‘ANAM’S WAKE’ – New Kenyan Psychological Thriller Film Set To Premiere At Prestige Cinema

ANAM’S WAKE is a gripping and evocative Kenyan psychological thriller, set to premiere in Kenya on 31 July 2026 at Prestige Cinema, with additional screenings scheduled from 1 – 2 August 2026. 

Written and directed by acclaimed Kenyan filmmaker Likarion Wainaina, ANAM’S WAKE explores themes of grief, memory, and the lingering consequences of unresolved loss. With its haunting narrative and powerful storytelling, the film is poised to captivate audiences and leave a lasting impression. Produced by Wanjiru Njoroge and brought to life through the striking cinematography of Enos Olik, the film showcases a compelling blend of visual artistry and emotional depth.

ANAM’S WAKE features an exceptional Kenyan cast, including Marima Wanjiru (Anam), Sam Omondi, Peter Kawa (Mason Ebale), Vanessa Okeyo (Amani Ebale), Ruth Apondi (Aunt Kavata), Pras Jadi (Kwame Ebale), Gathoni Mutua (Zuri Ebale), Brenda Ngeso (Nyawira), who together breathe life into a uniquely African story rich with tension, where every word spoken could alter the fate of both the living and the dead. 

Set against the backdrop of African mourning rituals and traditions, the film follows Anam, a professional mourner trained to summon Death and negotiate the passage of souls. Though skilled in guiding others through loss, Anam remains emotionally numb after her mother’s death sixteen years ago. When tasked with her first solo ritual at the influential Ebale family home, what begins as a solemn wake spirals into a chilling ordeal.  

As Death arrives earlier than expected, the family is forced to confront long-buried secrets while Anam discovers the ritual was never truly about the deceased patriarch. Instead, it becomes a deeply personal reckoning that forces her to uncover the truth behind her mother’s death and confront the emotions she has spent years suppressing.

Director Likarion shares a personal story and his inspiration behind making this film: “ANAM’S WAKE was born from my own journey through grief. After attending numerous burials in early 2024, I became fascinated by the way sorrow often stays hidden, only to return with overwhelming force later,” adding, “This film explores that terrifying truth, that unprocessed grief waits in the shadows, ready to consume us. Through Anam, a mourner who guides others while shutting down her own pain, I wanted to explore grief as a ritual, a burden, and an inheritance. I also aimed to bring Death to life, not as a distant concept, but as an intimate presence within communal mourning. This film is my attempt to capture the complex dance between death and grief and the dangers of postponing emotional truth.”

Producer Wanjiru Njoroge also shares her inspiration behind this film: “ANAM’S WAKE is the kind of film I entered this industry to make—deeply rooted in African culture yet universal in its themes. It is a story about grief, family secrets, identity, and a young woman navigating the tension between tradition and her own path. What drew me to the project was its trust in silence and the emotional weight carried in what remains unsaid.” She adds, “Through a cast capable of conveying profound emotion with remarkable restraint, we have created an authentic African story that speaks to audiences everywhere. I am incredibly proud of what we built together and the conversations it will inspire about family, truth, and healing.”

ANAM’S WAKE offers a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of grief through multiple lenses, examining the customs, ceremonies, and traditions communities use to honor the dead and navigate loss, while also revealing how grief can be passed down through generations in the form of memories, trauma, responsibilities, and legacies. At its heart, the story follows Anam’s personal journey of confronting difficult emotions, unresolved relationships, and the truths that death often brings to the surface. Through the experiences of the Ebale family, ANAM’S WAKE explores how the weight of the past continues to shape the living, challenging them to reckon with what has been left behind.

Drawing on extensive cultural consultation and local knowledge, the film stands as a testament to the power of community storytelling. It honors the voices, traditions, and mourning practices that inform its narrative, creating an authentic and respectful portrayal of African cultural practices.

With an original bold voice in African cinema, ANAM’S WAKE invites audiences into a world where death is not a final farewell but a delicate negotiation between memory, legacy, and healing. In doing so, it presents a haunting yet hopeful story about confronting the shadows of the past and discovering the resilience needed to move forward.

ABOUT LIKARION WAINAINA

Likarion Wainaina is an award-winning Kenyan filmmaker renowned for his emotionally driven and culturally grounded storytelling. He is best known for directing Supa Modo, which premiered at the 2018 Berlin International Film Festival, won over 60 international awards, and became Kenya’s submission to the 91st Academy Awards. One of his first films, Between the Lines, made history as Kenya’s first film to be projected on an IMAX screen. Over the past decade, Likarion has directed some of Kenya’s most acclaimed television productions, including Kenya’s first Sci-Fi series, Subterrania, MTV Shuga Mashariki, Crime and Justice, County 49, Kina, Salem, Shanga, and Varshita. He is also the co-founder of Kibanda Pictures, a production company dedicated to telling authentic African stories for local and global audiences.

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