Boniface “Softie” Mwangi has long fought injustices in his country as a political activist. Now he’s taking the next step by running for office in a regional Kenyan election. From the moment Boniface decides to run, telling his wife, Njeri, in passing with a hesitant laugh, he responds to each challenge with optimism. But running a clean campaign against corrupt opponents becomes increasingly harder to combat with idealism alone. And Boniface soon finds that challenging strong political dynasties is putting his family at risk. Should country really come before family, as he’s always believed?

Director Sam Soko captures a charming idealist’s transformation through his grassroots campaign, while exploring the complexities of balancing Boniface’s deep love of country with the needs of his family. Moments with Njeri and their children deepen our understanding of the aspiring elected official, offering introspective respites from the turbulent pace of the campaign. Though set against the backdrop of a country in transition, Soko’s film goes beyond politics to reveal what fuels one activist’s need to push for change. NR, 96 min. In English and Kiswahili/Kikuyu with English subtitles. 

7 day rental • NR • 96 min. • English and Kiswahili/Kikuyu with subtitles

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“A powerful and personal election biopic... as intimate as it is brave.”
— Film Stage

"Softie will inspire those who feel that resistance to power is futile and serve as a warning to those who think such a degradation of democracy as is happening in Kenya can't happen here."
— Boston Globe