This short film highlights the issues Kenyan talent goes through in the hands of greedy producers. I was expecting much more, however, the movie does deliver its message clearly and I hope it causes the Kenyan Film Industry to address the issues it faces. If you want to get an indication of what goes on in the Kenyan movie industry, this is it.
Watch Cheque Mate Trailer
The Story
A producer gets a contract to do a film, however, decides to undercut the crew and actors in the contract. She even does worse and eventually, they retaliate.
While the idea was good, probably great, the script was not so good. There could be more weaving in the plot, it could have a better choice of words in conversation and, for an issue that has such a gross impact on the lives of so many people, the energy in the film is rather low. This is so different from the energy in the trailer.
The actions sometimes did not match the words. For example, Sanaa pours a drink on a casting agent after a compliment which could have, or could have not led to a request for sexual favors. Zubedi and Sanaa later burn Waiguru alive however this single incident cannot be the cause of such hate and vengeance. So much that is unshown and unspoken has been poured into the film so one would not really get the behavior of the characters unless they know the issues facing the industry. I don’t think the script provides enough of a back story, tension, and pent-up energy that could lead to the few explosive reactions we see. The script could have been much better.
The Actors
The actors did their part considering the choice of words and the roles they were playing. I think Waiguru, acted by Wakio Mzenge was quite hatable. She definitely delivered. I also liked Brian Ogola as Zubedi followed by Audi Rowa in the role as Sanaa
The Cast of Cheque Mate
Angela Nancie – Anjie
Audi Rowa – Sanaa
Brian Mwangemi – Crew Loader
Brian Ogola – Zubedi
Elizabeth Njeri – Crew
Faith Kibathi – Zubedi’s Wife
Ken Bahati – Director
Lucy Njoroge – Amelia (Sanaa’s Mother)
Mwamburi Maole – Casting Agent
Peter Kawa – Gibson
Sara Wangui – Makeup lady
Wakio Mzenge – Waiguru
Technical Construction
The sound, picture, and general choice of the venue were good. I liked the end where Zubedi is sitting on the floor regretting having worked on the project and the use of lighting when Zubedi and Sanaa are harassing Waiguru.
With a lukewarm script, I think there was not much to do. No need for a range of camera angles or music. It is good it was a short film
Conclusion
The choice of title, the spoiler alert choice of actors in the promotion material all made me expect much more. It was rather underwhelming, like warm tea – OK.
I definitely look forward to similar productions addressing issues in the industry with more detail and richer plots. This topic needs to be properly exploited and exhausted for real impact.
Rating
I give it a 4/10
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