The acclaimed and new ‘The Color Purple’ movie has finally come to East Africa–brought to you by Warner Bros. Pictures International and distributed by Crimson Multimedia Ltd in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and Zambia, following a successful American premiere (Dec 25 2023).

A star-studded Kenyan premiere hosted by Pinky Ghelani and themed ‘Women Wear Pants’ took place in Nairobi at Century Cinemax Two Rivers Mall, on Friday.

Prepare to be taken through a roller coaster of emotions and unhinged drama in the astounding masterpiece that gives a bold new take on the beloved classic - American musical and novel.

The period drama movie features celebrated and distinct stars including Taraji P. Henson (Empire), Danielle Brooks (Orange is the New Black), Colman Domingo (Passing Strange), Halle Bailey (The Little Mermaid), Corey Hawkins (The Walking Dead), Fantasia Barrino (American Idol), H.E.R (Judas and the Black Messiah) and Phylicia Pearl Mpasi (The Lion King Broadway).

Kenyan movie and musical lovers can watch ‘The Color Purple’ at several Kenyan Cinemas from Feb 9, 2024. In Nairobi catch the film at Westgate Cinema, Century Cinemax Two Rivers, Century Cinemax Garden City, Century Cinemax Sarit Centre, Century Cinemax The Junction, Motion Cinema Greenspan Mall, Prestige Cinema, Anga Cinema CBD, Anga Cinema Diamond Plaza, Anga Cinema and Panari Centre. In Mombasa watch ‘The Color Purple’ at Nyali Cinemax and if you’re in Eldoret it will be showing at Rupa Cinema Rupa Mall and for those in Kisumu at Mega Cinema Mega Mall.

“We’re excited to bring the film to Cinemas wide across East Africa, and urge audience to watch it on the Big Screen where the visuals, sound and emotions are immersed experience” - Trushna Buddhdev-Patel, Managing Director, Crimson Multimedia Ltd 

Upholding the power of strong female friendships in the face of sexism, violence, love, sex, religion and racism; the film based on an epic novel, depicts the growing up and self-realization of an African-American woman between 1909 and 1947 in a town in rural Georgia. Its main character, Celie, survives rape and abuse at the hands of her father and husband and separation from her children and sister to find fulfillment and independence away.

The drama-endowed film directed by Ghanaian filmmaker and artist Blitz the Ambassador a.k.a. Baz Bazawule orbits around the virtue of sisterhood uniquely. It demonstrates how Celie ultimately finds extraordinary strength in the unbreakable and unshakable bonds of a new kind of sisterhood with support from a sultry singer named  Shug Avery, as well as her stand-her-ground stepdaughter. This is after she faces a mountain of hardships in life including separation from her sister and her children, and being in an abusive marriage. 

Early reviews from Kenyan media personalities came in. “It’s a roller coaster of emotions. It would be the best way to sum up my experience watching The Color Purple”, said June Gachui of Capital FM.  Pinky Ghelani said, “ It truly made me cry as a woman and as a mother.” Shiksha Arora of KBC added her view, “The film is emotionally heavy, its themes of resilience and sisterhood resonate profoundly, making it a thought-provoking cinematic & musical experience.”  

Victoria Commercial Bank PLC  are the title partner of the Kenyan premiere of ‘The Color Purple’ hosted by Pinky Ghelani and What Women Want at Century Cinemax Two Rivers Mall. 

Speaking of this collaboration, Chief Business Officer – Assets - Poonam Shah let on… “The Color Purple - beautifully encapsulates narratives of resilience, empowerment, and the triumph of the human spirit. Victoria Commercial Bank PLC, in its resolute support of these principles, is dedicated to championing the cause of women's empowerment. Our partnership serves as a testament to our commitment to fostering an environment where women not only succeed but thrive.”