Story perspectives

Documentary Explores Kenya's Library Rehabilitation and Feminist Leadership

1/12/2026

Summary

Story summary

The documentary How to Build a Library, by Kenyan filmmakers Maia Lekow and Christopher King, examines Kenya's library rehabilitation.
It follows Book Bunk founders as they confront bureaucratic hurdles and cultural hierarchies.
The film treats libraries as democratic spaces and critiques colonial knowledge systems.
It highlights the protagonists' emotional and logistical labor and shows a feminist leadership stance.
The documentary is currently screening in Nairobi and at international film festivals.

1 of 1

Story summary

The documentary How to Build a Library, by Kenyan filmmakers Maia Lekow and Christopher King, examines Kenya's library rehabilitation.
It follows Book Bunk founders as they confront bureaucratic hurdles and cultural hierarchies.
The film treats libraries as democratic spaces and critiques colonial knowledge systems.
It highlights the protagonists' emotional and logistical labor and shows a feminist leadership stance.
The documentary is currently screening in Nairobi and at international film festivals.