Kenyan actress and producer Sarah Hassan is at the center of attention as her film Just in Time earns widespread recognition at the upcoming Kalasha International Film and TV Awards. The movie leads in multiple key categories, signaling strong support from the Kenya Film Commission and the industry at large. Hassan’s dual role—both starring in and producing the film through her Alfajiri Productions—underscores her growing influence behind and in front of the camera.
Just in Time, a romantic comedy co-directed by Hassan and Dolapo Adeleke, features a standout performance from Hassan and a strong supporting cast including Mawuli Gavor and Pierra Makena. The film’s emotional beats and lighthearted storytelling have resonated with audiences and critics alike, contributing to its dozen or more nominations at this year’s Kalasha Awards. Hassan’s producer credit speaks to her commitment to telling original Kenyan stories with wider appeal.
Industry reaction has been overwhelmingly positive, with many celebrating Hassan’s multi-hyphenate talents. At the Kalasha Awards ceremony hosted at Safari Park Hotel, she didn’t just compete—she won multiple top honours: Just in Time took home Best Feature Film, Hassan claimed Best Lead Actress in Film, and actor Mawuli Gavor, who starred in the film, won Best Lead Actor. TV work also shone: she picked up Best Lead Actress in a TV Drama for her role in Crime and Justice.
Looking ahead, Sarah Hassan’s success with Just in Time could reshape her career trajectory. By proving she can deliver both commercially and critically successful films, she’s likely to attract more funding and talent for future projects. Her wins at the Kalashas may also inspire other Kenyan creators to take greater creative risks, helping to elevate the local film industry’s global profile. As Kenya continues to invest in its storytelling infrastructure, Hassan seems poised to remain a central figure in the nation’s cinematic future.