Searching for Amani

Searching for Amani

27th TIDF: Greek Premiere
In the heart of Kenya, a tragedy shatters a young boy’s life. Simon Ali, 13, finds himself in a world of mystery when his father, a respected conservancy guide, is found dead under suspicious circumstances. Armed with his video camera and an unwavering desire for truth, Simon and his best friend Haron embark on a perilous journey to uncover the secrets behind his father’s demise. As they delve deeper, they unravel a complex web of regional conflict, lingering shadows of imperialism, and the devastating impact of a global crisis hitting close to home. A brave documentary that follows Simon’s transformative journey from a grief-stricken child to a determined young man, capturing the raw reality of his investigation through his lens. This thought-provoking documentary confronts viewers with harsh truths, refusing to shy away from the difficult realities of our world, making for an impactful viewing experience that showcases the challenges faced by a young boy in his quest for answers.
Screening Schedule

No physical screenings scheduled.
Direction: Nicole Gormley, Debra Aroko
Script: Vickie Curtis, Peter Goetz, Debra Aroko
Cinematography: Campbell Brewer, Nicole Gormley, Simon Ali
Editing: Tessa Malsam, Davis Coombe
Sound: Peter Albrechtsen, Ronnie Mugambi
Music: David Naroth, Monica Sonand, David Fleming
Production: Backroads Pictures, Nicole Gormley Films
Producers: Nicole Gormley, Peter Goetz, Mungai Kiroga, Caryn Capotosto
Co-production: Pixel Therapy
Executive producer: Geralyn Dreyfous, David Cornfield, Linda Cornfield, Randy Gebhardt, Christopher Gebhardt, Janet Tittiger, Gottfried Tittiger, Peter Tittiger, Paula Kahumbu
Format: DCP
Color: Color
Production Country: USA, Kenya
Production Year: 2024
Duration: 80'
Contact: Autlook Filmsales
Awards/Distinctions: Best Documentary Feature – Raindance FF 2024, Best Documentary Feature – Dokumentale International Documentary and Media Festival Berlin 2024, Albert Maysles Award for Best New Documentary Director – Tribeca FF 2024
Suitable for kids over the age of 13.

Nicole Gormley

Filmography

2020 Lessons from Jeju (short)
2022 The Monster in Our Closet (short, co-direction)
2023 Jalpi (short, co-direction)
2023 Daughter of the Sea: A Story of Becoming Haenyeo (short, co-direction)
2024 Searching for Amani (co-direction)

Debra Aroko

Filmography

2024 Searching for Amani (co-direction)