First Hand Films Sells ‘Our Land, Our Freedom’ to the BBC, Takes Female Empowering ‘Kalari’ to Visions du Réel (EXCLUSIVE)

variety.com:

Annika Pham On the heels of its successful world launch at IDFA, the critically-acclaimed anti-colonial pic “Our Land, Our Freedom,” sold by First Hand Films, has landed a deal with BBC Africa Eye. “Our Land, Our Freedom,” a Kenyan/U.S./Portuguese co-production, and the upcoming India-set “Kalari,” to be pitched in Visions du Réel docu festival’s Swiss Preview showcase, epitomize what First Hand Films stands for. “What’s important for First Hand Films is defending diversity, minorities, female voices and new talent,” said Esther van Messel, CEO of the doc sales, production and Swiss distribution shingle, ahead of Visions du Réel in Nyon, Switzerland. “We are so very pleased about this sale, our very first on the film,” said the seasoned doc specialist van Messel.

Co-directed by L.A.-based Meena Nanji and her Kenyan counterpart Zippy Kimundu, the feature tells of Kenyan woman Wanjugu Kimathi’s search for the remains of her father Dedan Kimathi, legendary leader of the Mau Mau Rebellion, who was executed by the British auhtorities in 1957.

Her quest turns into an investigation into British colonial atrocities and a grassroots movement to reclaim ancestral land. “‘Our Land, Our Freedom’ is an important film that explores issues around legacy, colonialism and land rights that are of particular interest to our audiences across Africa,” said BBC Africa Eye editor Tom Watson. “We look forward to presenting this film on our platforms and bringing it to the attention of a wider audience.” The film was produced by Eliane Ferreira for Muiraquitã Filmes, Meena Nanji for Twende Pictures and Zippy Kimundu for Afrofilms Int’l Ltd., in co-production with Autentika Films.