ENCHUKUNOTO (The Return)
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Laissa Malih — a renown Maasai filmmaker — returns to the community her parents left behind in this deeply personal look at how the lands of her forefathers are being reshaped by climate change.
Directors Spotlight
Laissa Malih
Director
Laissa Malih is the first female Maasai filmmaker. Her work focuses on documenting, linking, amplifying, and scaling up youth and women’s voices across diverse Indigenous cultures in Kenya and the world. Her 2020 documentary, RIVER OF BROWN WATERS, looks at the significance of the Ewaso Ng’iro, a river that serves as a lifeline for pastoralist communities surrounding Mount Kenya. In addition to film work, Malih has participated in international conferences and fellowships focused on climate adaptation and cultural legacy.
- Runtime 16 minutes
- Country Kenya
- Language Maasai, Samburu, English
- Director Laissa Malih
- Cast Dukuya Lekominga, Nderi Lolinge, Patrick Ole Saikong, Reuben Legei, Clinto Lekominga, Rupes Caro, Sarah Lenoi, Sarah Mamai, Yustine Nashaki, Lekominga family, Mejooli Wilfred's family, Seers of Olkinyei village, Youth of Arjiju village
- Cinematographer Franklyne Mudulia Manono
- Editor Sauli Pillay
- Producer Kavita Pillay, Tracy Rector , Adam Mazo , Taylor Hensel
- Screenwriter Laissa Malih, Kavita Pillay
- Premiere Philadelphia
