The Shadow Scholars

Last updated
The Shadow Scholars
Directed byEloise King
Produced by
  • Tabitha Breese
  • Eloise King
  • Bona Orakwue
  • Anna Smith Tenser
Release date
Running time
97 mins
CountryUnited Kingdom
LanguagesEnglish, Swahili

The Shadow Scholars is a 2024 documentary film about Kenya's academic ghostwriter-for-hire industry. [2] [3] [4]

Contents

Synopsis

The Shadow Scholars investigates the global, multi-billion dollar industry of academic ghostwriting, where highly educated but underemployed Kenyans write essays and theses for students worldwide. Following Oxford professor Patricia Kingori, the film uncovers this hidden economy, revealing the profound consequences of outsourced education for both the underpaid Kenyan writers, who support themselves with this work, and for the students and institutions that benefit from it.

Cast

Release

In 2024, The Shadow Scholars had its world premiere at the BFI London Film Festival [1] and its international premiere at the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam. [6] In the UK it is scheduled for cinema release from 16 September 2025 and aired on Channel 4 on 24 September. [7]

References

  1. 1 2 Szalai, Georg (2024-11-14). "'The Shadow Scholars' Director Eloise King on Diving Into the Essay-Writing Industry in Kenya and Using AI to Protect People". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2025-09-15.
  2. ↑ "Review: The Shadow Scholars". Film Ireland. 2025-08-06. Retrieved 2025-09-15.
  3. ↑ Lodge, Guy (2024-11-19). "'The Shadow Scholars' Review: A Thought-Provoking Probe Into the Contract Cheating Industry". Variety. Retrieved 2025-09-15.
  4. ↑ "BBC News - Talking Movies, The Shadow Scholars: Doc Explores Industry of Exam Cheating". BBC. 2025-08-23. Retrieved 2025-09-15.
  5. ↑ Weale, Sally (2025-09-14). "Inside the world of Kenya's 'shadow scholars' paid to write essays for UK students". The Guardian. ISSN   0261-3077 . Retrieved 2025-09-15.
  6. ↑ Marshall, Lee. "'The Shadow Scholars': IDFA Review". Screen. Retrieved 2025-09-15.
  7. ↑ "Inside the Billion-Dollar 'Fake Essay' Industry – The Shadow Scholars airing on Channel 4 on the 24 September, with select UK cinema screenings from 16 September". Channel 4. Retrieved 2025-09-15.
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