Hanami – Film Screening

Nairobi, Kenya| May 5, 2025– Prepare to be transported into a hauntingly beautiful and surreal cinematic world with Hanami, screening exclusively at UNSEEN Nairobi every Thursday in May. This evocative film unfolds on a remote volcanic island, blending dreamlike visuals with an emotionally rich narrative about family, abandonment, and healing.

At the heart of Hanami is Nana, a young girl growing up in isolation on an island where everyone longs to leave. The only anchor in her life is the memory of her mother, Nia, who mysteriously vanished after Nana’s birth due to an unexplained illness. When Nana develops a dangerously high fever, she is sent to the base of the island’s volcano to receive a traditional form of healing. What follows is a deeply poetic journey through a space where the lines between dreams and reality blur, reshaping her understanding of love, identity, and her place in the world.

Years pass, and Nana transitions from childhood into adolescence. Just as she has begun to accept the rhythms of island life, her long-lost mother returns — and with her, a cascade of unresolved emotions, secrets, and new questions about who Nana is and what legacy she will carry forward.

Hanami is more than just a film — it’s an immersive emotional experience. The story unfolds with a pace and tone that mirrors the natural world it inhabits: meditative, mysterious, and deeply human. Its themes of belonging, memory, and generational trauma resonate universally, while its breathtaking cinematography and sound design draw you into a world where volcanic landscapes breathe with symbolism and silence speaks volumes.

Whether you’re a lover of arthouse cinema, drawn to stories with strong female leads, or simply looking for a film that challenges conventional storytelling, Hanami is a must-watch.

Event Details

Denise Fernandes
Hanami

Every Thursday from 8th to 28th May, 2025
@ UNSEEN Nairobi

More Info:

@ UNSEEN Nairobi

unseen-nairobi.com