- “Out of Africa” (1985): Directed by Sydney Pollack and starring Meryl Streep and Robert Redford, this epic romantic drama is based on the life of Danish author Karen Blixen, who lived in Kenya. It beautifully captures the country’s landscapes and portrays the complexities of colonial Kenya.
- “The Constant Gardener” (2005): Directed by Fernando Meirelles and based on John le Carré’s novel, this gripping thriller is set in Kenya and delves into corruption, pharmaceutical conspiracies, and social justice issues. The film offers an intense portrayal of Nairobi and rural areas.
- “Nowhere in Africa” (2001): Directed by Caroline Link, this German film tells the story of a Jewish family who fled Nazi Germany and settled in Kenya. It explores their struggles to adapt to a new culture and the challenges of farming in a foreign land.
- “The Ghost and the Darkness” (1996): Set in Tsavo National Park, this adventure film is loosely based on true events during the construction of the Uganda Railway in the late 19th century. It follows the efforts to hunt down two man-eating lions that terrorize the workers.
- “The Captain’s Paradise” (1953): While not entirely set in Kenya, this English comedy film starring Alec Guinness features a significant portion taking place in Mombasa. It tells the story of a ship captain who leads a double life between his English and African wives.
- “Out of Africa” by Karen Blixen (Isak Dinesen): This memoir paints a beautiful picture of colonial Kenya in the early 20th century, exploring the author’s experiences as a coffee farmer in the Ngong Hills.
- “A Grain of Wheat” by Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o: Set in the backdrop of Kenya’s struggle for independence, this novel focuses on a cast of characters and their intertwined stories, depicting the complexities and challenges of the era.
- “Petals of Blood” by Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o: Also by Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, this novel highlights the disillusionment and social struggles faced by Kenyans after independence. It weaves together stories of four characters in a Kenyan village.
- “The River Between” by Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o: This novel explores the tensions between traditional and Christian religious beliefs in a Kikuyu community. It sheds light on the detrimental effects of colonisation and the disruptions it caused.
- “The Constant Gardener” by John le Carré: Though not primarily set in Kenya, this thrilling novel has significant portions taking place in Nairobi. It uncovers a conspiracy surrounding an English diplomat’s murder and the pharmaceutical industry’s involvement.
WANDERLIST: Kenya in books and on film
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