the wall street boy /
SYNOPSIS
“The Wall Street Boy / Kipkemboi" tells the story of a young math genius from rural Kenya who uses his understanding of patterns in nature to develop a successful stock market algorithm. His remarkable success from a makeshift setup in his village draws attention from international financiers and local authorities, forcing him and his girlfriend Chepchirchir to flee.
This fictional film explores themes of innovation, resourcefulness, and the clash between tradition and modernity. It serves as a valuable educational resource, prompting discussions on financial literacy, ethics in global finance, and the socio-economic dynamics of contemporary Africa.
Kenya/Canada, 2024, 90 mins, drama in English, Charles Uwagbai, dir.
« The Wall Street Boy, Kipkemboi has a strong socially conscious subtext as the village youth becomes a political prisoner. If redistribution of wealth to the least of these among us is a socialist principle, suffice it to say that “Kipkemboi” cleverly achieves this – but through exploiting the capitalist system. The film also is very positive about the role of women as strong equals. Not only is Kipkemboi’s mother supportive, but Chipchirchir is no mere cheerleader. She does more than inspire Kipkemboi; she drives their getaway vehicle and this village lass has dreams of her own, aspiring to become an attorney. Watching the romance of the appealing leads blossom is also beguiling."
~ Ed Rampell, The Progressive Populist