Tosh Gitonga of Kenya Wins Top Award For 'Two Villages' Documentary At The Open World Toronto Film Festival

 In a hurry? Here’s a quick summary…

• Kenyan filmmaker Tosh Gitonga's documentary "Two Villages" wins Best Documentary award at the Open World Toronto Film Festival (OWTFF), shedding light on the disparities faced by communities supported by the NGO WE Charity.

• Inspired by the proverb "When two elephants fight, the grass gets trampled," the documentary contrasts the prosperity of one village with the poverty of another, emphasizing Gitonga's commitment to amplifying marginalized voices and addressing social injustices.

Tosh Gitonga and his team during the making of 'Two Villages' documentary. Photo I Two Villages Movie

Renowned Kenyan Film director Tosh Gitonga celebrates his recent achievement as his documentary "Two Villages" earns the Best Documentary award at the Open World Toronto Film Festival (OWTFF). 

Sharing the news on LinkedIn, Gitonga expressed gratitude, quoting "And Another….. Grateful To Sir God for this journey!" along with a congratulatory message from the festival organizers.

The documentary "Two Villages" delves into the narrative inspired by the Swahili proverb "Ndovu wawili wakipigana, nyasi ndio huumia" (When two elephants fight, the grass gets trampled), critically examining the work of the NGO WE Charity. 

While one village thrives under the NGO's support, providing essentials like clean water and education, the neighboring Chemengwa village faces dire poverty and unfulfilled promises.

WE Charity, previously known as Free the Children, was exposed for deceiving donors by CBC's The Fifth Estate, revealing discrepancies in project execution and misappropriation of funds. 

In response, Gitonga's documentary seeks to shed light on the forgotten plight of Chemengwa's residents, amplifying their voices on a global platform.

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Driven by the stark contrast between affluence and adversity, Gitonga embarked on a transformative journey from Nairobi to the heart of the Mara. 

This endeavor is depicted as a profound exploration of metaphorical and tangible realities, aiming to bridge the gap between despair and hope within the community.

"Two Villages" has garnered acclaim beyond the OWTFF, earning laurels for Official Selection and securing the prestigious Best Short award at the Julien Dubuque International Film Festival (JDIFF) in May 2024. 

Gitonga's illustrious career includes directing the acclaimed film "Nairobi Half Life," Kenya's entry for the 85th Academy Awards for Best Foreign Language Film. 

His latest venture, "Volume," a teen drama series, is currently streaming on Netflix, showcasing his versatility and commitment to storytelling.