In recent years, the way that we have all experienced cinema has evolved. Whether we watch in a physical setting with others, or alone at home, our love of film is the one constant.

With this in mind, with the support of the British Council, UK award-winning film exhibition company We Are Parable and Kenya-based Manyatta Screenings collaborated to bring you Love Letters to Cinema. An innovative, month-long hybrid event that took place July 2022 in Kenya, the UK and online, designed to bring together films from both regions via film screenings, conversations and exhibitions.

We Are Parable and Manyatta Screenings, along with filmmaker Wanjeri Gakuru, collaboratively curated a series of short films that establish a conversation between Britain, Kenya and the wider East African region, identifying similarities and differences amongst stories, and allowing for a genuine cultural exchange to take place between the organisations, the countries and the filmmakers.

In-person film screenings and exhibitions took place in Nairobi (Kenya), Laikipia (Kenya), London (UK) and Bristol (UK). The exhibitions showcased key elements from each film, from shot lists and scripts to props and storyboards, creating a unique experience for global audiences. All films were then be available to watch online worldwide via the We Are Parable Player.

Love Letters to Cinema also featured a podcast series with filmmakers from the programme, enabling audiences to get a rare insight into the creative minds behind the work. They talk through their creative process and explore the themes in their films with high-profile hosts from the industry.

Manyatta Screenings is an alternative outdoor screening experience celebrating short-films made by filmmakers from Eastern Africa. It was born out of a need to create more spaces for short films.Manyatta Screenings celebrates shorts from Greater Eastern Africa.

Love Letters to Cinema was funded by the British Council and made possible due to the generous support of our venue partners Unseen Nairobi, Tafaria Castle & Center for the Arts and Rich Mix.

Artwork by Monica Obaga