IMPURE

Rico Herre, Germany / Kenya, 2024, 84 min., feature film, Suaheli with English subtitles

Kenya: Twelve-year-old June gets her period for the first time—and is confronted with social stigma and ignorance from those around her. While she is playing, she suddenly feels sharp pains, and the next day she bleeds into her uniform during class. Instead of supporting her, the teacher sends her home, and her classmates laugh at her. Uninformed by her mother and full of fear, and afraid of infecting her mother’s unborn baby with her supposed illness, June sees no way out. Inspired by a true story, the film impressively shows how menstruation is still associated with shame in Kenyan society—and what consequences it can have when girls are denied basic knowledge about their own bodies. A thought-provoking coming-of-age story about a taboo that should not be one.
Rico Herre (director)
Rico Herre was born in 1986 in Jena, Germany. His passion for storytelling took root at an early age. With a vivid imagination and a natural eye for detail, he began capturing moments on camera, writing short stories, and immersing himself in the world of theatre. By the age of 15, Rico directed his first short film, "The Sandbox", which not only marked the beginning of his filmmaking journey but also earned him the TLM award for Thuringia’s Best Media Production. While being rejected from film school, but eager to further explore the art of cinema, Rico took on various jobs at leading TV production companies and theaters, and contributed to high-profile projects such as "Unknown", "The Guardian", and "Absolution".
He continued to work as a First Assistant Director on various film projects, including features, shorts, music videos, image films, and commercials. He also co-directed and served as a second-unit director on several corporate productions. His short film, "Worldquake," was met with international acclaim, winning awards for Best Screenplay and Best Director.
Now, with his feature film debut IMPURE, he’s challenging the audience to witness a story that needs telling. But this film doesn't just tell a story; it will call the viewer to action, invite for reflection, and certainly will leave a lasting emotional impact long after the credits roll.
His meticulous attention to detail in exploring the human condition through nuanced, often unexpected lenses made him push the boundaries of on-screen authenticity, knowing that the most compelling narratives come from a deep understanding of human nature. For him, the camera isn’t just a tool; it’s an extension of his vision, capturing the quiet moments between dialogue, the unspoken tension in a glance, and the atmosphere that lingers long after a scene ends.
Rico will continue to push boundaries, refusing to rest on past successes. Each new project reflects his unwavering commitment to the craft and his belief that the most powerful stories are yet to be told.