Unveiling ‘The Shadow Scholars’: A Captivating Film Review You Can’t Miss – Eye For Film

If you’ve ever been to college, you might have heard of people offering to write essays for students—for a fee. This practice, known as contract cheating, is more common than many think. In fact, around 37 million students worldwide are involved in some form of cheating during their studies.

A recent documentary sheds light on the shadow scholars behind this industry, focusing particularly on Nairobi, Kenya, where about 40,000 individuals work in this field. Filmmaker Eloïse King and sociologist Patricia King unveil unique personal stories, painting a picture of those who write for students at top universities like Oxford, often using disguised identities.

Many of these writers possess substantial academic skills but struggle in an undervalued job market. For them, writing essays from home is a practical option, especially for parents and caregivers. One writer, protected by AI imagery, shared how they once ghostwrote for a famous influencer. Another incredible story features a woman who took her final exams while in labor. She hopes that the money she earns from assisting others can help her daughter achieve her dream of becoming a doctor.

Yet, despite their skills, these shadow scholars don’t have many chances to pursue their own dreams. Throughout the documentary, you can’t help but begin to view them not as criminals but as victims of a flawed system. One scholar mentioned that if their contributions were recognized, they’d hold the equivalent of nine degrees. But without the means to prove their abilities, they find themselves stuck in a cycle with little hope for advancement.

The film raises critical questions about the pressures students face today. These pressures come from ambitious parents who pour their life savings into their children’s education, leading to high expectations that can crush young minds. In many ways, both students and shadow scholars seem to be caught in a web of a larger societal issue.

Moreover, there are efforts underway to combat contract cheating, including International Day of Action Against it. Yet, the gap in the educational system persists. Renowned Kenyan author Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o has likened this practice to a form of modern slavery, while others see it as Africa’s response to Western educational demands.

Additionally, the rise of AI-generated content raises another layer of complexity. Could large language models replace human writers in this industry? What would that mean for Kenya’s economy and the thousands of skilled individuals relying on this work?

Documentary filmmakers King and Kingori themselves have personal ties to the subject, reflecting on the hardships and expectations placed on past generations. They highlight the ongoing challenges faced by Black women in academia, a space that can be quite exploitative. Ultimately, the film reveals a system where success often depends more on one’s background than on merit.

As viewers, we’re left to ponder the larger implications of this industry. Each story shared in the documentary opens new doors to understanding—a reminder that the more we learn, the more questions arise. The film is undeniably thought-provoking and serves as a vital commentary on the intersection of education, economic opportunity, and social justice.



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