You Again
Sophia (Mimi Mars) is a young, determined journalist. Following the collapse of the company she dedicated five years of her working life to, she eventually lands a job as a news anchor at a newly launched TV station. This much-needed fresh start comes with a catch.
Then there’s Kingsley (Nick Mutuma). He has not had a job for the past three years, despite having a Master’s degree. His days spent on his Dad’s couch are about to come to an end when his Dad lands him an interview for a marketing position at a TV station. In a strange turn of events, he gets a news anchor job instead. But it’s not all roses and daisies when he realizes that his co-anchor is his ex-girlfriend Sophia. The film follows their journey of coming to terms with the awkward situation while learning to navigate the people they have become since their campus romance.
You Again (2019) is Nick Mutuma’s directorial debut. He wears four hats in this film as an executive producer, producer, actor, and director. The fourth was a role he shared Natasha Likimani who doubled as the scriptwriter. For the past nine years, she has brought characters to our screens. An established Kenyan storyteller, she first burst onto the scene in 2014 with Veve and has since written scripts for local films and television for shows such as Tabasamu and Makutano Junction.
As for Nick Mutuma, he’s been known for the roles he plays characters who evolve, in Kenyan TV since 2008. From local shows such as Tabasamu and Changes to continental hits like the MTV Series ‘Shuga’ he has soared in his career and garnered an extensive following.
This film ‘You Again’ was born of a conversation over coffee between Nick and Natasha who shared the desire to direct a relatable film, that they would both enjoy watching, so they did! They pulled a cast and crew together, called on the lead Mimi Mars who hails from our next-door neighbour – Tanzania, and collectively, they spent seven grueling days bringing this story to life. Isn’t it amazing how an idea develops from thoughts to words, to picture? ‘You Again’ premiered to a sold-out movie theatre on 26th September 2019 and has since been released on YouTube where it today has over 670,000 views. The film has also received 12 nominations for this year’s Kalasha Awards, some of which include Best Film, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Director. This feat is understandable, with its witty dialogue, dynamic performances, great all Kenyan soundtracks, and important themes, watching ‘You Again’ is 68 minutes well spent.
This success could spell a great trajectory for the one-year young production company Giraffe Africa Productions started by Nick and his business partner Roy Mutonga who was an associate producer on the film. The pair received funding from Darling hair who was key in making the film a reality.
Now, tell us, have you watched this film yet? What did you think? If not, you know exactly where to find it. It’s not every day that a film of high production value is shared on the platform. Hongera to the team for creating such a great production and going that step further by making it accessible to all!
