I am beyond thrilled to share that my documentary, The Braves of Naning’oi, has won the Best Documentary Film Award at the Varsity Film Expo 2024! This prestigious recognition celebrates not only the hard work and dedication poured into this project but also the incredible stories of courage and resilience that inspired it.

Braves of Naning’oi Documentary by award-winning documentary photographer Billy Miaron.

The event, held on 5th and 6th December 2024 at the University of Zambia, brought together storytellers, industry professionals, and advocates of sustainable development from across the globe. To have The Braves of Naning’oi highlighted among such exceptional talent is truly an honor.

A Story of Bravery and Hope

The Braves of Naning’oi captures the powerful stories of young girls at the Naningoi Girls Rescue Centre in Kajiado, Kenya. These brave girls have fled harmful cultural practices like FGM and child marriage to seek refuge and a chance at education. Through their voices, the documentary sheds light on the challenges they face and their dreams for a brighter future. Their stories are a testament to the unyielding spirit of hope and the transformative power of education.

Gratitude to the Village Behind the Film

This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the support and collaboration of so many individuals and organizations. I’d like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to:

• The girls of Naningoi Rescue Centre, whose courage and resilience inspired this documentary.
• The school administration, teachers, and community members who opened their doors and shared their stories.
• Sarah, the founder of Naramat Charity, which supports these girls in school and whose book Brave, the power of choice helped amplify these voices.
• The production team, mentors, and supporters who worked tirelessly to bring this vision to life.
• The Varsity Film Expo for providing a platform that celebrates impactful storytelling and sustainable development.
• My family, friends, and the audience who believed in this project from the start.

Why This Recognition Matters

Winning the Best Documentary Film Award at the Varsity Film Expo is more than just an accolade. It’s a validation of the power of storytelling to drive social change. The Expo’s theme this year, “No Poverty: From Awareness to Action,” resonates deeply with the mission of The Braves of Naning’oi. The documentary aligns with Sustainable Development Goals like SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality), amplifying the importance of addressing systemic issues through education and advocacy.

The Journey Ahead

While this award is a milestone, the journey to creating impactful change continues. The Naningoi Girls Rescue Centre still needs support to ensure these girls—and many others—can continue their education and live fulfilling lives. I encourage everyone to watch The Braves of Naning’oi and share its message far and wide. Together, we can inspire action and create a world where every child has the opportunity to thrive.

Call to Action

If you haven’t watched The Braves of Naning’oi yet, it’s now available on YouTube. Your views, shares, and comments will help amplify the voices of these brave girls and advocate for their rights.

To my fellow filmmakers and storytellers: let’s continue to use our art to spotlight the untold stories that matter. If you’re looking for a passionate collaborator for your next documentary project, don’t hesitate to reach out to me. Click here now to Contact Me

Once again, thank you to everyone who made this journey possible. Here’s to more stories that inspire, educate, and transform!