A powerful true-to-history drama about friendship, activism and the fight for life-saving medicine finally comes home to Kenya.
The highly anticipated international drama CALL ME QUEEN comes home for its official Africa Premiere in Nairobi on Saturday, 17th October 2026 at Prestige Cinema, Ngong Road. Fresh from its European premiere in Germany to critical acclaim, director Emily Atef’s stirring feature brings a defining chapter of Kenya’s history to the screen with heart, urgency and artistic grit.
Set in late-1990s Nairobi at the peak of the AIDS crisis, the film follows Queen Achungo, played by award-winning actress Eliane Umuhire, a Rwandan single mother living in the city. Her transformative friendship with Anna, an Irish journalist, drives the story. Together they take on systemic barriers and powerful pharmaceutical conglomerates withholding life-saving treatment from those who need it most.
CALL ME QUEEN Premiere
A star-studded international and local cast
The film unites international actors Dominic West, Denise Gough and Danny Sapani with celebrated local talent including Nice Githinji, Michelle Tiren and Peter Kawa. Seeing this collaboration on the big screen in Nairobi is a landmark moment for African storytelling.
Conversations that still matter today
Though set in 1999, the film’s themes remain urgent. It sparks dialogue around:
- HIV/AIDS prevention and healthcare access: equality in care, fair medicine distribution and dignity for every patient.
- Sisterhood and activism: how women support one another to drive social change and policy reform.
- Community and solidarity: the power of grassroots movements and friendship in confronting human rights crises.
Red-carpet experience and 90s Glam
The premiere is set to be a memorable cultural gathering. Guests are invited to dress in 90s Glam and join filmmakers, cast members, health advocates and social justice leaders for the red carpet, the live screening and a post-film Q&A.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=vDImOd-BEePQBDEC&v=eQDOde0lC1E&feature=youtu.be
Direct support for local cinema distribution
Your ticket supports the growth of African cinema. Distributed by YAKWETU™ and Crimson Multimedia, the film opens the way for cinema runs across East Africa from 30th October 2026, followed by impact screenings and digital streaming.
Event Summary and Tickets
- Date: Saturday, 17th October 2026
- Time: 6:00 PM – 10:30 PM
- Venue: Prestige Cinema, Ngong Road, Nairobi
- Dress code: 90s Glam
- Tickets: YAKWETU Africa
Whether you love cinema, advocate for public health or believe in authentic African narratives, CALL ME QUEEN is an experience you won’t want to miss. Opens across East Africa from cinema from the 30th October 2026
