This archive report was first published on 4 July 2020.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on Kenya's film industry, resulting in a Sh1 billion loss and over 800,000 job losses, according to a research by the Kenya Film Commission (KFC).
However, in a bid to cushion the sector from the economic impact of the pandemic, the government has allocated Sh100 million to support local filmmakers. Thirty-three filmmakers have benefited from the stimulus package, which was selected from 98 submitted projects forwarded to KFC after a submission call was made by the commission two months ago.
The beneficiaries will share Sh8.5 million for their projects, with each receiving an average of Sh257,000. The projects, which have storylines centered on the pandemic, include I Can't Breath, Running on Covid, and Mental Health in a Pandemic.
According to KFC, a jury committee consisting of four members and representatives of various film associations reviewed the submissions. Of the 98 projects, only 62 met the set criteria, and 33 projects from 21 counties were finally awarded the prize money.
Additionally, KFC has released an extra Sh25 million to film production houses in line with its mandate and function of promoting development of local content. The commission has also issued new health guidelines for film production, requiring film production teams to have a qualified medical practitioner during production and limiting the number of cast and crew members on set.
