KUPENDA: A Poignant Journey of Triumph Over Adversity
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
KUPENDA: A Poignant Journey of Triumph Over Adversity
Atlanta, Georgia — Prepare to be moved, inspired, and uplifted as KUPENDA takes audiences on an extraordinary journey of courage, resilience, and hope. Set to release online on May 1st, 2024, this captivating feature-length documentary shines a light on the remarkable stories of three young individuals who defy the odds and show their community that disability is not inability.
On the coast of Kenya, where ancient beliefs in curses and witchcraft permeate the culture, being born with a disability often means facing abuse, abandonment, or even death. KUPENDA follows the awe-inspiring journey of Hassan, Mercy, and Fumo, three determined teenagers impacted by deafness, cerebral palsy, and cognitive delays, as they embark on an epic quest to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's tallest peak.
Facing a daunting 19,000-foot climb through six distinct climate zones, our three ambassadors summon the mental and physical toughness instilled in them by lives of hardship. Through intimate and poetic scenes, viewers are invited to walk in their footsteps, to understand the barriers they must overcome, and to witness the deep pain and fierce pride in their parents, teachers and friends’ voices.
Supported by the life-changing advocacy of Kupenda for the Children, founded by Leonard Mbonani and Cindy Bauer, these courageous teens find strength in a community of hope and understanding. As Leonard and Cindy scour the countryside for children shunned by society, they provide a lifeline to those in need, fostering a belief that everyone deserves to be loved.
"His friends now call him 'a hero, a champion'," Hassan's mother shared upon his return from the climb, a testament to the profound shift in perception and understanding catalyzed by their remarkable feat. "These children truly are champions in every sense. They have inspired me, they have inspired their communities, and hopefully with this documentary they will inspire the world,” states the film’s director Philip Knowlton.
KUPENDA transcends traditional narratives of disability and adversity. It is an intimate portrait of lives differently lived, and of those who fight tirelessly to enrich and validate those lives. It is a powerful affirmation of the value of every human soul and a reminder of our urgent duty to create opportunities for all.
KUPENDA screened at Reelabilities in Boston and Toronto and won the Best Feature Documentary Award at Inclus Film Festival in Barcelona. It is available to rent and for educational licensing at kupendafilm.com
For more information and press inquiries, please contact:
Jessica Charles Abrams
jessica@kupenda.org
kupendafilm.com
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