Product: Nowhere in Africa (2003)
Rating: 5.0
1930s Kenya is a safe haven and a place of culture clashes
This is the story of a Jewish family fleeing Nazi Germany in the 1930s. They go to Kenya, a place as foreign to them as another world. However, at least they are safe. The father, played by Merab Ninidze, was a former lawyer. Now he runs a farm in a rather desolate area. He suffers from Malaria and is nursed to health by an African cook, played by Sidede Onyulo who teaches him to speak Swahili. When the Jewish man's wife and daughter arrive, there is a lot of adjusting to do, especially for the wife, played by Juliane Kohler, who spends her last money before the trip on a ball gown. The little girl, who is about 6, is played by Lea Kurka. She's the first one to adjust and easily makes friends with the village children.That's just the outline of the story however, which is told against the backdrop of historical events. When war is declared, the family is now considered German by the English authorities ruling Kenya and put in a rather luxurious detention for a while. The marriage is troubled, the daughter is sent to an English school. The family learns what it is to be different. And yet, they grow to love their new home. There are serious questions to decide when the war ends.I found this film fascinating, especially in the parts where there were culture clashes. It was filmed in German, with a bit of Swahili and English. This added to its authenticity. I don't know if this was a true story or not, but it sure seemed real to me. Definitely recommended.