Some Fine Podcast – Conversations on Kenyan Film, Stories and Culture

This episode explores the vivid, imaginative world of the short film "Stero". The story follows Bruce Koech, a rebellious young boy who resists the repressive Anglo-Western education system. Guided by his imaginary Sensei, Bruce is punished for speaking Kiswahili and forced to wear a humiliating “disk,” setting him on a journey of shame, defiance, and courage. Host Sarika Hemi Lakhani is joined by directors Tevin Kimathi and Millan Tarus, and producer Juliana Kabua for a conversation about language, resistance, and how small, everyday acts of bravery can leave a lasting impact.

This episode explores "Inheritance", a deeply personal and poetic short film about identity, shame, and healing. The story follows Kavaa, a young woman who returns to her rural home to bury the grandfather who rejected her at birth, setting her on a mystical journey of confrontation, transformation, and self-discovery. Host Sarika Hemi Lakhani is joined by director Barbara Minishi, producer Ivy Kiru, and writer Ngwatilo Mawiyoo for a conversation about intergenerational wounds, cultural taboos, and the liberating power of magical realism in African storytelling.

This episode delves into the unsettling, atmospheric world of the short film "Grogan’s Lodge". The story follows two young women, Joy and Susan, who travel to a remote lodge to earn money for college, only to find themselves drawn into an eerie space where reality and illusion blur under the weight of colonial history. Host Sarika Hemi Lakhani is joined by director Isaya Evans, producer Densu Moseti, and writer Shaleen Keshavjee for a conversation about the legacy of colonialism and how it is explored through education, art, and storytelling.

This episode explores the short film "Ndoto", which follows Kisu, a boy with asthma who is troubled by recurring dreams of drowning after moving to an island. Warned by his aunt to stay away from the beach boys, Kisu instead befriends the fearless Jimbo Boys, embarking on a journey of courage, friendship, and self-discovery. Host Sarika Hemi Lakhani is joined by director Omar Hamza, screenwriter Bill Afwani, and producer Margaret Wacera for a conversation about family, ancestry, and the power of filmmaking.

This episode spotlights the short film "Mawimbi", a story about a young man reconnecting with his roots on the Kenyan coast. Supported by a Some Fine Day Pix financial grant, the film launched its festival journey by winning Best Short Film at the Zanzibar International Film Festival. Host Sarika Hemi Lakhani is joined by the film’s core team: producer Ivy Kiru, writer Ian Wanjohi, and director Mark Wambui. Together they celebrate the film’s success and reflect on their creative journey. The conversation explores mentorship, collaboration, opening up to personal stories, falling in love with filmmaking in Kenya, and the transformative power of cinema.

This episode explores the powerful story behind the short film "Act of Love". The film follows Juliana, a mother struggling to keep her life together after losing her job. A series of obstacles push her to the brink, forcing her to confront the limits of her love, resilience, and determination. Host Sarika Hemi Lakhani is joined by director Eric Mwangi, producer Shirleen Wangari, and writer Shelly Gitonga for a thoughtful conversation about the filmmaking process, motherhood, and the everyday battles women face in their pursuit of dignity, survival, and hope.