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RAI FILM Festival takes place on 27-30 March 2025. Learn more.

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Nawi

Directed by David MacDougall, Judith MacDougall

1970 – 20'

Synopsis

This classic ethnographic documentary, by the renowned filmmaking team of David and Judith MacDougall, explores the nomadic life of the Jie of Uganda. During the dry season the Jie leave their homesteads in large numbers and take their cattle to temporary camps (nawi) in western Karamoja District, where water and grass are more abundant. The film shows the preparations for the 60-mile trip and scenes from the slow journey, including the herding and care of the cattle, bathing at the waterhole, resting under trees, and spending the evening within a thornbush kraal. Includes a number of Jie herdsboys’ songs.

RAI FILM Festival 2025

The next RAI FILM Festival will take place in person from 27-30 March 2025 at the Watershed Cinema and the Arnolfini International Centre for Contemporary Arts in Bristol (UK) and online throughout the month of April 2025.