Though she grew up with extended family of creatives, Wanuri Kahiu describes herself as a black sheep in her family. The daughter of a successful businessman and one of the first female pediatricians in the Nairobi area, Kahiu has found her own success as a producer and writer of both national and international films. The Kenyan born creative first studied Management Science at the University of Warwick but later earned a Masters in production and directing from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) which set her on a path filled not only with success but struggle to have her work respected even in her homeland. 

After interning and working the American film industry after graduating, Kahiu was encouraged by her mentor Phillip Noyce to return home to tell Kenyan stories. The first short film she produced ‘Ras Star’ (2006) tells the story of a young man who dreams of becoming a rapper but is faced with the opposition of his family and ends up drawn to a world of crime. In 2008 her feature length film ‘From A Whisper’, a fictional account of the 1998 terrorist attacks on US embassy in Nairobi was met with critical acclaim and was showered with nominations and awards across the globe. ‘From A Whisper’ was nominated for twelve awards at the African Movie Academy winning five (including ‘Best Picture’, ‘Best Director’ and ‘Best Original Screenplay’). 

In 2018, Kahiu premiered the film ‘Rafiki’ (which she directed and co-wrote). ‘Rafiki’ is a drama movie that tells the story of Kena and Ziki, two women from modern day Nairobi who fall in love and pursue a romantic relationship despite the homophobic sentiment of their communities and families. When the film was set for release in Kenya, the government banned its screening because she refused to alter the film’s ending (it was deemed too hopeful). Kahiu successfully sued the Kenyan government and the film was allowed a seven-day screening so that it would be eligible for entry at the Oscars. The film also received screening at the Cannes Film Festival and the Pan African Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou (FESPACO) racking in multiple awards in the process. She has stated that she never intended for the film to be political. 

Kahiu coined the term ‘Afro-bubblegum’ which is a philosophy that aims to portray the joyful, frivolous and lighthearted portrayals of African life; she used this philosophy when she directed ‘Rafiki’. She even gave a TED talk on this philosophy. Kahiu has also found success in Hollywood, she directed the 2022 romantic dramedy ‘Look Both Ways’ that features Lili Reinhart. The film was released on Netflix. Her filmography includes documentaries, television and other work. 

Kahiu has proven herself to be not only a creative powerhouse but also a champion for the unseen in society. Through her distinctive style as a filmmaker, she has infused her work with a unique flair while also shedding light on parts of Africa whose voices are often muted. She currently has several projects in development that are sure to captivate audiences and raise awareness of many issues often overlooked by the world.