Grand jury award-winner at the SXSW Film Festival, this documentary explores the brilliant young Malawi-based man, William Kamkwamba who builds a power-generating windmill from junk parts, effectively rescuing his family from famine and poverty.
William and the Windmill tells the story of a unique individual whose incredible invention sets into motion a series of events that will forever change his life. Experience how Kamkwamba’s imagination and ingenuity can change a family, village, and a nation.
Not only must William overcome poverty, he must also grapple with newfound fame outside his native African country, Malawi. William’s success leads him to new opportunities and complex choices about his future, distancing himself miles away from the life he once knew.
Although William Kamkwamba’s story is rooted in Africa and the problems facing his local community, the film looks at issues that affect us all: education, food production, energy, cultural transition, and international development.
William and the Windmill is director Ben Nabors’ directorial film debut. (JMG)
Official selection at the SXSW Film Festival and Hot Docs. Co-presented by SF Green Film Festival.