Softie

Softie is a 2020 documentary film directed by Sam Soko. Set in contemporary Kenya, it provides an intimate, nuanced, and awe-inspiring portrayal of active citizenship through the lens of its central figure, Boniface "Softie" Mwangi. A powerful exploration of the tenacity of the human spirit and the complexities of political activism, Softie raises thought-provoking questions about the prospects of democracy and the struggle for justice not only in Africa but also across the globe.

Boniface Mwangi, a renowned photojournalist turned political activist, forms the heart and soul of Softie. Boniface has spent most of his life driven by the desire for social justice, an aspiration born from his childhood experiences growing up in one of Nairobi's most impoverished slums. Over time, his photojournalism—which exposes the ethnic violence and corruption rampant in Kenya—evolves into full-blown activism, ultimately leading him to become a parliamentary candidate for his birthplace and childhood home, Starehe.

The film introduces Boniface as a fearless human rights activist and street protester. His fervent passion, boldness, and tenacity to confront the system, unveil corruption, and fight for a new political order are portrayed vividly. Yet, Softie does not only focus on Boniface's public life but also draws viewers into his private world. The film offers a vivid portrayal of the economy of emotions associated with activism, showing his struggles to balance his political ambitions, personal safety, and family responsibilities.

The secondary yet significant character is Njeri Mwangi, Boniface's wife, and anchor. The film exhaustively presents Njeri’s experiences as she struggles to keep her family intact amidst the threat of constant danger and Boniface's intense political pursuits. She often finds herself cast as the voice of reason, contemplating her husband’s choices, and debating whether the fight for social justice is worth risking their family's safety and solidity. Simultaneously, Njeri’s unwavering support for her husband and her determination to keep their family safe make her an equally compelling figure, whose strength equally complements his larger-than-life persona.

The backdrop to the Mwangi's familial struggles is the vibrant, hectic city of Nairobi. Through compelling visuals and the raw, gritty reality of Nairobi’s streets, the film encapsulates the urgency of the political climate, the strain of poverty, and the increasing call to fight for change.

Director Sam Soko employs a vérité style approach capturing the raw, uncensored emotions that bubble to the surface in the course of the Mwangi's struggles. While Boniface's fight may serve as the primary narrative, Soko manages to harness the power of personal stories to reveal the broader social landscape of Kenya, ultimately posing questions about the country's future.

One of the compelling aspects of the film is its gripping authenticity. Herein lies the beauty of Softie; it is unwaveringly real. It does not peddle an overt political message or manipulate sentiment by portraying Mwangi as an untarnished hero. Instead, it presents its characters as they are – flawed, strong, passionate, human. It is more a testament to the courage of ordinary individuals passionately standing up against systemic wrongs, the compromises they have to make, and the daily conflicts they grapple with in their journey.

Softie is a viscerally moving piece that illuminates critical issues of democracy, corruption, violence, and civic engagement. It is an exploration of the personal sacrifices made behind the scenes of activism and a testament to the meteoric feat of ordinary men daring to speak truth to power.

Delving beneath the surface-level narrative of political activism, Softie investigates the personal toll that comes from standing against the status quo. It's a testament to how active citizenship is not just about headlines — it's about the people behind those headlines, their families, their hopes, their fears, their lives. It's a movie that captures the strength of the human spirit and challenges audiences to question, to care, and, most importantly, to act.

All told, Softie is a powerfully engaging and deeply moving documentary. It serves as a groundbreaking portrait of modern Kenya and a beacon of inspiration for those fighting for democracy and social justice. This movie is not just a viewing experience, but a critical conversation starter about personal stakes in political activism, solidifying the age-old belief that the personal indeed is political. Whether one is directly familiar with Kenyan politics or not, Softie resonates, educates, and inspires in equal measure, making it a must-watch.