‘The Battle for Laikipia’ to premiere at Sundance Film Festival
The Battle for Laikipia which was filmed for more than five years is set to premiere at one of the largest independent film festivals in the US as part of the World Documentary Competition.
The documentary sheds light on the conflict between indigenous pastoralists and white landowners in Laikipia, Kenya, will be showcased at the 40th edition of the Sundance Film Festival, taking place from January 18-28 in Park City, Utah.
This is a film that explores home and belonging through the lived experiences of Samburu pastoralists, cattle ranchers and conservationists who inhabit one of the most beautiful places in Kenya, Laikipia, which is grappling with the harrowing impact of climate change, which contributes to conflict over diminishing resources.
It also unveils unresolved historical injustices as the impact of climate change becomes evident.
Directed by Daphne Matziaraki (Greece) and Peter Murimi (Kenya), The Battle for Laikipia is a collaboration between Kenyan and international filmmakers.
Speaking about the film, the directors, Peter Murimi and Daphne Matziaraki said in a statement, “We celebrate that The battle for Laikipia, an international collaboration that includes Kenyan creatives, is at Sundance and we are excited to foster conversations about home and belonging, especially as climate change creates pressure on our lived experiences across the world.”
Over 300 hours of footage has been edited into a striking, emotionally resonant film by Kenyan editor Sam Soko who is better known for editing and directing the Sundance award-winning documentary Softie.
The film is Produced by Toni Kamau of We are Not the Machine (Producer for Softie, Sundance 2020), and Executive produced by Roger Ross Williams and Geoff Martz of One Story Up (Netflix’s Stamped from the beginning, Netflix’s High on the Hog).
The Battle for Laikipia will be the 2nd Kenyan-directed and produced documentary to premiere in competition at the World Cinema Documentary category at the Sundance Film Festival.
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