From Personal Tragedy to Social Justice Advocate in Nairobi's Mathare Slum
Explore the compelling story of Julie Wanjira, an activist from Mathare, one of Nairobi’s largest informal settlements. Following the tragic loss of her 19-year-old brother to police violence during the 2007/2008 post-election unrest, Julie embarked on a journey of activism that has significantly impacted her community.
This documentary chronicles Julie’s work with the Mathare Social Justice Centre (MSJC), detailing their efforts to document and combat extrajudicial killings. Learn about their systematic approach to recording incidents, including dates, locations, victim names, perpetrators, and motives, which revealed a pattern of police violence targeting young men aged 15-20.
Witness the evolution of Julie’s activism, from organizing protests to engaging with high-level officials, including the UN Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial killings. The film also explores the MSJC’s shift towards addressing root causes, particularly focusing on ecological justice as a comprehensive approach to community rights, including land, housing, water, education, and healthcare.
The documentary provides insight into grassroots activism, the challenges faced by informal settlements, and the interconnectedness of social and environmental justice. It’s an essential watch for anyone interested in human rights, urban development, and community organizing in challenging environments.
Year: 2024
Client: Dreamtown
Role: Full Production
Related Project: Metropolis