Filmed with a gentle pace, The Letter is an intimate family portrait that ascends into a dramatic climax. As Karisa balances delicately between his disputing aunties and uncles, the love for his grandmother, ‘Grandma’, and her fearless spirit must overcome the imminent danger of the accusations against her. The inevitable universal theme of how land is divided when an elder dies, is entangled in the chaotic mixture of traditions of the past with the newly imposed influence of Western religions. The understated power of women and resilience of family and community shines above all else, despite the growing threat of greed and inter-generational alienation. Director Maia Lekow, also a renowned Kenyan touring musician, composed an original score that explores the emotional complexity of the family’s situation. Her rich vocal textures act as a spiritual guardian for Grandma and the other elders in danger, as well as providing a musical magnetism that carries the audience through the film’s turning points.

Karisa’s city-life is interrupted when his Grandma back home is called a witch. Travelling home to investigate, he finds a frenzied mix of consumerism and Christianity is turning hundreds of families against their land-owning elders.