Wanuri Kahiu is a celebrated Kenyan filmmaker, director, producer, and author, widely recognized for her innovative storytelling and bold cinematic vision. Born on June 21, 1980, in Nairobi, she is a leading voice in contemporary African cinema and the creator of the “Afrobubblegum” movement, which champions vibrant, joyful, and hopeful representations of African life. Kahiu broke new ground as the first Kenyan director to have a feature film screened at the Cannes Film Festival, earning her international acclaim.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Wanuri Kahiu |
| Date of Birth | June 21, 1980 |
| Place of Birth | Nairobi, Kenya |
| Nationality | Kenyan |
| Partner | Anthony Gikonyo (married October 15, 2016) |
| Children | N/A |
| Occupations | Film director, producer, author |
| Net Worth | Approximately $1.5 million (estimated) |
Early Life and Education
Raised in Nairobi, Wanuri Kahiu grew up in a family of professionals—her father was a businessman and her mother, one of the region’s first female pediatricians.
Surrounded by a large extended family, Kahiu often felt like the “black sheep” due to her creative inclinations.
Her passion for film was sparked at age sixteen when she visited an editing studio, an experience that merged her love for television and books.
Kahiu completed her final two years of high school in the UK before attending the University of Warwick, where she earned a BSc in Management Science.
She later pursued her dream of filmmaking at the UCLA School of Theatre, Film and Television, graduating with a Master of Fine Arts in production and directing in 2001.
career
Wanuri Kahiu’s career started in 2003 when she interned with filmmaker F. Gary Gray on the set of “The Italian Job.” This early experience taught her the importance of balancing creative vision with practical details.
She directed her first documentary, “The Spark that Unites,” in 2006, followed by her first narrative short, “Ras Star.”
Her major breakthrough came with the feature film “From a Whisper” in 2008, inspired by the 1998 US Embassy bombings in Nairobi. The film earned her multiple honors, including Best Director, Best Screenplay, and Best Picture at the Africa Movie Academy Awards.
Kahiu’s reputation grew internationally with “Pumzi,” a short science fiction film that premiered at Sundance in 2010 and won awards at film festivals in Cannes and Carthage.
In 2018, she directed “Rafiki,” a groundbreaking film about a lesbian romance in Kenya, which became the first Kenyan feature to screen at the Cannes Film Festival, despite being temporarily banned in her home country.
Kahiu is also recognized for creating the Afrobubblegum movement, which promotes uplifting and vibrant African stories. She has since expanded her work to international projects, including directing for Netflix and Hulu.
Personal Life
Wanuri Kahiu married Anthony Gikonyo in October 2016. She keeps her family life private but is known to reside in Nairobi’s Karen district as of 2023.
Wanuri Kahiu Net Worth
Wanuri Kahiu’s net worth is estimated to be about $1.5 million, reflecting her achievements in film, international recognition, and partnerships with major studios.
Filmography
Feature Films
- From a Whisper (2008)
- Rafiki (2018)
- Look Both Ways (2022)
Short Films and Documentaries
- The Spark that Unites (2006)
- Ras Star (2006)
- For Our Land (2009)
- Pumzi (2009)
- GER (To Be Separate) (in post-production)
Upcoming Projects
- Once on This Island (Disney+)
- Rusties (in pre-production)
Bibliography
- Rusties (2016): Short story published in Clarkesworld Magazine
- The Wooden Camel (2017): Children’s book about a Turkana boy’s dream
Awards and Recognitions
- Africa Movie Academy Awards (2009): Five wins for “From a Whisper”
- Pan African Film Festival (2010): Best Narrative Feature
- Cannes Independent Film Festival (2010): Best Short Film for “Pumzi”
- Carthage Film Festival (2010): Silver Award for “Pumzi”
- Venice Film Festival (2010): ‘Citta di Venezia 2010’ award
- Chicago International Film Festival (2018): Silver Q-Hugo for “Rafiki”
- Spirit of Cinema Award (2023): Kerala International Film Festival
- TED Fellow (2017)
- World Economic Forum Cultural Leader (2018)
- Time 100 Next (2019)
- Sundance Film Festival Jury (2025)
- Numerous festival selections and nominations
Wanuri Kahiu remains a trailblazer in African cinema, dedicated to telling stories that highlight the joy, complexity, and vibrancy of African life.
As co-founder of AFROBUBBLEGUM and DaDa Productions, she continues to inspire a new generation of filmmakers and challenge conventional narratives about Africa on the world stage.
