There are some evenings that settle into memory like poetry—and last Friday was exactly that. The city of Kisumu came alive with color, conversation and community during our most recent Cultural Friday, where the much-anticipated film How to Live by the remarkable Muthoni Njoroge was screened at Mega Cinema to a full house.

From the moment guests began to arrive, there was a buzz in the air—an unspoken recognition that something special was about to unfold. The cinema lobby transformed into a vibrant hub of handshakes, hugs, anticipation and laughter. People from all walks of life gathered: students, artists, health advocates, community leaders and policymakers joined by honored guests from the Ministry of Health, CIHEB, NRHS CAB, and Kisumu County Government.

The event officially opened with warm welcomes and heartfelt acknowledgments, setting a tone of unity and purpose. As the lights dimmed and the screen flickered to life, the cinema grew quiet—and for the next 1 hour and 30 minutes, we were all held by the gripping, intimate and soul-stirring narrative of How to Live.

Muthoni Njoroge’s film is an experience. It’s an unraveling of the layers we carry, a celebration of queer identity and a challenge to societal norms that often demand silence. The story, beautifully told through the lens of one woman’s journey toward freedom, struck deep chords. For many in the room, it was more than a film—it was recognition, reflection and release.

After the credits rolled, the atmosphere shifted—but the energy stayed electric. We moved into a lively and thought-provoking panel session featuring the filmmaker herself alongside key voices from the public health and creative sectors. Discussions delved into the intersections of mental health, identity, policy, and art, and how storytelling like How to Live can reshape public dialogue and spark healing.

The panel was as emotional as it was enlightening—personal stories were shared, powerful questions were asked, and real connections were formed. The crowd leaned in, not just listening but actively participating, embodying what Cultural Friday is all about: a space where culture, courage and community converge.

One of the most memorable moments was Muthoni’s film-inspired dress-up, a symbolic echo of her creative process and the film’s aesthetics. He stepped into the spotlight embodying the spirit of the story he so fearlessly told—stylish, raw and radiant.

It was a night of beautiful moments:
Friends reuniting under the soft lights of the cinema foyer.
Young queer people seeing themselves on screen, maybe for the first time.
Leaders and community members sharing one space, one story, one vision.

The turnout was massive. The impact? Even bigger. As the evening wrapped up and the crowd spilled out into the cool Kisumu night, there was a sense of stillness mixed with spark—like we had just witnessed a seed being planted, and all of us were now part of its growth.

If you missed it, don’t worry. How to Live is just beginning its journey—and so is this movement of radical storytelling. Cultural Fridays are back, and they’re bolder than ever.

Until the next one, keep living, keep loving, and keep showing up.