a growing girl. The Kenyatta era, a time of great optimism and post-independence euphoria, is reflected in the innocence and naivety of the young girl. As Kenya enters its next era, of dictatorship under Daniel arap Moi, the gloom of oppression and confusion is reflected by teenage turmoil. Finally, in 2002, a more mature narrator comes of age alongside a nation ushering in a third president, Mwai Kibaki, whose first term is symbolized by steady economic growth and a renewed national optimism.

But after the disputed election results of December 2007 and Kenya’s subsequent descent into violent civil strife, we are left to wondering if democracy can ever truly come of age.

Africalia is a Belgian organization dedicated to promoting arts in Africa.

*This post has been corrected after we originally wrote, erroneously, that Judy had won first prize. Kwani? regrets the error.