The TUMAINI FILM PROJECT is a documentary of human resilience and the transformative power of athletics. A coach trains students to overcome the devastation of life in the slums; young athletes work tirelessly to make it onto the national stage; elites suffer to become World Champions. These characters are united by Kenya's most sacred tradition: running.

Tumaini, Swahili for hope, is the guiding principle of the film project.

To generate support for the film, we have recruited 15 runners across the globe to run 150 miles in 30 days, from May 1-30. Athletes from the United States, the UK, Ireland, Switzerland, and China will chronicle their journey as they collectively run 2250 miles and work to raise $15,000. 

This film is being produced and co-directed by Erin Finucane and directed by Mark Moskowitz.

From the Filmmaker:

I have long been enchanted by the power of film in international advocacy work; the way it brings global issues into the living room and connects human beings across continents. This interest became much more two years ago when I first read about Frank Murithi, a man who sought to overcome the crime, disease, and poverty devastating Kibera through one of Kenya’s most sacred traditions. A track and field coach by profession, his vision was simple, yet extraordinary: teach the kids to run. His hope was that through athletics he could provide Kibera’s youth with the discipline, structure, and opportunity that normally eludes “street children.” He may not be able to adopt them all, but he could train them. For me, a former collegiate track-athlete-turned-humanitarian, this is a story that has to be told.

Thank you for joining us on this adventure!

Erin