Nowhere in Africa is a 2001 German film directed by Caroline Link and based on the memoir of the same name by Stefanie Zweig. The film tells the story of a Jewish family who flee Nazi Germany in 1938 and settle in Kenya, where they struggle to adjust to their new life.
Jettel Redlich, played by Juliane Köhler, is a proud and privileged woman who struggles to accept her new life on the farm in Kenya. She misses her former life in Germany and struggles to adapt to the customs and culture of the local Africans. Her husband, Walter, played by Merab Ninidze, is a hardworking man who has embraced life in Africa and takes great pride in his farm. He is patient with his wife but eventually becomes frustrated with her reluctance to embrace their new life.
Their daughter Regina, played by Lea Kurka, is a bright and adventurous girl who quickly adapts to her new surroundings. She forms a close bond with Owuor, played by Sidede Onyulo, who is Walter's cook and becomes a trusted friend to the family. Regina learns to speak Swahili, becomes skilled at hunting and fishing, and develops a deep appreciation for the African people and culture.
As the war in Europe heats up, Jettel becomes increasingly concerned for her family's safety and longs to return to Germany. But Walter insists on staying in Kenya and fighting for their farm. In the end, Jettel, Walter, and Regina must come to terms with their new life in Africa and the bonds they have formed with the local people.
Nowhere in Africa won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 2003 and received critical acclaim for its sensitive portrayal of cross-cultural relationships and its exploration of themes of identity, belonging, and resilience.