Eddie Butita’s latest short film, Dielemma, delves into an agonizing moral dilemma: would you risk your child’s life for financial stability? This 30-minute emotional rollercoaster challenges viewers to confront desperation, human nature, and the dark side of money.
A Gripping Start That Captures Attention
Produced under SPM Africa Studios, Dielemma begins with high tension. A reporter, played by Betty Kithinji, stands outside a crime scene. The chilling scene sets the stage for a tragic tale of love, betrayal, and impossible choices.
From the opening frame, the film hooks you with its intensity and keeps you on edge as the story unfolds.
Meet the Cast: Stellar Performances Bring the Story to Life
The film stars Jackie Matubia and Nick Ndeda as Hannah and Duncan, a couple battling financial woes. Their chemistry is authentic, making their struggles and decisions deeply relatable.
Their lives are in turmoil. They face mounting debt, their home is on the brink of being auctioned, and their child urgently needs a Ksh 30 million surgery. In desperation, Hannah suggests an online fundraiser, a move that changes everything.
The couple’s portrayal of raw emotion—from hopelessness to calculated decisions—anchors the film’s intense narrative.
A Dark Turn: When Money Clouds Judgment
After raising over Ksh 30 million through their fundraiser, a sinister thought enters Duncan’s mind: what if they don’t use the money to save their daughter?
“If we save her, we’ll still be broke, jobless, and struggling. But if we let her go… we could rebuild our lives,” Duncan muses.
This chilling rationale marks a turning point in the film, as desperation transforms a loving father into a morally conflicted man willing to consider the unthinkable.
An Unpredictable Twist
Just as Duncan and Hannah are about to follow through with their grim plan, a woman named Diana, played by Faith Kibathi, storms into their lives.
The shocking revelation? Diana is the child’s biological mother. She takes the baby and locks the couple in their own home, where their plan for their child backfires tragically. The story ends with a harrowing scene at the very crime scene shown at the beginning.
Outstanding Performances and Production Quality
Nick Ndeda delivers a standout performance, transitioning seamlessly from a loving father to a man consumed by desperation. Jackie Matubia’s portrayal of Hannah is equally compelling, with her raw emotions bringing depth to the character.
The film’s cinematography is sharp, with seamless transitions and atmospheric lighting that heighten the drama. Bridgit Blue’s haunting tracks, Kesho and Pumua, underscore the film’s emotional beats, adding depth to pivotal scenes.
Themes That Resonate Beyond the Screen
Dielemma tackles real-world issues that many can relate to, including:
- The crushing cost of healthcare.
- The moral dilemmas brought on by financial desperation.
- The transformative—and sometimes destructive—power of money.
Eddie Butita’s film raises crucial questions about the human condition, accountability, and the unintended consequences of even the best intentions.
A Message That Stays With You
Butita’s intention was clear: to create a story that speaks to the heart. In a recent interview, he revealed the emotional reactions his film has received, with some parents finding it too overwhelming to watch in one sitting.
“I wanted to tell a story that connects deeply with people. The feedback has been incredible,” Butita shared.
Should You Watch Dielemma?
Absolutely. Dielemma is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates raw, thought-provoking storytelling. It’s more than a film—it’s a powerful commentary on life’s toughest choices.
