Sometimes you have to be the hero, even when your own story goes badly…

In theatres now, Nawi: Dear Future Me is an inspirational tale that reminds us that dreams never truly die, even when those who hold them are confronted with some of the true horrors of the world.

This is the story of 13 year old Nawi (Michelle Lemuya Ikeny) who finds out that her father is selling her to a much older man for a herd of goats.  Defying an old (and now illegal tradition) she chooses to fight her impending marriage and embark on a journey to reclaim her dream of joining high school.

I’ll be honest, on paper; Nawi: Dear Future Me should not have worked and devolved into a ham handed “movie of the week” style affair that was trying to draw attention to the issue of young girls being sold into marriage in places like the Turkana region.  That being said it actually works quite well thanks to the enlightened performance from lead Michelle Lemuya Ikeny which projected a level of maturity and heroism often not seen in stories like this.

This film had four directors and three writers in the spirit of it being a “collaborative effort” of the NGO “Learning Lions”.  It’s not a formula for success, especially considering that only two of the four directors actually had any experience but it ultimately thrives by not trying to tell a story that is broad and geo political but one that is personal and 100% compelling.

Obviously we can get behind the strife of young Nawi, particularly as she begins her escape to a new life but it’s as the narrative progresses and we see Nawi not only understand her fate, but more importantly understand how her story and her sacrifice could be used to help not only others in her immediately family but others as well.

Despite having no previous acting experience, Michelle Lemuya Ikeny lights up the screen with pure charisma and power as we see Nawi’s journey.  As much as she was one, the young woman was never a victim and it’s such a vital lynch pin in the movie as she uses her gifts and intelligence to evoke change in her family who are under the thumb who are under her thumb and can’t break from traditions even when he thinks he’s doing the best for his family.

Ultimately; Nawi: Dear Future Me is not a perfect movie, but I dare say it’s an important one because it serves as a reminder that even in the dark of situations (like being a Child Bride which is still a huge global problem) it’s possible for a little bit of hope to shine through.