Wanuri Kahiu

Awards & Honours

Awards Won

Honours

Records

Kahiu's achievements are remarkable for their impact on African cinema. Winning three major awards for her debut feature From a Whisper established her as a formidable talent. Her film Rafiki not only premiered at Cannes but also became a symbol of resistance against censorship, earning her international acclaim. She has been a TED Fellow and a World Fellow, and her work has been praised for its boldness and originality. Her Hollywood debut with Look Both Ways opened doors for other African filmmakers, and she continues to be a trailblazer.

AwardsKahiu has won several awards for her work, most notably at the Africa Movie Academy Awards, where she took home Best Director, Best Screenplay, and Best Picture for From a Whisper. Her film Rafiki also won the Jury Prize at the FESPACO film festival, and she has been recognized by various international organizations for her contributions to cinema.

Honours & Distinctions

TED Fellow

TED·2010

Selected as a fellow for her innovative storytelling.

World Fellow

World Economic Forum·2011

Recognized for her leadership in the arts.

Records & Feats

First Kenyan woman to direct a film at Cannes

Historic First·2018

Her film 'Rafiki' premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2018, a historic first for a Kenyan female director.