EXCLUSIVE: New Mountain Films has acquired North American rights to Nawi: Dear Future Me, Kenya’s submission for Best International Feature at the 2025 Oscars.
The Kenyan-German drama, inspired by true events, follows a 13-year-old girl in rural Kenya whose father trades her into marriage in exchange for livestock. On her wedding night, she escapes, walking alone to Nairobi to pursue an education. When she learns that her infant sister is being forced to take her place, Nawi returns to confront her family.
The movie, which recently screened at the UN Commission on the Status of Women in New York, is co-directed by Toby and Kevin Schmutzler, Apuu Mourine, and Vallentine Chelluget, with a script by Kevin and Toby Schmutzler and based on a story by Milcah Cherotich.
The lead role is portrayed by Michelle Lemuya Ikeny in her feature debut.
The film has earned accolades including the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Newcomer, the Special Jury Award at Beijing’s BJIFF (Tiantan Awards), and dual wins at Raindance.
The deal was negotiated directly between Sabbour and the filmmakers at FilmCrew Media: Kevin and Toby Schmutzler and producer Lydia Wrensch. New Mountain is currently targeting a February 2026 theatrical release across the U.S. and Canada. Atlas International handles international sales.
In Kenya, producers say the film has raised $300,000 through its impact campaign, which includes the opening of a first all-girls boarding school. A mobile desert cinema tour is launching this summer to bring the film to remote villages. The project has garnered support from organisations including UNICEF, Girls Not Brides, and Girls First Fund.
“Nawi is exactly the kind of story we feel compelled to share—brave, beautifully made, and impossible to ignore,” said Khaled Sabbour, founder and CEO of New Mountain Films. “It’s not only been recognized by the global film community, but has ignited real-world change. We’re honoured to bring it to North American audiences.”
