Real Strike Studios is proud to announce that our short film Kanairo has received seven nominations at the prestigious Kalasha Awards 2026—marking a powerful milestone for the film, for RSS and the growing global voice of Kenyan storytelling.

From its inception, Kanairo was envisioned as more than just a short film—it is a reflection of Nairobi’s pulse, a story rooted in truth, struggle, and the emotional realities of modern urban life. From the onset Kanairo has made its international tour screening in Berlin, India, Australia, Canada, Tanzania, Rwanda and USA among other territories. It has also earned several awards since its release in 2023. This recognition by the Kalasha Awards affirms the film’s creative strength and the incredible team behind it.

The 7 Nominations

Kanairo has been nominated in the following categories:

• Best Director – Cecimercy Wanza
• Best Short Film – Clementina Kabutha
• Best Cinematographer – Jackson Kangethe
• Best Sound Design – Daniel “Clue” Ateng
• Best Film Score – Mbinu Mbili
• Best Original Screenplay – Cecimercy Wanza & Clementina Kabutha
• Best Actor – Jeff Omondi

Each nomination reflects a department that poured intention, craft, and authenticity into bringing Kanairo to life.

A Story That Represents Us

Set against the backdrop of Nairobi, Kanairo explores the unspoken pressures faced by young men navigating identity, survival, and expectation. The film captures the contradictions of a city that is both full of promise and deeply unforgiving—where dreams are built and broken in equal measure.

At its core, Kanairo is about visibility, about telling our stories with honesty, depth, and dignity. It is a testament to the power of African cinema when it is grounded in truth and executed with purpose.

A Collective Achievement

These nominations are not just a win for the film, they are a celebration of collaboration. From direction and performance to sound, score, and cinematography, every frame of Kanairo carries the fingerprints of a team committed to excellence.

For Real Strike Studios, this moment reinforces our mission: to create export-ready African stories that resonate both locally and globally, while staying rooted in authenticity.

Support Kanairo

As we celebrate this milestone, we invite you to be part of the journey.

Vote for Kanairoat the Kalasha Awards 2026:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSej412IuApA8dPw6MOpInsljYf7d2-heRcCgRxARVhuEmJSYA/viewform

Your support means everything—not just for this film, but for the future of Kenyan storytelling.

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Looking Ahead

Seven nominations. One story. A city that never sleeps.

Kanairo continues to stand as proof that our stories matter and that when told with intention, they can travel far beyond our borders.

This is just the beginning.

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