Maasai Eunoto Wins Multiple Awards

We're thrilled to announce that our short film, Maasai Eunoto, is rapidly gaining international recognition, honored with multiple awards and selections at prestigious film festivals worldwide! This film, a profound collaboration with Maasai communities, sheds light on a critically important cultural tradition.

Award Highlights

Maasai Eunoto has already garnered significant acclaim, including:

• Orion International Film Festival (Berlin, Germany):

  • Best Ethnographic Film

  • Best Cinematography

• 2025 Firenze Archeofilm Festival (Florence, Italy):

  • University of Florence Award

• 2025 Toronto International Women Film Festival:

  • Best Cinematographer Award

Finalist & Official Selections

The film's journey continues with its recognition as a Finalist at:

• Bali Nale, Bali International Film Festival (Bali, Indonesia)

• World Culture Film Festival 2025 (Los Angeles, CA)

Additionally, Maasai Eunoto has been an Official Selection at:

• 18th Annual Bali International Film Festival 2025 (Bali, Indonesia)

• 12th Annual Arquiteturas Film Festival 2025 (Porto, Portugal)

• Vastfilm Festival 2025 (Buenos Aires, Argentina)

About Maasai Eunoto: A Story of Tradition and Revival

Directed by Maasai filmmaker Joel Kanchori, Maasai Eunoto offers an intimate and moving portrayal of warriors and elders during the profound Eunoto warrior to elderhood rite-of-passage. Filmed in 2022 in a remote area of Kenya, this unique cinematic work is more than just a film—it's a vital tool. Maasai leaders are actively using it to reintroduce the Eunoto Ceremony back into greater Maasai-land, especially in regions like the Maasai Mara where this rich Maa culture has unfortunately faded.

The Eunoto Ceremony is a deeply significant tradition, so much so that it's listed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding.

This impactful film is the latest from the collaborative efforts of Director & Cinematographer Kire Godal and Joel Kanchori. Since 2010, they have pioneered the creation of the first Maa-speaking films in Maasai-land, covering critical topics such as warrior lion hunting (which helped curb the practice) and contemporary Maasai-elephant conflicts. Their films are widely shared and distributed within remote Maasai communities and have been featured on platforms like National Geographic, BBC, Discovery, Amazon Prime, France 5, and in museums and exhibitions worldwide.

We invite you to visit our Maasai Eunoto website page to learn more about the film and its powerful message.