"Mama Said" delves into the profound contradictions and formidable challenges that confront young Black Kenyan women. It meticulously dissects the barriers that impede their liberation from patriarchal constructs, arresting their personal and collective advancement. The dictums woven within maternal guidance metamorphose into a potent metaphor, encapsulating the deeply interwoven values and convictions that continue to permeate Kenyan society concerning femininity and the parameters of an 'ideal' or 'acceptable' woman. Simultaneously, the film probes the intricate dynamic of self-imposed repression within our own gender, spotlighting the intricate web of oppression we contribute to.
Gathered around a table, the four women engage in purposeful tasks, each task a symbolic representation of either emancipation or subjugation. These tasks converge synergistically, fostering a shared reliance that empowers the women to effect transformative change. The narrative magnifies the camaraderie and fortitude binding these women, as they collectively surmount adversity. Ultimately, the film orbits around the indomitable strength of their bond, as they elevate each other beyond mere adversaries, exemplifying the very essence of resilience and solidarity.