“His Name is Eku” is a gripping short survival drama set within the tense environment of a television studio. It tells the story of Eku, a young African man and survivor of sexual trauma, whose reluctance to confront his past threatens his relationship with his girlfriend. When he’s unexpectedly triggered, long-buried emotions erupt—revealing a painful secret he’s kept hidden.
In many African societies, cultural norms often deny the possibility that men can be victims of sexual violence. This silence breeds stigma, misunderstanding, and a lack of support for male survivors. “His Name is Eku” challenges these harmful beliefs and offers a powerful platform to raise awareness and spark dialogue.
Inspired by true events, the film is written and directed by Thitu Muiruri and explores the complexity of male trauma with sensitivity and urgency. MenHealing is proud to serve as Executive Producer on this important project, which was filmed on location in both Nairobi, Kenya and Boston, Massachusetts.
Once completed, Thitu plans to submit the film to festivals across Africa and the United States and partner with nonprofits and community groups to host public screenings and conversations.
When I first conceived His Name is Eku in 2022, MenHealing was the first organization I reached out to. Dr. Debra Warner graciously invited me to the SCRIPT Conference in Los Angeles, where I met Jim Struve. Jim not only introduced me to several members willing to share their stories but also invited me to BONDED, a powerful two-act drama by Tyler Martin. These experiences were instrumental in shaping the research and emotional depth of the short film.
—Thitu Muiruri, Writer/Director
