The Ladima Foundation is excited to announce the 5 shortlisted films for the 2026 edition of The Adiaha Award for Best Documentary by an African Woman Filmmaker after a record number of submissions were received.

With a strong representation this year from North Africa, the five films will now proceed to the Jury for the final selection and the announcement of a winner that will take place in June 2026.   

Selection Committee member Theresa Hill (Deputy Director at STEPS - Social Transformation and Empowerment Projects), said “I was impressed by the diverse range of complex themes explored, as well as the broad geographical scope. Many of the films engaged deeply with questions of identity and belonging, while also reflecting on how we honour those who came before us.”

As in previous years, the winner will receive a $2,000 cash prize, and for this, the  8^th edition of the award, the winning filmmaker will be invited to Afrikamera - Current Cinema from Africa  in Berlin later this year to screen their film and take part in networking and media opportunities. Afrikamera - Current Cinema from Africa has been committed to intercultural dialogue between Africa and Germany since 2007 and sees itself as a permanent platform for dialogue between African filmmakers and the Berlin audience, and as a place for exchange between filmmakers, producers, and distributors. 

The Ladima Foundation would like to thank all of the women filmmakers who took the time to submit their films and also congratulates the five shortlisted filmmakers.

The Shortlisted Films are:

1. Tin Hinan, The Last Nomad [Algeria] – Directed by Leila Artese Benhadj

I return to the Sahara searching for my origins, guided by my mother’s memories and by my own need to understand where I come from. In the desert, I find Fatimata and her daughter Leila, two Tuareg women living the fragile passage between nomadism and sedentariness. Through their daily gestures and my voice addressing my mother, the film becomes and intimate journey where a personal quest intersects with a broader transformation, and where the silence of the desert holds both memory and change.

2. The Last Letter to Nasser [Egypt] – Directed by Fayza Harby Bemmann

The filmmaker falls into a dilemma while shooting  a documentary on the Nubian displacements, she seeks answers to her questions by deciding to write to the then Egyptian president Gamal Abdel Nasser. The film explores the personal impact of state-led infrastructure projects on the Nubian community through the examination of the life of a woman named Tahra, who navigates the memories of her flooded village and the societal changes enacted by the Nasser regime.

3. Sleeping Warrior [Kenya] – Directed by Janet Wells and Produced by Nina Ruiz

Sleeping Warrior is a feature documentary about the first female African Lacrosse team. We follow these young women from their homes in Kenya to the World Championships in Canada and see how an unimaginable opportunity has transformed their humble lives.

From getting their first passports, to discovering how their friends and families react, we learn how the power of sport changes these young women. There is heartbreak, joy and always strength of spirit. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4G29JEePcf0

 4. 50 Meters [Egypt] – Directed by Yomna Khattab

Through a complex and emotionally layered father-daughter journey set in the waters of a community swimming pool in Cairo, yomna, a firt-time director, uses the filmmaking process as a tool to spend more time with her distant father. As she approaches him, she explores her existential questions surrounding career, parenthood and mortality. https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=687930596920579

5. And She Didn’t Die [South Africa] – Directed by Kethiwe Zandile Ngcobo

And She Didn't Die is an intimate portrait of Lauretta Ngcobo's journey from rural storyteller to revolutionary to acclaimed feminist writer in exile, told through the eyes of her daughter, filmmaker Kethiwe Ngcobo. This hybrid documentary uses family archives, historical footage, and dramatic readings to show how Lauretta's dangerous political work, escape from South Africa, and literary transformation became acts of resistance, preserving personal history while challenging national narratives.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ykekRY7G94

ABOUT THE LADIMA FOUNDATION

The Ladima Foundation is a not for profit organisation, founded in 2018 and registered in South Africa and Tanzania with the aim of contributing to correcting the major imbalances within the film, TV and content industries.

Through a number of initiatives, The Ladima Foundation supports, trains, and mentors women in a variety of roles within the film, TV, and content spaces.

Through partnerships and collaborations in various countries, as well as through Pan-African networks and interventions, the Ladima Foundation is committed to developing training, networking, and related opportunities for women professionals who demonstrate their seriousness and commitment to their craft. www.ladima.africa

ABOUT AFRIKAMERA – Current Cinema from Africa

The non-profit cultural association toucouleur e.V. has promoted the AFRIKAMERA film festival – Current Cinema from Africa since 2007, fostering intercultural dialogue between Africa and Germany. AFRIKAMERA uses film to showcase Berlin audiences the full diversity of the African continent, beyond the common topics of violence, disease, and natural disasters. By presenting everyday life’s many facets and inner perspectives of filmmakers from the continent, it brings these stories to life on the big screen.

AFRIKAMERA positions itself as a lasting platform for dialogue between African filmmakers and Berlin audiences, and as a hub for exchange among filmmakers, producers, and distributors. To this end, AFRIKAMERA collaborates with major African film festivals, institutions, and initiatives from Marrakesh to Durban.

With annually changing thematic focuses, the festival tackles issues relevant to Africa’s post-independence-generation of young filmmakers. AFRIKAMERA also engages in education and cultural outreach, organizing workshops, panels, and events in Germany and abroad. More information: https://www.afrikamera.de/en/

Nominated Senator Miraj Abdillahi has tabled a motion in the Senate seeking a comprehensive investigation into the victims of the 1994 Mtongwe Ferry Disaster.

The senator is pushing for a thorough inquiry to establish the exact number of families affected and ensure that all victims receive justice.

She urged the Senate Standing Committee on Roads, Transport and Housing to carry out a detailed review of compensation efforts.

“The committee should conduct a comprehensive investigation to determine the number of affected families, the compensation paid so far, any outstanding claims, and identify which families have not been compensated and the reasons for the delays,” said Senator Miraj.

The senator noted that despite assurances and promises made by various authorities following the tragedy, doubts remain about whether compensation was fully and fairly distributed to all affected families.

In addition, the UDA-nominated senator called on the Mombasa County Government, in collaboration with the Ministry of Roads and Transport, to establish a permanent memorial in honor of the victims of the disaster.

“The establishment of a national memorial is an important step in honoring those who lost their lives. It also promotes collective social healing and strengthens national accountability to its citizens,” she stated.

Senator Miraj also expressed deep sorrow over the April 29, 1994 tragedy, emphasizing the need to preserve its memory.

“The Likoni ferry disaster resulted in deaths and injuries to innocent citizens, most of them residents of Likoni and Mombasa County. It caused immense national grief and long-term physical, psychological, social, and economic impacts on the families who lost their loved ones and the survivors,” she explained.

The motion will now be debated in the Senate as lawmakers consider the way forward.

Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir has declared that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) will aggressively pursue a share of executive power in the next general election.

Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV, Nassir admitted that the party is still grappling with the political vacuum left by Odinga, describing it as a major setback.

"The loss of Baba was a big blow to our political formation and it’s difficult to fill his shoes,” he said.

The ODM deputy party leader, however, emphasized that the party is now focused on rebuilding and repositioning itself ahead of the next electoral cycle.

"As we rebuild, we will push for the position of Deputy President in the coalition talks,” Nassir stated, adding that the party intends to secure a meaningful stake in government.

He further explained that the final decision on who will carry the party’s interests at that level will rest with ODM’s internal structures.

“Our ODM party organs will decide the most viable candidate for the role,” he said.

Nassir nonetheless openly expressed his personal preference, backing former Mombasa Governor and current Cabinet Secretary Hassan Ali Joho for the position.

"My personal preference is Ali Hassan Joho. I believe he has the requisite experience and political stature, but we will abide by the decision of the party,” he added.

His remarks echo growing momentum within ODM’s Coast leadership, which has increasingly rallied behind Joho as a preferred candidate for the deputy presidency in 2027.

Kadzandani MCA Fatma Kushe has sharply criticized Mombasa Woman Representative Zamzam Mohamed, questioning her leadership approach and the impact of the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF).

Speaking during a recent engagement in her ward, Kushe accused the Woman Representative of prioritizing publicity over meaningful service delivery, arguing that residents are yet to feel the full benefits of NGAAF programs.

"Leadership is about service to the people, not constant public relations. We need to see real impact on the ground, especially from NGAAF,” Kushe said.

The MCA took issue with what she described as increased focus on social media visibility, claiming that some initiatives appear staged for online platforms rather than delivering lasting solutions to residents.

"Visiting vulnerable families with large teams just to record and share content does not solve their problems. Our people deserve dignity and genuine support,” she added.

Kushe emphasized that her remarks were not personal but aimed at pushing for accountability and better utilization of public resources.

"I have nothing personal against her, but the people of Mombasa deserve to see tangible results. Leaders were entrusted with these offices to serve, and that must remain the priority,” she stated.

Mombasa leaders have closed ranks in defence of Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho, declaring him fit for the Deputy President position while calling for unity across the Coast region.

Speaking during an Eid baraza held on Sunday in Mombasa, the leaders dismissed recent remarks by Hassan Omar Hassan, the EALA MP and UDA Secretary General, who last week questioned Joho’s suitability for the country’s second-highest office.

Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir led the onslaught, urging Coast residents to remain united and rally behind one of their own.

“Our unity as the people of the Coast region is our strength. When we say Hassan Joho is fit to be the Deputy President, we have proof and facts, he has been tested and proven,” Nassir said. “Our irreducible demand is that the seat of the Deputy President should come from ODM, and as the people of the Coast region, we say this seat should come to us.”

The governor cautioned leaders against undermining others, saying such behavior weakens the region’s political influence.

“Do not demean the dreams of others. Your light will not be brighter by diminishing the light of others,” he added.

EALA MP Suleiman Shahbal used a metaphor to emphasize Joho’s political weight, likening him to a lion ready for battle.

“You cannot take a cat to a fight, you only take a lion. And the lion from the Coast region is Hassan Joho,” Shahbal said.

Adding “We are not asking for favors. It is the numbers you bring to the table that will determine the next Deputy President.”

He criticized leaders from the region opposing Joho’s bid, terming such actions self-defeating.

“If you are from the Coast region and you are fighting your colleague, then you are not normal,” he said.

Changamwe MP Omar Mwinyi called for tolerance and respect for individual ambitions.

“There is nothing wrong with someone following their dreams. Let’s stop acting like children. If you keep fighting everyone and demeaning them, then there is something wrong,” he said.

Mombasa Woman Representative Zamzam Mohammed reaffirmed her support for Joho, assuring him of political backing from the grassroots.

“To my brother Hassan Joho, count on our support. We are with you in this journey, and they will know that you have foot soldiers behind you. Those fighting you have no agenda,” she said.

Likoni MP Mishi Mboko stressed the need for unity, warning that divisions would cost the region a chance at national leadership.

“If we are divided, then we are the ones to lose. Even our religion teaches us to be united,” she said. “It is very sad that someone from the Coast stands before people and claims that another from the region lacks capacity to be Deputy President.”

Mboko highlighted Joho’s political track record, noting his experience as a Member of Parliament, Assistant Minister, Governor, and now Cabinet Secretary.

“What other skills are we looking for? He understands our challenges jobs, land issues and how to address them. We need power, and we will get it through unity,” she added.

Kisauni MP Rashid Bedzimba echoed similar sentiments, warning that internal divisions were undermining the region’s long-standing grievances of marginalization.

“We have been complaining about discrimination for a long time, but now it is turning out that we are enemies of our own,” he said. “Why fight someone who wants to climb to the position of Deputy President?”

Bedzimba noted that the Coast region has historically had limited representation in top national positions and said the moment should not be squandered.

“We now have a chance, and we should stand united. Let’s not justify those who say we cannot deliver,” he added.

On his part Mvita Mp Mohammed Machele also urged leaders to avoid internal conflicts and instead support Joho’s ambitions.

“Let’s not be our own enemies as the people of the Coast region. We have one of our own who has declared interest—why should someone from here fight him and support someone from elsewhere?” he posed.

The leaders maintained that the Coast region must consolidate its political voice ahead of the 2027 general election, insisting that unity will be key in negotiating for top national positions.

Dr. Mandla Lamba, CEO of Treadway, a Hong Kong-based investment banking firm, has been nominated for the esteemed World CEO Award rankings.

This honor recognizes exceptional leadership among chief executives worldwide.

As CEO, Dr. Lamba has played a key role in managing Treadway’s global operations, fostering innovation in investment banking, and establishing the firm as a trusted name in international finance.

His nomination highlights not only his strategic vision but also his dedication to sustainable growth and strong corporate governance.

“This nomination is a testament to the dedication of our entire team at Treadway,” said Dr. Lamba. “It reflects our shared goal of building a company rooted in integrity, innovation, and global teamwork.”

The World CEO Award is considered one of the most prestigious honors in corporate leadership, celebrating leaders who excel in governance, innovation, and making a global impact.

Dr. Lamba’s inclusion in the rankings places him among a select group of executives whose work has made a significant difference in their industries.

Industry experts note that Dr. Lamba’s leadership style combines strategic vision with a focus on sustainable growth, positioning Treadway as a strong competitor in the investment banking sector.

His recognition is seen as proof of the firm’s growing influence and his personal commitment to excellence.

The final rankings for the World CEO Award are expected to be announced later this year, with excitement building over which leaders will be recognized for their contributions to global business.

Treadway is a Hong Kong-based investment banking firm specializing in global financial advisory, capital markets, and strategic investment solutions.

With a focus on innovation and integrity, Treadway serves clients worldwide, helping them navigate complex financial markets and achieve sustainable growth.

Hundreds of Mombasa residents who had been detained in public hospitals over unpaid medical bills are finally reuniting with their families in time to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, following a county-backed intervention that cleared their debts.

The three-day initiative, which concluded today, facilitated the discharge of patients who had completed treatment but remained confined due to outstanding bills.

In total, 480 patients at Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital benefited from the program.

The effort was made possible through a partnership between the county government and donors, including the Shariff Nassir Foundation, who stepped in to fully settle the pending balances.

Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir described the move as a timely and compassionate gesture during the Eid festivities.

He directed health facility managers and local administrators to ensure the immediate discharge of all eligible patients, emphasizing that the support was extended to all, regardless of background or religious affiliation.

Beneficiaries and their families expressed overwhelming gratitude, noting that the intervention had restored not just their freedom but also the opportunity to celebrate the holiday together at home.

Jimmy Mumbo, who had been admitted on January 4, 2026, following an accident in Bombolulu, remained hospitalized for weeks after undergoing surgery. With a bill totaling Sh190,000, his discharge had been impossible—until now.

“I want to thank the Governor for clearing our bills. My family will be surprised and overjoyed. They will wonder where I got the money,” Mumbo said.

His sister, Mnyazi Mumbo, said the family had been anxiously waiting for help.

“We were stuck here with no way out, hoping for a well-wisher. Back home, our family will be overjoyed because they did not know when they would see him again,” she said.

Paul Njuguna, a long-term diabetes patient, was admitted earlier this week after a fall at home that left him with a broken foot. His bill had already exceeded Sh50,000.

“I sincerely thank the Governor. I had no means to clear the bill,” Njuguna said.

Samuel Kinyua also expressed appreciation after his relative was discharged under the program.

Meanwhile, John Ngugi, who suffered a fracture while at work, had received partial support through the Social Health Authority (SHA), which covered Sh336,000 of his Sh444,000 hospital bill.

However, the remaining Sh108,000 had left him stranded in hospital for over a month.

“I am thankful,” Ngugi said.

The port city of Mombasa has received a major tourism boost following the arrival of the luxury cruise vessel MV Viking Sky, which docked early Thursday morning carrying 789 passengers and 476 crew members.

The vessel’s second call to Mombasa marks a significant milestone in Kenya’s growing cruise tourism sector, coming as the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) anticipates two more cruise ship arrivals before the end of the current season.

Operated by Viking Ocean Cruises, the ship sailed from the Seychelles and is expected to remain in Mombasa for three days before proceeding with its onward journey.

During this period, most of the passengers are expected to tour Kenya’s national parks and other tourist attractions, providing a much-needed boost to the local tourism economy.

Tourism stakeholders have welcomed the extended stay, noting that it presents a valuable opportunity to enhance visitor experiences while generating revenue across the hospitality and travel sectors.

Speaking during the vessel’s reception, KPA Manager of Security Services, Tony Kibwana, who represented Managing Director Captain William Ruto, said the arrival plays a critical role in positioning both Mombasa and Kenya as leading cruise tourism destinations.

“The arrival of this vessel underscores the importance of Mombasa and the country in terms of handling cruise passengers. We look forward to more vessels arriving in the coming months,” said Kibwana.

Also present was the Director General of the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), Professor Erustus Kanga, who described the visit as a strong indicator of Kenya’s rising profile along the Indian Ocean cruise circuit.

"Today’s arrival is not just another cruise stop; each vessel and every visitor reflects increasing global confidence in Kenya as a safe, diverse, and experience-rich destination,” said Kanga.

He added that KWS has introduced attractive incentives aimed at promoting the cruise tourism segment, with expectations that more visitors will explore Kenya’s renowned game parks.

“This moment also offers an opportunity to showcase a unique tourism model—one that seamlessly connects our coastal heritage with our world-renowned wildlife experiences,” he noted.

The latest visit by MV Viking Sky comes exactly one year after its maiden call to Mombasa, when it arrived with 845 passengers and 469 crew members. Its return further cements Mombasa’s position as an emerging hub for cruise liners in the region.