The Kenya Film Commission (KFC) has hosted the 6th Edition of Kalasha International Film and Television Market, a three-day event at Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) between 29th and 31st March.
The Kalasha International Film and TV Market is a unique platform for all the regional & international players and festival goers from the Film & TV industry to gather, discuss exchange, collaborate, share stories and develop new business opportunities.
For three days, local and international professionals from the Audio-Visual and Film industry coming from East African countries, Europe and other places around the world, got a unique opportunity to boost their business through trading content, partnership opportunities, networking and more.
Speaking during the opening ceremony of the market, KFC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr. Timothy Owase expressed confidence that Kenya had raised the bar for her peers across the region with regards to film through Kalasha market.
He added that the market is one of the greatest initiatives the Commission ever came up with and has put Kenya in the international map.
“Kenya is indeed ready for the film business. The industry is on the right track in getting global recognition. The presence of key policy makers like UNESCO and film distributors like Netflix with us here today is a stamp of authority that Kenya’s film industry is on an upward trajectory.”
With regards to market’s theme – Film distribution in the 21st century, the CEO said that technology is revolutionizing the distribution of film and that the industry could not underestimate the influence of 21st century technology and its uptake in the distribution of film.
Also present at the launch was UNESCO’s Assistant Director General for Culture, Ernesto Ottone R. who emphasized UNESCO’s support and commitment to the fast-rising audio-visual industry.
“The African audio-visual industry is on the continuous rise, with a capacity to create over 20 million jobs with appropriate investments. It takes the whole of creative ecosystem to unlock this full potential, and UNESCO is committed to accompanying the governments and civil society alike,” Ottone said.
Also, the Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Sports and Arts, Hon Ababu Namwamba EGH, in a speech read on his behalf by State Department of Youth Affairs Secretary, Raymond Ochieng, reiterated his Ministry’s support towards ensuring that the industry remains on an upward trajectory.
“We have set the film industry as the cornerstone for the creative economy in the country, my ministry will focus on promoting local films and also initiating co-production agreements between countries such as South Africa, Israel, France, China and Nigeria.”
With regards to the market’s theme – Film distribution in the 21st century, the CS said the industry needs to think ahead and take advantage of emerging technologies that is revolutionizing the film industry.
“Artificial intelligence (AI) is quickly becoming a game-changer in the film industry. From scriptwriting and casting to special effects and distribution, AI is transforming the way movies are made and seen. One of the biggest advantages of AI in the film industry is its ability to save time and resources.”
Governor of Nairobi, Johnson Sakaja, said that his office is creating an enabling environment for film makers through investing in modern infrastructure such as film studios and stages and setting up a film fund to support film makers. He added that he has streamlined the regulatory processes for freelance film makers and photographers by exempting film fees.
The three-day market will additionally feature film screenings, conferences, workshops, business-to-business talks and pitching sessions.
Key players in attendance at the event include film distributors like Netflix, Multichoice,
Paramount, Viusasa, Africa XP, Imax, Crimson Media, MyMovies Africa, Media Pros Africa and
Rushlake.
Industry players in attendance include Phil-It production, Some Fine Day Pix, Zebra Production,
Docubox, Film Aid, Hiventy Africa among others.
The event’s primary objective, according to the organisers, is to showcase Kenya as a major regional hub for Film and TV production, post-production and distribution across all platforms and genres while reinforcing the
uniqueness of Kenya as a shooting location.
