New Kenyan Psychological Thriller ‘Anam’s Wake’ Set to Premiere at Prestige Cinema This July

Kenyan cinema is set to welcome another bold and thought-provoking production as Anam’s Wake, a gripping psychological thriller by acclaimed filmmaker Likarion Wainaina, prepares for its highly anticipated premiere on 31 July 2026 at Prestige Cinema.

The film will debut before additional screenings scheduled for 1st and 2nd August, giving audiences an opportunity to experience a uniquely African story that blends suspense, culture, and emotional depth.

Written and directed by Likarion Wainaina and produced by Wanjiru Njoroge, Anam’s Wake takes viewers on a chilling journey through grief, memory, and the hidden wounds left behind by loss. Featuring stunning cinematography by Enos Olik, the film combines striking visuals with an emotionally charged narrative that promises to leave a lasting impact on audiences.

A Story Where Grief Refuses to Stay Buried

At the heart of the story is Anam, portrayed by Marima Wanjiru, a professional mourner gifted with the rare ability to summon Death and guide souls into the afterlife. While she helps others navigate loss, Anam remains trapped by unresolved grief following the death of her own mother sixteen years earlier.

Her world changes when she is called upon to perform her first solo mourning ritual at the home of the influential Ebale family.

What begins as a traditional funeral gathering soon descends into a terrifying ordeal when Death arrives earlier than expected. As family secrets begin to unravel, Anam discovers that the ritual was never truly about the deceased patriarch. Instead, she finds herself confronting long-buried truths surrounding her mother's death and the emotional wounds she has spent years avoiding.

As the boundaries between the living and the dead begin to blur, every revelation threatens to change the fate of those involved.

A Stellar Kenyan Cast Takes Center Stage

INyawira - Brenda Ngeso

The film brings together some of Kenya's most talented actors, including Gathoni Mutua, Marima Wanjiru, Sam Omondi, Ruth Apondi, Peter Kawa, Vanessa Okeyo, Pras Jadi, and Brenda Ngeso.

Together, the cast delivers powerful performances that bring authenticity and emotional intensity to a story deeply rooted in African culture and storytelling traditions.

Inspired by Real Experiences of Grief

According to director Likarion Wainaina, the inspiration behind Anam’s Wake came from his personal encounters with loss.

After attending several funerals in early 2024, he became fascinated by how grief often remains hidden beneath the surface, only to return later with overwhelming force.

"This film explores the frightening reality that unprocessed grief doesn't disappear—it waits. Through Anam's story, I wanted to explore grief as a ritual, a burden, and an inheritance. I also wanted to portray Death not as a distant idea, but as a presence that exists within communal mourning," Wainaina explained.

Producer Wanjiru Njoroge says the project immediately stood out because of its ability to tell an authentic African story while addressing universal human experiences.

"Anam's Wake is exactly the kind of film I entered this industry to make. It's deeply African, yet speaks to themes everyone can understand—family, identity, grief, truth, and healing. It trusts silence and allows emotion to exist in what is left unsaid," she said.

Celebrating African Culture Through Film

One of the film's most compelling elements is its exploration of African mourning rituals and traditions. Drawing from extensive cultural research and consultation, Anam’s Wake offers a respectful and authentic portrayal of the customs communities use to honor the dead and process loss.

Beyond its supernatural elements, the film examines how grief can be passed from one generation to another through memories, responsibilities, trauma, and family legacies.

The result is a layered story that challenges audiences to reflect on the impact of the past and the emotional truths that often remain hidden within families.

A New Voice in African Psychological Thrillers

As Kenyan filmmakers continue to gain recognition on the global stage, Anam’s Wake arrives as another example of the creative storytelling emerging from Africa's growing film industry.

Combining psychological suspense with rich cultural storytelling, the film invites viewers into a world where death is not simply an ending, but a negotiation between memory, legacy, and healing.

With its haunting atmosphere, powerful performances, and emotionally resonant themes, Anam’s Wake is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated Kenyan film releases of 2026.

Premiere Details

📍 Prestige Cinema, Nairobi 📅 Premiere: 31 July 2026 🎬 Additional Screenings: 1–2 August 2026

For lovers of African cinema, psychological thrillers, and powerful storytelling, Anam’s Wake is a film worth watching.