The Letter

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Film phase:Completed

SYNOPSIS

Along the coast of Kenya, a frenzied mix of consumerism and Christianity is turning hundreds of families against their elders, branding them as witches as a means to steal their land. Ninety-two-year-old Margaret Kamango stands accused by her sons, while her strong-willed daughters try to protect her. This dangerous dispute is seen through the eyes of Margaret’s grandson, Karisa, who returns home from the city to investigate and is ultimately forced to choose which side he is on.

The Letter participated in the 2018 Diversity Fellows Initiative (past program).

ABOUT THE DIRECTORS

The Letter is co-directed by Maia von Lekow and Chris King.

Maia von Lekow looks directly at the camera. Portrait in black and white.

Maia von Lekow is a Kenyan filmmaker and musician.  Maia has worked as director, producer, and sound recordist for several film and music projects since founding Circle and Square Productions in 2009.  She has performed on stages across the world and continues to compose music for films. She received an African Movie Academy Award for her song Uko Wapi, and was named a goodwill ambassador for UNHCR on World Refugee Day 2013.

 

Chris King looks directly at the camera. Portrait in black and white.

Chris King is an award-winning filmmaker based in Nairobi, Kenya. Born in Australia, Chris studied at The School of Creative Arts at the University of Melbourne before relocating to Kenya in 2007, where he has worked as a cinematographer, editor, animator, director, and producer in both factual and non-factual shorts, features, and music videos.  In 2009, Chris co-founded Circle and Square Productions with his wife Maia and, in the same yearm received an African Movie Academy Award in Editing for his work on the Kenyan feature film, From a Whisper.

The Letter is Chris and Maia’s first feature documentary.