Love, class, and coffee collide in the new Kenyan feature film “Love and Coffee”

The upcoming feature film “Love and Coffee” is set to captivate audiences with its rich blend of romance, drama, and social commentary, highlighting the complexities of love across class divides and the high-stakes world of Kenya’s coffee industry. The film, a collaboration between production company Find My Africa, and leading coffee house, Java House, will debut locally on February 14, 2025, and will be available on streaming platforms thereafter.

Directed by renowned director Kenji Gathecha, “Love and Coffee” tells the story of two unlikely lovers – Sarah, a fiercely independent barista whose knowledge and passion for coffee go far beyond serving it, and Felix, the privileged heir to one of Kenya’s most powerful business empires. As their relationship blossoms, they must confront the enormous pressures of family expectations, class disparities, and the ever-looming shadow of Felix’s past, embodied in Kendi, his former love who seeks to rekindle their flame.

(TOP: David Mudachi, Overall Business Lead, Find My Africa, receives a #JavaLove package from Wakarindi Nancy, Strategic Projects Delivery Manager, Java House Africa, at the premiere of Love & Coffee, a feature film produced by Find My Africa in collaboration with Java House. Shot in part at Java restaurants, the film marries romance, ambition, and a push for change in Kenya’s coffee industry).

The film captures not only the romance and tension between two individuals from different worlds but also Sarah’s determination to bring fairness and equity to an industry that sustains thousands of Kenyan farmers, with Felix as her foremost cheerleader.

Speaking about the new film, David Mudachi, the executive producer, said: “Love and Coffee is more than just a love story. It’s a story about the courage to follow your heart and fight for what’s right, even when the world seems determined to divide you. We wanted to explore not just the romantic tension, but the bigger questions of class, power, and the legacies we choose to leave behind.”

He added: “We have chosen to partner with Java House, as it is a brand that truly embodies the ethos of the film – supporting that which is homegrown.”

“Love and Coffee” is more than just a romance – it is a narrative about identity, legacy, and social justice. The film beautifully interweaves themes of family obligation, personal ambition, and a shared vision for a better future, all while paying homage to Kenya’s deep connection to coffee, one of its most treasured exports.

On her part, Priscilla Gathungu, the Java House CEO said: “We are excited to support this film partnership with Find My Africa, which aligns perfectly with Java House’s DNA of working with local creatives, talents, entrepreneurs, and businesses alike to support their endeavors. On the surface, each of our locations across the region Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda is decorated with artwork by local artists. Behind the scenes, we source our fresh produce, including coffee, from local farmers, and this collaboration presents yet another opportunity to support home-grown talent.”

With breathtaking cinematography that captures the lush beauty of Kenya’s coffee farms and vibrant cityscapes, “Love and Coffee” offers a feast for the eyes as well as the heart. “Love and Coffee” is expected to be a standout film in the continent’s and global cinema scene, blending heartfelt storytelling with important messages about economic justice, cultural identity, and the power of love to transcend even the toughest obstacles.

“Love and Coffee is about breaking down barriers – whether they’re based on class, tradition, or industry norms. We want to celebrate the strength of love, community, and the Kenyan coffee culture, all while asking important questions about economic fairness,” said Sheila Mudachi, the co-executive producer.

Cast and Characters:

Find My Africa is a film production and fixer company based in Nairobi, Kenya, known for producing content that shifts the narrative of Africa. With a commitment to telling stories that resonate with global audiences, the company continues to push the boundaries of African cinema.

Founded in 1999 with the aim of introducing a gourmet coffee drinking experience to Kenya, Java House has grown to become one of the leading casual American diner-style restaurant brands in East Africa. Java has 93 outlets in 18 cities across 3 countries in East Africa providing exceptional casual dining experience to a growing customer base.

Java House has birthed three sister brands, Planet Yoghurt, a healthy and tasty frozen yoghurt store, 360 Degrees Pizza, a unique homage to the old Vera Pizza Napolitano traditions infused with a contemporary take on artisanal pizza and Kukito a healthy and affordable QSR option, catering to the exciting East African consumers.

Through the Java Foundation, Java House is giving back to society by sourcing responsibly and supporting farmers, supporting local artists, and feeding school children in partnership with Food For Education.