How can one deal with the effects of colonialism on the indigenous African population more than half a century after most countries on the continent have become independent? In how to build a library, managers Mia Liko and Crystone King choose a direct systematic way. Their document follows two Kennett women, trying to convert an abandoned library in the center of Nairobi. This tremendous task requires patience, perseverance and preparation to face the past. Lekow and King bring the same skills to their movie, but their task is still vast and very complex for easy answers.
Shero (Writer) and Wachuka (publisher) was first seen in 2018, and is taking over the Mamlian Library sponsorship project, a historical institution that was built from the private sector by British settlers and is currently owned by the government. He is in a horrific condition. Shero and Shuka seek to update something that contemporary Kenyans can benefit from. To accomplish this, they must also address what must be eliminated and what must be preserved from the Kenya colonial past under British rule. Most books, documents, pictures and art in the library have not changed since the pre -independence of Kenya.
With grays and a lot of flexibility, Shero and Wachka take the strenuous work of returning this library to life. They must raise funds, manage social media campaigns and make events. They do not know anything about anything about architecture and rehabilitation of old buildings. Above all, they must fight government bureaucracy. Each step forward comes with two steps back and turns political power.
Wachuka and Shiro are natural in front of the camera, and they often look directly to the bottom of the lens and talkingly about their project. Film makers give them space to express their ideas and backgrounds. They are sometimes caught, in unspected moments, and they revealed more than they mean. The effect in particular is their expression of the emotional losses of this project on their lives and friendship. There is still a spirit of humor and laughter between them, but also tension and stress. The camera remains sensitive when picking the conflict. There are no great dramatic moments. Instead, many feelings are bubble under the front of calm and companion.
Another source of tension in the narration is that these two women are new in the library. They are considered strangers by the group that was working there before their arrival. In a tense scene, Wachuka and Shiro request comments for their proposals. They are trying to generate cooperation by framing the session as a conversation, but they still get nothing in return. Liko and King remain on the unjust and silent faces on the other side of the conference table. While this is a strong moment in the narration, film makers do not give the audience a sense of the rest of the employees. The main librarian is given a lot of screen time. This looks like an uncomfortable part of the story: the thread has been ignored quickly, which reduces its effect.
An interview with filmmakers with a few people in society who call it “library users”. These short interviews aim to shed light on those who want the heroes to serve them. There are also societal meetings in which academics and other intellectuals talk about the influence of the colonial era and what they hope will defend the library after the rehabilitation ends. Again, these glimpses are presented in a broader story but are never a full narration. The focus remains on Wachuka and Shiro, charismatic heroes with many good intentions. But a society that is supposed to serve them never comes in how to build a library.
By ignoring society, directors do not provide any answers to colonialism and its current effects on infrastructure and Kenya culture. In contrast, their image is presented to Shero and Shuka with great sympathy. The story of all the obstacles they face, especially with the government red tape and corruption, is born with sympathy and shed light on the current political situation of Kenya.
This part makes the movie miniature from Kenya itself after independence. However, very late time, it is just a code instead of an integral part of the story. Lekow and King of the film makers with a clear eye for Nairobi, the city they call home. However, in the end, it seems to “how to build a library” as if it is half a good story.