GITONGA (2020) - Banff Film Festival 2020, Kendal Mountain Film Festival, WINNER Kisima Awards 2020
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- Опубликовано: 11 сен 2024
- 'A life enhancing documentary - a story of warmth, generosity and an undaunted human spirit” - Neil Norman, Independent (UK)
‘A great film, full of optimism. This film needs to be seen.’ - Baz Bamigboye, Daily Mail UK
‘A heartwarming story that reads like a novel. The first of its kind.’ - Daily Nation
‘Every second in the film oozes inspiration.’ - Kenya Film Commission
ABOUT THE FILM
’Gitonga' (2020) is an award-winning documentary which premiered to 1.4 million Kenyans on national television at the height of the pandemic in 2020. It won Best Documentary at the Pan-African Kisima Film Awards (2020), made official selection at Banff Film Festival (2020) and Kendal Mountain Film Festival (2020) and has inspired millions worldwide with its message of hope and optimism.
SYNOPSIS
On the face of it, Gitonga is a film about a Kenyan father who rediscovers his love for hiking and sets out to follow his dream of becoming the first black Kenyan to climb Mount Everest. At its heart, this is the beautiful and emotional story of an extraordinary man who explores what it means to be a hiker, a father, and a human being. A man on a mission to inspire his son, his nation and the world to follow their dreams and do what ‘makes their heart dance’.
- Pan-African Kisima Africa Film Awards (2020) - Winner, Best Documentary
- Banff Mountain Film Festival (2020)
- Kendal Mountain Film Festival (2020)
- Out of Africa Film Festival (2020)
- Tryon Film Festival (2020)
- Premiered to 1.4 million across three national channels in Kenya: NTV Kenya, K24 and Kameme TV
Support the Everest 2022 Project - visit www.gitonga.org
Watch the trailer here: • GITONGA - Official Tra...
www.gitonga.org | Follow @gitongafilm on Instagram, Facebook & Twitter
CREDITS
Starring Gitonga Wa Wandai
Filmed & Directed by Joe Bunyan (www.joebunyan.com)
Music by Chris Roe
![The Accord [2016] [FULL FILM]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/w4I1_CKWBdc/mqdefault.jpg)
Engage talk brought me here.. this so inspiring
rewatched this film today.
Gitonga inspires me!
i am glad that he has chosen to follow his heart and his dream.
he gives permission for others to do the same.
#Grateful
Thank you for the kind comment Wanjiku - really glad Gitonga still inspires you!
28:28 When you're hiking there's always that moment when everybody just goes quiet. It's like they are retreating into themselves. And in that moment they are able to feel themselves. They're able to feel every pain, they're able to feel the pleasure. They're able to feel the sounds, the birds! They're able to feel the smells of the flowers, they're able to feel the smell on the barks of the trees - of the rain falling or the sun. At that moment it's like your body just opens up and you're able to feel almost everything around you. Your body's so clear, so penetrative as you walk - it's a beautiful experience. And that's what hiking has been for me. That's why I go over and over again. That's what replenishes me, refreshes me.
Gitonga you have changed the landscape of outdoor activities in Kenya. Keep doing what you do best. You are an inspiration to many that the limits are only in our heads.
Had to watch it twice as so much in this great documentary.Loved the contrast between the two locations(Kenya and Nepal)....Nepal and locale near Everest is stunning The impact of seeing Everest is matched by Gitongas lust for life and his goal (I learned that no black person has climbed Everest)The filmmakers and crew should be proud of what they have produced A novel documentary which takes you through a range of emotions Well done to those both on screen and off
Hi Maureen, thank you so much for your kind words. I've watched the film about 300 times and am still touched by the things Gitonga says! They gave me a lot of strength during the difficult times of the editing process when the dream of releasing this film sometimes seemed quite far away. Really happy you've enjoyed it, and hope you have your own Everest 2022 to aim for! :)
No human is limited, very inspiring.keep it up Gitonga.
Waoh... my village mate.. sooooo proud to see you all grown... blessings all the way! Your mum hasn’t changed lovely.
Just amazing, its refreshing to watch it again..and again....Gitonga, thanks for sharing your dream, Kenya needs this..Joe, awesome stuff, lets do this!
Definitely Donald. Look forward to catching up!
Gitonga is a huge inspiration. Back home in Kenya the outdoor community is still growing....so thankful to him for flying our flag high. I hope we follow his footsteps ❤
Totally agree! Thank you for watching 😊
I planned on watching this documentary on NTV but kplc had different plans I kept searching for it here I am🏴🏴🏴the best documentary I have seen so inspiring a dream is so nagging and the heart has its roots❤️❤️
Thanks so much Mary. So kind! Really glad you enjoyed it and please feel free to share the film with friends, family, colleagues - we want as many people to be inspired by Gitonga as possible!
Kenyan young people will pray for him. We know he will make us proud as he pursues his greatest dream.
I already feel inspired 😍😍😍
Totally agree - the man is one of a kind, an inspiration to all
That was a documentary and a half...well articulated, shots perfect....it has stirred quite a lot in my heart....truly the dream is nagging....
Thank you Mary, these words mean so much to us and give us more energy for the next chapter, which seems so far away at times! But a dream is nagging... Thank you again, Joe & Gitonga
Documentary that pulls on your heart strings...inspiring to see the passion, commitment and determination, brought together beautifully in an audio and visual masterclass
Wow, thank you so much Alim. This means a lot!
I loved every moment of this film. Well done Gitonga. Keep walking, keep dreaming, keep inspiring us to reach for our dreams 👍🏼👌🏽
Thank you Kristin!
Hats off to Joe and Gitonga. This is the type of inspiring stories we need the most in these times of doom and gloom in the world. The photography looks sharp and top notch. Look forward to seeing your next film projects!
Thank you Fred! Keep in touch!
Now this is the 2022 I long for! Thank you for redefining it and steering it away from politics. Gods speed brother praying for you
Thank you for the kind words Grace! I agree - we see enough about politics. More positive stories need to be told!
WoW! very inspiring. keep that fire burning. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Everest basecamp is in my bucketlist for next year. Gitonga, this is inspiring and I'm proud we hail from the same county. Congratulations and may God even exceed your expectations and aspirations. Receive more surprises all days of your life.
Mercie are you Kenyan?
@@joellehughs6073 Yes I am
Very inspirational...2022, yes we can!
I like the narration too, this made me tear! The sceneries are to die for....! Well done to the entire team!
Thank you so much Elicipha, these are amazing words! The narration was completely unscripted in the sense that they came from many interviews Gitonga had to endure! There were a lot of beautiful quotes to choose from. We’re glad it’s ended up being worth it!
@@joebun5960 It is super amazing! As a hiker, I can totally relate with every word that Gitonga said. Very proud of him!
Elicipha Njuguna Ah I hope you have been able to get out to Ngong Hills with the group recently then! Glad you’ve been as inspired by his words as I have been. It’s been an amazing journey!
@@joebun5960 I have not hiked in a while. Was to resume in March then corona happened. I'll be joining the team as soon as we resume normalcy.
This is a story that truly depicts passion and determination at its best. Go for it Gitonga 🚀💪. Man I love your determination
Thank you Shadrack!
I love this. It's been a while since I watched a documentary without feeling the urge to skip some parts. The music, the audio, the video - you did justice to a beautiful story. This tugged at my heart strings...in a very good way and I am inspired to live.
Hats off!
Wow, thank you Njambi. This is such an inspiring message in itself!
“Following your heart is the most revolutionary thing you can ever do.”
That’s legit!
Once met a man hiking with his son at Mt Longonot, I think 4 or 5 years ago....and after seeing this movie..just realized, it was you! :-) Inspiring life story. I have watched all the mountain climbing videos on Redbull TV and this is another great addition to the catalog.
Love this. Thank you Kennedy!
Joe, what can I say. A truly inspiring piece... love the drive, passion and determination that is shown throughout the film. Can't wait for the 2022 revisit at the top of Everest!!
Thanks so much Colin, really appreciate the kind words and super glad that you enjoyed it! Keep up the music and send me any new stuff when you can 😊 Also please feel free to share - we are going to keep the link up!
@@joebun5960 will do. Studio is setup and looking to use the online collaboration platforms to try and create some new material. I will share as it starts to come together. I will also share the film for others to see this great piece of work
@@cgauntlett Nice one, looking forward to hearing it. And thank you for sharing too! Take care, Joe
"Will I be able to forgive myself,if I don't follow my dreams.."... WOW.. Good stuff 💪👏👍... Everest 2022.. keep up Gitonga🙏!
Thank you for watching Habel! Your feedback is very uplifting!
Hi Joe, It's Shomi's sister, Dooti. Masaive congratulations for this achievement! Very impressive and more than anything, very, very inspiring! Be proud of what you've created because I know am, showing people it's okay to follow your dreams, to believe in them and to go for it. It's very refreshing and good for the soul! Loved every minute of it.
Thanks so much again Dooti, and lovely to hear from you. This has made my day!
I can relate with the emotions after summiting. I always cry and scream every time I hike
Just watched this on Ntv and on Fathers Day!!So inspirational ,too deep. What is life without a dream.
Thanks so much Jaqueline. We watched it today too and it is still strange to see our little film on TV! It’s been a long journey. Please do feel to share the film with your friends and family, and keep chasing your dreams!
Just inspired me to be the best version of me to be a great dad to my son
This is humbling to hear Ken. Wish you and your family all the very best
Inspirational 💯💯🔥🔥🔥🇰🇪 ✊
This was amazing to see! Brought tears to my eyes. Truly, what is life itself? Will support you, Gitonga. Great film. Looking forward to hear you made it to the top of Everest.
I guess it's true how they say, "Your search through nature leads you to yourself". Looks like you found yourself. Well done Tosh, Great story. Thanks Joe for the video.
Thank you Michael! It was a story worth telling :)
This is so powerful. I see Gitonga's heart. I can feel it.
Thank you Rix, it's amazing to hear you've been touched in this way. Gitonga is simply an inspirational man whose message transcends race, tribe, religion, gender.. he represents what it is and means to be human. Thank you again - and love your poetry! Just found you on Instagram!
@@joebun5960 oh thank you for checking my page out. Gitonga tells our Kenyan stories so aptly. I see myself in him. Thank you so much for capturing his story this gracefully. This is the first thing I've watched this Sunday morning on a difficult time globally. Yet, a time with so much hope for a new life.
@@Rixpoet Thank you again Rix, your sentiments mean a lot. There is lots to look forward to once this situation is over! Take care, and keep up the great work :) Joe
Just watched your film. Really enjoyed it.Fantastic photography, amazing scenes. What a fabulous opportunity and a very interesting story. Some lovely emotional moments and very atmospheric. Love (cousin) Chris x
Agree with my sister.
Chris! Thank so much for this. Really humbled you guys made the time to watch it. Lots of love to you guys! x
@@Gaesschen Thank you Jean! x
WoW ..
How inspiring....What drive..
What determination..
Am awestruck
So glad you enjoyed!
Joe - another member of the Malik clan signing in... Great, work - seriously impressive... One guy quitting his job to follow his dream and make a film about another guy following his dream - all to tell other people to follow their dreams... Nice work!
Dipta! That’s three Maliks in one day I’ve spoken to - first time since I was 14 round at your family home for that amazing wide family lunch! That’s still one of my favourite memories.
Thanks so much for the message. One of the best things about this release is just the fact it’s brought me back in touch with the likes of you and Dooti. It’s really genuinely special to hear from you both. Hope you and your little family are doing well - Shomi keeps me regularly updated but it’s great to be in touch again! Joe
Great stuff Gitonga! Thanks for inspiring millions of youth across the world to go after their dreams!!!!
Wow this is so inspirational, I didn't know I'll tear at some point, this made me realize that dreams can come true if your follow your heart. Just go for it. Mount Everest 2022!!
Thank you Tirsher! Very happy Gitonga's story has inspired you in this way. Go for it!
Very nice film. Gitonga is so full of words of wisdom. Thank you for reminding me to follow my dreams. A dream is indeed so nagging.
This is really lovely to hear Mildred, a big thank you from both of us for the kind words. We’re intrigued too... what is your Everest 2022?
Thanks Joe! My Everest 2022 is definitely to travel the world. This film deserves more audience and am going to share with friends. Wishing Gitonga and you as well all the best!
@@MAOptimisticThat sounds like an amazing goal to have Mildred! Hopefully you'll be able to do it soon as travel restrictions continue to ease. Thank you again, and hope you are free to travel the world safely very soon! :)
46 minutes of pureness. Awesome job to the whole team.
Thank you!
Never before have i connected to a film this much,I love the passion ,sacrifice and drive to achieve the Everest dream that Gitonga has,he is an inspiration to Many out here who have their own dream to go out ,push the limits and achieve no matter what..Well documented episode...Wish you all the best Gitonga and the entire support team !!
Thank you Jay, these are incredibly kind and touching words - they really do mean a lot. There were times over the past 3 years where I really doubted if I could tell GItonga’s story in the way it deserved to be told, so to receive feedback like this is just amazing. Please feel free to share the film far and wide with your friends and family - we want as many people to be inspired as possible! Joe
He's courageous 💯🙌
Just watched...nice work from scripting to videography.....its very inspirational..did you come to earth to just get employed and work???that hit home
Thank you! So glad you enjoyed - and you’ve picked out arguably my favourite Gitonga quote. It just gets to the very essence of life
no human is limited!!
Inspired... Well done Gitonga.
A dream can be so nagging,,,, this is so inspirational,,,
They are words that just stick with you over and over again...! Thanks for the comment Agnes and glad you enjoyed the film!
Amazing!!
So inspirational.
Literally given me goosebumps. Just goes to show what you can achieve when you put your heart and soul into it.
Incredible!!
Thank you for taking the time to watch, Zoe! You're a very inspirational person
Truly inspirational and beautifully shot. Joe, you should be very proud of this your debut film.
Thank you!
Love the film and the narration. It captures the beauty of nature and his journey. "Follow your heart it is never wrong" great message..
Thanks so much Catherine. I agree - Gitonga’s message is a universal message, without ego or agenda, that needs to be heard
Well done Gitonga. It's so inspirational.
This is soo inspiring... Gives me the urge to explore more and go for what I want no matter what.
Love it. Go for it Eileen!
I really enjoyed watching your journey. To have a dream and achieve it is one of life's luxuries
Thank you Susan! (PS your daughter is a legend!)
Go Go Gitonga. Quite an inspiration.
Awesome film, great adventure
Thanks Alex!
Go for it Gitonga, u can do it and no doubt you will do it
AWESOME
Such an inspiring story and beautifully told. Excited to see what 2022 brings! ❤
Thank you Kat!
Great. I love documentaries
Incredible work Joe! Such an inspiring and well put together film
Sorry Xavier I have only just seen this! Thanks so much and really lovely to hear from you! I see you’re a RUclips star and engaged?! What the...?! Congratulations! Big hello to the family and hope to see you all again soon
Joe
This is sooo incredible.. It has awakened the desire to follow on the dreams that I keep on procrastinating. Thanks for this incredible story and may Gitonga's dream be a reality
Thanks so much Denis! It's amazing this has inspired you :)
This is very inspiring 👏
This is so heartwarming, incredible!!
Thank you Njiraini!
Wow, great story and filming is on point 👌🏼
Thanks Oscar!
Great inspiration, this has also inspired me on what the society expects one's life cycle to be shouldn't be defined by the society but one's determination
Really touched by this Liz. So glad Gitonga’s message has come through. I really hope it’s inspired you to follow your passions, whatever they may be!
All the best Gitonga!
Keep up Wandai, great inspiration!
This is a great documentary. As I watched it something is wishpering in my ears that you can try climb even a hill for staters
Thank you Daisy! Wishing you a Merry Christmas and hope you climb that hill soon!
@@joebun5960 hey Joe, I finally did Ngong hills. 16.7km from one end to the other. 💪.
Looking forward to my next climbing. Next month.
Daisy this is so awesome to hear. That is huge! It is really beautiful up there isn’t it. Well worth the steep ascent!
Where will you explore next...?
@@joebun5960 yes, it's so beautiful and therapeutic. Despite the struggle being a first timer, at the end I was like 'what have I been doing with my free time all this years'..
Thinking of climbing Mt.Longonot in March then Elephant Hill in April (so help me God🙂)
Hope I don't loose the motivation
@@daisybetut You have the hiking bug now Daisy - there's no stopping you! Elephant Hill is meant to be amazing - challenging at points but totally worth it and rewarding I've heard. Hope you enjoy it and look forward to hearing when you've done it!
Anything can be done,its all in the mind
If you've been inspired by Gitonga's story, please consider helping him get to Everest and inspire the nation in 2022:
www.gofundme.com/gitonga OR
changa.page.link/M1ieV (Kenya mobile money donations)
It costs $65,000 to summit Everest, and Gitonga is reliant upon personal donations to get him there. Any donation, no matter how big or small, will make a huge difference!
Thank you!
Joe & Gitonga
So inspiring!!
Very inspiring,we can achieve our dreams
Absolutely! Anything is possible.
You will do it man,,,
Very encouraging
Que inspirador!! Yo diría como padres debemos hacer conocer este tipo de historias a los hijos, en vez de las películas ficticias de Hollywood
Muchas gracias Yolanda, tu comentario significa mucho!
Good work Wandai
I will be there
Inspirational.
Beautiful film. Really inspirational. Well done Joe.
Thank you Anne-Marie! Please also pass my thanks on to Nicholas for his message to my dad!
Lovely
Woow
🇰🇪
anyone from bma?