Katricia Coco Kariuki delivers a powerful performance as Bonnie in the gripping drama-horror short film, “Once Bitten.” The film, directed by Michelle Kamunyo and featuring cinematography by Dmitriy Usov (II), has gained significant recognition on the film festival circuit, including a recent Best Women’s Short Film Award at the Bangkok Movie Awards!
Behind the Bite: A Story of Desperation and Betrayal
“Once Bitten” takes viewers into the turbulent world of Bonnie, a driven college student whose life takes a devastating turn when her father receives a lung cancer diagnosis. The exorbitant cost of treatment throws her family into financial turmoil, forcing her to juggle multiple jobs in a desperate attempt to keep up. Driven by love and a desire to save her father, Bonnie makes the agonizing decision to drop out of school and delve into the dangerous world of drug dealing, encouraged on her best friend.
However, even the illicit income proves insufficient to cover the mounting bills, and the moral weight of her actions begins to crush her. Needing an escape from her precarious existence, Bonnie decides to leave the drug operation behind. But before she can, she’s dealt a crushing blow: her best friend betrays her, framing her as the leader of the operation before fleeing the country with her lover and the stolen fortune.
Bonnie is arrested, left to shoulder the blame for crimes she never truly embraced. Overwhelmed by loss, betrayal, and the crushing weight of injustice, her mental state deteriorates, resulting in her confinement to a psychiatric ward. Trapped within the confines of her own mind, she is left with nothing but the shattered remnants of a future that once held so much promise.
Award-Winning Acclaim: Recognition on the International Stage
“Once Bitten” has resonated with audiences and critics alike, earning prestigious awards at numerous film festivals. The film was honored with the Best US Short Film award at the Makizhmithran International Film Festival.
The Kodaikanal International Film Festival showered “Once Bitten” with many awards, including Best International Short Film, Special Mention Award, Best Actress (for Katricia Coco Kariuki’s performance), Best Concept, and Best Debut Short Film.
Furthermore, “Once Bitten” was recognized for its female-driven narrative at the Kollywood International Film Festival, where it won Best Women’s Short Film and Best Concept. The film also won the Best Concept award at the Tamizhagam International Film Festival, underscoring its thought-provoking premise.
Director Michelle Kamunyo: Creating Compelling Films on Human Morality
Michelle Kamunyo, the Kenyan-born director of “Once Bitten,” is a graduate of Loyola Marymount University’s School of Film and Television. Her work is characterized by compelling films that delve into the complexities of human morality. Inspired by Bertolt Brecht, Kamunyo aims to create films that provoke meaningful conversations about ethical decision-making, compelling viewers to examine their own moral compasses. Her distinctive voice and dedication to exploring the depths of human nature make her a compelling filmmaker to watch!
Actress Katricia Coco Kariuki Gives Insider on Her Favorite Acting Genres
When asked about her preferred genres, Katricia Coco Kariuki expressed a strong affinity for drama and stories that explore complex relationships and cultural dynamics. “I am drawn to drama, especially stories that focus on relationships or cultural dynamics,” she stated. “I also like projects that combine genres in subtle ways, like a slow-paced thriller or a grounded comedy. I look for roles that challenge how I think or feel.” This passion for emotionally challenging roles clearly shines through in her portrayal of Bonnie in “Once Bitten.”
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IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm15514535/
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/katriciakariukii
