Supa Modo

Director(s): Likarion Wainaina
Country: Germany, Kenya
Language: In English, Swahili and Kikuyu (w/English subtitles)
Live Action | 2018 | 74 min
Recommended for ages 10+ (Parental Guidance: strong language, reference to ghosts, inappropriate salutations, bullying)

East Coast Premiere

OPENING NIGHT FILM

From first-time feature filmmaker Likarion Wainaina and co-producer Tom Tykwer comes this honest and inspiring story about the strength of young people in the face of adversity. Obsessed with Jackie Chan and action films, nine-year-old Jo dreams of being a superhero, but time is not on her side. When doctors reveal that she is terminally ill, Jo leaves the hospital and returns home to be with her mom and older sister. While her mom insists she stay inside and rest, her sister has other plans. With the entire village’s support, they decide to make dreams a reality and turn Jo into the superhero they know she is.

Newcomer Stycie Waweru delivers a captivating and earnest performance, imbuing her character with a subtle strength that ignites the screen. This film is a stunning reminder of the power of imagination, the importance of family and the value of life well lived. It’s also Kenya’s official Oscar entry for Best Foreign Film!

Kristiansand International Children’s Film Festival 2018 – EFCA Award
Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival 2018 – Youth Jury Award
Durban International Film Festival 2018 (South Africa) – Artistic Bravery Prize
Edinburgh International Film Festival 2018 – Best International Feature Film-Special Mention
Berlin International Film Festival 2018 – Crystal Bear-Special Mention – Generation Kplus-Best Feature Film
Zlín International Film Festival for Children and Youth 2018 (Czech Republic) – Golden Slipper-Best Feature Film for Children; Ecumenical Jury Award
Montreal Black Film Festival 2018 – Best Narrative Feature Award
Schlingel International Film Festival (Germany) 2018 – DEFA Award; Youth and Children’s Film Award of the Goethe-Institut

Watch Trailer