New Mountain Films has secured North American distribution rights to Nawi: Dear Future Me, Kenya’s official submission for Best International Feature at the 2025 Oscars. The powerful Kenyan-German co-production, inspired by true events, has already sparked international acclaim and social change — and now it’s heading for a wider audience.
Directed by Toby and Kevin Schmutzler, Apuu Mourine, and Vallentine Chelluget, Nawi centers on a 13-year-old girl in rural Kenya whose dream of education is upended when her father trades her into marriage in exchange for “60 sheep, eight camels, and 100 goats.” On her wedding night, Nawi escapes and journeys alone to Nairobi. But when she discovers her infant sister is being forced to take her place, she returns home to confront the family that sold her.
Michelle Lemuya Ikeny stars in the titular role, marking her feature film debut—a performance that earned her the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Promising Actor. The ensemble cast also includes Joel Liwan, Ochungo Benson, Ben Tekee, Michelle Chebet Tiren, Patrick Oketch, Nungo Marrianne Akinyi, and Nyokabi Macharia.
Nawi made its U.S. debut at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women and has picked up several accolades, including:
- Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Newcomer
- Special Jury Award at the Beijing International Film Festival (Tiantan Awards)
- Dual wins at Raindance Film Festival
The script, penned by Kevin and Toby Schmutzler, is based on a story by first-time writer Milcah Cherotich, whose idea won a national writing contest in Kenya. The film was produced by FilmCrew Media and Baobab Pictures in collaboration with the NGO Learning Lions, based in Turkana, Kenya — the same region where the film is set and shot.
The distribution deal was negotiated by New Mountain Films founder and CEO Khaled Sabbour directly with the filmmaking team, including producer Lydia Wrensch. A February 2026 theatrical release is planned for the U.S. and Canada, with Atlas International handling global sales.
Beyond its cinematic impact, Nawi has launched a robust social impact campaign. In Kenya, it has raised over $300,000, funding the first all-girls boarding school in Turkana and kicking off a mobile desert cinema tour to bring the film to remote communities. It’s also earned backing from organizations such as UNICEF, Girls Not Brides, and Girls First Fund.
“Nawi is exactly the kind of story we feel compelled to share — brave, beautifully made, and impossible to ignore,” said Sabbour. “It’s not only been recognized by the global film community, but has ignited real-world change. We’re honored to bring it to North American audiences.”