Saturday screening features 2 new films by Calgary director Kiana Rawji

Kiana Rawji, a director and writer based in Brooklyn who originally hails from Calgary, is set to premiere two of her latest films in her hometown this Saturday. The films, titled “Mama of Manyatta” and “Inside Job,” showcase Rawji’s talent for storytelling and her passion for shedding light on important social issues.

“Mama of Manyatta” delves into the inspiring story of a woman from a Nairobi slum called Manyatta who bravely fought against HIV and gender-based violence. Rawji was inspired to tell this story after her sister worked with the woman and her community-based organization in Nairobi. The film challenges misconceptions about HIV/AIDS and highlights the resilience of individuals facing adversity.

On the other hand, “Inside Job” is a fictional exploration of life in Nairobi during the 1970s, focusing on the complex relationships between southeast Asians and Africans in East Africa. Drawing from her family history and academic research at Harvard, Rawji illuminates the racial hierarchy and segregation that characterized that era.

Rawji’s filmmaking journey began with her documentary “Long Distance,” which tackled the challenges faced by Canadian foreign workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her work has garnered attention at various film festivals, including the Calgary International Film Festival, where she won the Grand Jury Prize for Best Alberta Short Film in 2021.

Currently residing in Brooklyn, Rawji is already planning her next film project set in Kenya. Her ultimate goal is to use storytelling as a tool for social change, amplifying voices from marginalized communities and sparking conversations about important issues.

The Calgary premiere of “Mama of Manyatta” and “Inside Job” is scheduled for 3 p.m. on Saturday at the Cardel Theatre. To learn more about Kiana Rawji and her work, visit her website.

Overall, Rawji’s films serve as a testament to the power of storytelling in driving social impact and promoting empathy and understanding. Through her unique lens, she invites audiences to engage with diverse narratives and reflect on the universal themes that connect us all.