• 'Nafsi' is Reuben Odanga’s directorial debut feature
Image: Courtesy
Veteran actresses Mumbi Maina and Catherine Kamau are set to feature in 'Nafsi', a new romantic drama.
Alfred Munyua (Crime and Justice, Sense8), is also on set.
When Aisha (Mumbi) is unable to conceive after a traumatic childhood experience, her best friend Shiko (Kate) offers to be her surrogate to help save her marriage.
This leads to a series of events that threaten their close bond and those around them.
'Nafsi' is Reuben Odanga’s directorial debut feature, a major shift from the Swahili telenovelas that he’s popularly known for, such as 'Selina'.
Odanga also wrote the film, which is a production of his company, Multan Production Limited.
Sharing his excitement, Odanga described it as a 'real and simple story'.
"Working with Mumbi was phenomenal; she bought into the vision and carried the story in a very personal way," he said.
"Kate was just magical. After she auditioned, I knew she could do more than comedy, and she delivered."
Speaking about her role, Mumbi said working with Odanga has been an adventure.
"He has a great vision and I appreciate that he is doing something different with this film."
Mumbi also said Nafsi is a deeply moving story that touches on a sensitive topic that is rarely spoken about, not only in film but in African culture.
Kate described the project as a 'thought-provoking film' that she couldn’t pass on.
"I was in pursuit of growth as an actor, and this was different for me. It’s what I needed."
Nafsi also stars Raymond Ofula ('Monica', 'The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind') and BET Actor Africa runner-up Alex Khayo ('Watu Wote', 'Selina').