Betty Kathungu: How witchcraft stories inspired Medicine Man film

The Medicine man is a Kenyan vernacular film in the Kiembu language.

• On February 14, Embu residents will have a special valentines day treat of thye Medicine man film.

Medicine Man Crew
Medicine Man Crew
Image: Fridah Naliaka

The crew behind the Medicine Man film are set to hold a Mega Homecoming in Embu County, where the film was shot. 

On February 14, Embu residents will have a special valentines day treat as the film will be screened there for the first time. 

The Medicine man is a Kenyan vernacular film in the Kiembu language - which is about a lone Doctor overcoming the odds to redeem the Community he so loves. 

On Sunday, Nairobians were treated to last screening of the film at the Unseen Nairobi Cinema. 

Mpasho caught up with the Producer, Betty Kathungu, who shared her childhood memories that inspired the Medicine Man film. 

"When i was young, i would hear witchcraft stories in my village back at Embu. People would say that stealing ones' property had its consequences. That if you steal you are given a warning, if you do not return, then you are going to hang yourself. And it would happen," Betty said. 

From what she heard, Betty went deep into researching the witchcraft activities that and traditional healing 

"I come from Mbeere community, a lot of witchcraft happens. So i started researching on it and found there is something for a film. That is where the story was born; about African Science, healing. There are people in my community who actually do not go to hospital, they believe in traditional healing. 

The story is fictional, the characters are fictional, but the research was done after talking to several people who have experienced witchcraft in real life."

Betty said producing the film gave her satisfaction and inspiration to produce more vernacular films. 

In attendance also was Njoki wa Njiru and Sammy Kiragu, who were casts in the film and its assistant director, Peter Kawa.

The Medicine Man film has also been made available in 194 other countries via MyMovies.Africa - a platform that allows you to rent or own a film for life.

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