"The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind" (2019)
"The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind" is a poignant and powerful film based on the inspiring true story of William Kamkwamba, a Malawian boy who builds a windmill to save his village from famine. Directed by Chiwetel Ejiofor, who also stars as William’s father, the movie is a heartfelt exploration of resilience, innovation, family, and the unwavering spirit of a young mind determined to make a difference.
Released in 2019 and based on the memoir co-written by Kamkwamba himself, the film touches on themes of poverty, education, political instability, and the power of human ingenuity. Ejiofor’s directorial debut is both a tribute to the power of education and a reminder of the structural challenges that limit access to it in developing nations.
Plot Overview
Set in the early 2000s in the small village of Wimbe in Malawi, the film begins by showing the daily struggles of a farming community entirely dependent on rainfall for survival. The main character, William Kamkwamba, is a 13-year-old boy with a brilliant mind and a keen interest in electronics. Although his family is struggling financially, William manages to attend school thanks to his older sister Annie's sacrifices.
However, things take a darker turn when the harvest fails due to a combination of climate change and government mismanagement. As food supplies dwindle and desperation spreads, schools shut down because teachers aren’t paid, and William is expelled due to unpaid fees.
Despite being barred from attending, William sneaks into the school library and reads books on electricity and engineering. With the knowledge he gains, he devises a plan to build a windmill from scrap materials to pump groundwater and irrigate the family farm. His project initially draws skepticism, especially from his father Trywell Kamkwamba (played by Ejiofor), who is consumed by pride and disbelief. However, as William proves his resourcefulness, his father ultimately joins him in constructing the windmill, which leads to a turning point for their village.
Themes and Symbolism
1. Education as a Tool of Empowerment
One of the core messages of the movie is the transformative power of education. William’s hunger for knowledge and his determination to keep learning even after being expelled from school showcases education as more than formal instruction—it’s a lifeline. The school library becomes a sanctuary of possibility, and the textbooks, particularly one about energy production, become weapons against poverty.
This theme resonates deeply in the developing world where educational resources are limited, and attending school is often a luxury. The film subtly critiques systemic barriers that deny education to talented young minds simply because they cannot pay fees.
2. Innovation and Self-Reliance
The film celebrates innovation born of necessity. William’s ability to see potential in discarded materials and his willingness to experiment with makeshift parts illustrate the essence of engineering ingenuity. The windmill he builds is not just a physical structure; it is a symbol of hope, change, and human potential when met with seemingly insurmountable challenges.
3. Family and Community
The emotional core of the film lies in the family dynamics, especially the tension and eventual reconciliation between William and his father. Trywell is portrayed as a man bound by tradition and pride, initially unable to grasp his son’s vision. His transformation—from disbelief to support—mirrors the broader shift in the community, which initially doubts William but eventually rallies behind him.
The film also highlights how community unity is essential for survival in times of crisis. As hunger and hardship intensify, we see fractures in social bonds but also moments of collective resilience.
4. Climate Change and Political Failure
The story doesn't shy away from pointing fingers at larger systemic issues. Government corruption, poor infrastructure, and lack of foresight are shown as root causes of the crisis. The villagers’ plight is exacerbated by political unrest, forced land seizures, and the indifference of those in power.
Additionally, the film subtly addresses the impact of climate change on agriculture-dependent economies. The erratic rainfall and failed crops are not just acts of God but consequences of a changing environment that poor nations are often ill-equipped to handle.
Performances and Direction
Maxwell Simba, a Kenyan actor who plays William, delivers a remarkably mature and nuanced performance. His portrayal is quiet yet emotionally resonant, capturing the internal struggles and determined spirit of a boy wise beyond his years.
Chiwetel Ejiofor, known for his roles in films like 12 Years a Slave, brings gravitas to the role of Trywell. As a first-time director, he demonstrates restraint, focusing on character development and storytelling rather than dramatizing the narrative. Ejiofor’s direction emphasizes realism; scenes are shot with natural lighting, local actors, and authentic settings, lending the film a documentary-like feel.
Aïssa Maïga, who plays William’s mother Agnes, delivers a heartfelt performance, showing strength and vulnerability in equal measure. Her quiet support and emotional endurance add depth to the family dynamic.
Cinematography and Music
The cinematography, led by Dick Pope, captures the stark beauty of Malawi’s landscape—its dusty roads, golden fields, and worn-out villages. The visual storytelling is both immersive and expressive. Scenes of the arid, failing crops contrast with the hopeful images of the windmill spinning in the breeze, symbolizing rebirth.
The musical score by Antonio Pinto is subtle and haunting, rooted in African rhythms but restrained enough not to overshadow the narrative. It enhances the emotional depth without veering into melodrama. Sounds of local chants, drums, and environmental noise are cleverly woven into the soundtrack to build atmosphere and authenticity.
Historical and Cultural Accuracy
The film closely follows the real-life story of William Kamkwamba, who went on to become a global speaker and advocate for sustainable energy and education. What’s especially commendable is Ejiofor’s decision to shoot in Malawi and use local actors, which grounds the story in cultural realism.
Language is used thoughtfully—many scenes are in Chichewa, Malawi’s national language. This choice adds cultural authenticity and helps the audience feel immersed in the local context. Subtitles are used effectively, enhancing rather than distracting from the storytelling.
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Emotional Impact
"The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind" is not just an inspirational story—it’s emotionally moving. It depicts the human toll of poverty, the pain of seeing one’s child go hungry, and the helplessness of knowing you can’t stop the suffering. Yet, it never lapses into despair. It constantly reminds viewers that hope can be engineered, quite literally, with vision, learning, and tenacity.
The emotional climax—the moment when the windmill starts spinning and pumps water into the dry field—is a cathartic release, not just for the characters but for the audience. It’s the moment where knowledge triumphs, and dreams become tangible.
Criticism and Missed Opportunities
While the film is nearly universally praised, some critics note that it leans toward being overly sentimental and perhaps too safe in its storytelling. It doesn’t delve deeply into the broader systemic issues like colonial history, global inequality, or the intricacies of Malawian politics, which could have added layers of complexity.
Another valid critique is that the pacing in the first half is slow, which may cause some viewers to disengage before the story picks up momentum. However, others argue that this deliberate pacing allows the audience to understand the characters’ plight more intimately.
Legacy and Relevance
In a world where climate change, educational inequality, and resource scarcity are growing concerns, "The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind" remains highly relevant. It’s a film that should be shown in schools, community centers, and educational conferences—not only to tell William Kamkwamba’s story but to ignite the same fire in other young minds.
The film also serves as a case study in sustainable development. William’s invention didn’t rely on imported technology or foreign aid—it was built from local resources, using locally acquired knowledge. His story redefines what development can look like when driven from within.
Conclusion
"The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind" is a beautifully made, emotionally resonant, and socially impactful film. It tells a story of hardship and ingenuity that transcends cultural and geographical boundaries. William Kamkwamba’s journey is a testament to the power of human resilience, the importance of education, and the limitless potential of the human spirit.
Chiwetel Ejiofor’s directorial debut is an ode to youth, innovation, and the unbreakable bonds of family and community. While it may not be perfect in its narrative complexity, it more than makes up for it with authenticity, heart, and inspiration.
In the end, the film reminds us all that greatness is not born in privilege—sometimes, it’s found in the dust and despair of a sun-baked field, in the pages of a borrowed book, and in the spinning blades of a makeshift windmill.
