Nairobi is set to pulse with creativity and conversation as the Rewind, Remix, Reclaim Festival marks the 40th anniversary of the landmark UN World Conference on Women of July 1985. This multidisciplinary, historical reflection will be hosted at the Goethe‑Institut and Alliance Française on the same dates as the original conference took place 40 years ago: 15 – 25 July – Expect a thought-provoking 11-day programme.
The Goethe Institut describes the festival as an artistic exploration of the legacy of the 1985 conference through the lens of today’s feminist movements. The festival reflects on global & local socio-political shifts through the media of feminist video & film screenings, panel discussions & workshops, experiential art installations, and performances.
Reflecting on History, Reimagining Today
The festival features original conference attendees alongside today’s cultural leaders and activists, reflecting on achievements—and areas still needing work. RRR additionally commemorates the conference by revisiting its original activities – such as self-defense courses, workshops, and panel talks with influential artists, creatives and thinkers. Participants will also provide perspectives from their artistic and humanitarian practices regarding today’s gender equality – or lack thereof.
The festival opens with a screening of Maso and Miso Go Boating (1975), a satirical feminist critique from the French collective Les Insoumuses, followed by a panel led by Nicole Fernandez Ferrer (Director, Centre Audiovisuel de Simone de Beauvoir) on the significance of feminist archiving.
As the days progress, Rewind, Remix, Reclaim juxtaposes historical material with contemporary art installations, workshops, and live performances that address persistent issues like violence against women, labor rights, and bodily autonomy.
The rich film lineup includes:
- Saute ma ville (1968) and Conférence des femmes – Nairobi ’85, spotlighting women’s voices then and now
- Mi aporte (1969) and Selbé: One Among Many (1982), Cuban/Senegalese shorts exploring women’s economic and social struggles
- New releases such as Kenya’s Hidden Epidemic (2022, BBC Africa Eye) and Unite For Bissau (2023) on gender-based violence and feminist resilience.
These screenings are paired with panels such as “Feminism and Artistic Strategies” and “Stop Femicide”, engaging activists, feminists, and artists in critical discourse.
There’s also an exciting schedule of diverse Performances & Participatory Art, including:
- A concert by African Women’s Orchestra (July 16)
- Comedy night Fear and loathing in Nairobi featuring standout Kenyan women performers (July 21)
- Retelling of Wangari Maathai’s life by Too Early For Birds (July 22)
- Experiential installations by Sebawali Sio, Wakianda, Namatsi Lukoye, Bella McInk, Tizzita, Liboi, and Natasha that invite audience interaction.
Workshops & Community Activations – Hands‑on highlights include:
- Zine‑making masterclass by Rosie Olang’ (July 17)
- Feminist curation workshop by Birgit Kohler (July 19)
- Self‑defense (jiu jitsu) sessions (July 23 & 24)
- Yoga and qigong for mental wellness (July 22)
- Guided bus tour “Wanawake Hoye!” showcasing Nairobi’s women heroes (July 19)
The closing party happens on 25 July with music, dance, and DJ sets— a celebratory endnote to a festival of reflection, resistance, and renewal.
Legacy, Collaboration, Impact
Rewind, Remix, Reclaim invites participants to revisit the 1985 conference’s spirit of solidarity, while spotlighting the incomplete journey toward gender equality.
The festival offers historical resonance by revisiting and contextualizing the first major UN women’s gathering held in Africa, allowing for a deeper understanding of its legacy. It fosters intergenerational dialogue by pairing past participants with contemporary voices to reassess the trajectory and progress of feminist movements. It promotes holistic engagement, balancing intellectual discourse with creative practices and wellbeing workshops to nourish both mind and body. Importantly, RRR centers local relevance by addressing urgent Kenyan issues such as femicide, labor rights, and gender-based violence within a broader global framework.
“Rewind” the struggles of the past. “Remix” them creatively. “Reclaim” action for our future. Whether you’re a film buff, activist, art-lover, or curious cultural explorer, Rewind, Remix, Reclaim promises a week of thoughtful introspection, celebration, and empowerment.
Mark your calendar: 15–25 July, Nairobi. All are welcome to engage, learn, reflect, and transform together.
All events are free. Venues include:
- Goethe‑Institut: visual art exhibition, panels, screenings, yoga, funding talks
- Alliance Française: film screenings, performances, workshops, comedy, self‑defense
Find the full schedule on the Goethe-Institut website.
Supported by Alliance Française, Goethe‑Institut Nairobi, and UN Women East & Southern Africa, RRR showcases cross‑institutional solidarity and intersectional collaboration.