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I am an ardent fan of African films. Over the years, I have developed a habit of figuring out the meaning in film narratives. This quest led me to study Help (2007), directed by Kenyan filmmaker Robby Bresson. In Kenya, the title professor is hard-earned and highly-esteemed. It is synonymous with research, publications, and several years of teaching at a university. Of course, I look forward to becoming one. The plot of Help revolves around Lumumba (Mike Rewa), a young male student who has just completed his Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KSCE). We learn from the exposition that his parents are separated and that he lives with his mother. The film begins with Lumumbas visit to his father George Simba (Peter King). On his trip back to the capital city, Lumumba gets a ride in his father s bus, Africa Pride. The father and son opt to use a different route, a shortcut, because the police have put in place three roadblocks. Passengers may have to pay up to three hundred Kenyan shillings each if they are caught using the main road. |
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