When violence breaks out in the heart of the Rift Valley, Kenya, an American Catholic priest goes out of his way to shelter and cater for the displaced knowing very well that the clashes are politically instigated. This puts him on a collision path with the powers that be and for being a thorn in the flesh he is transferred to a faraway diocese in Maasai Land. But even in the remote new posting, the powerful are still riding roughshod over the poor, weak and defenseless. At great personal cost the fearless Rugged Priest, takes on the high and mighty in a fight for justice for his people. With only a rosary, an old rifle and an adopted son who is falling off his priestly calling. How far can the old white priest go?

Directed by Bob Nyanja, The Rugged Priest leans on a strong ensemble — Colin Simpson, Lwanda Jawar, Sarah Ndanu — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about screen titles of 2011.