Stories of Our Lives is an anthology of five short films with LGBT themes from the East African republic of Kenya. It was made by the Nairobi-based art and activist group The Nest Collective, many of whose members prefer to conceal their identities to avoid possible persecution under Kenya’s notoriously draconian anti-gay laws. The film is still banned in it some country. The five dramas are mostly personal and domestic inspired by true incidents. ASK ME NICELY Kate, a rebellious young high school girl, meets first-love Faith, a fellow student. They begin a secret relationship, until the school principal takes action to separate the two by suspending Kate from the school. Back at home, Kate impulsively has a sexual encounter with a boy in her neighborhood. Two weeks later, Kate and Faith have an awkward reunion leading to their separation. RUN After negotiating a business deal, Patrick stumbles upon a local gay bar with his homophobic best friend, Kama. Patrick later returns to the clu...
Brothers Francesco and Nicola haven't seen each other for 40 years, ever since Francesco came out gay by declaring it in the school. Since he was a teacher at the time, he decided to spare his family the disgrace he had caused by declaring publicly his sexual orientation. When their mother dies, Francesco visits her but at the burials notary appears with the mother's last wish: to be buried next to her husband in her hometown by both her sons. After some bickering, the duo agree on the road trip where they will need to work on their issues. During this journey, Nicola finally gets to hear what was the real reason of Francesco outing himself publicly. The brothers are starting to communicate now. We also get to know that Francesco has a daughter and grandson, about whom he recently found out. When he decides to commit suicide in which Nicola saves him, we find that he is dealing with a liver disease and his days are numbered. This is when Nicola decides to donate this kidney fo this ailing brother to help him live more. The two brothers are finally where they belong with each other.
The story, even though simple is shared by two very strong performances. Francesco as the aging gay man with many many secrets and Nicola, the heteronormative man who doesn't understand or care about anything but so called "normal". At heart, there is positive message because we get to know the terrible shame Nicola suffered when the small minded town rejected his brother for being different. The prejudice of the time made it worst than it really needed to be. You hear both the viewpoints and you wonder why didn't they talk when such issues could have been amicably reconciled. The third character who gets most scenes are the driver (wannabe musician) who is driving the mother's body with them, and how some interaction between him and Nicola help Nicola realize how he can be a better person. Sometimes we make our opinion based on perceptions without understanding the reality behind people, and this film tries to address this flaw amongst as very beautifully. Like they say 'don't judge a book by its cover'. The two actors share some amazing chemistry and the film is elevated by some really good dialogues and emotions. I loved the ending when Nicola teases his daughter's in-laws about himself. The man has finally turned around and want to do everything right for his estranged brother. Laced with some beautiful Italy landscapes, this is a very nice feel-good movie that warms your heart and brings a smile to your face. (6.5/10)
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