As film-makers vie for votes for their nominated pieces at the Riverwood Academy Awards, the industry faces challenges in its pursuit of growth.
In 2012, a group of film-makers formed the Riverwood Ensemble to address the stagnation in the industry. Despite Kenya being a renowned filming destination, the industry struggled with limited local content and enthusiasm.
Challenges and Milestones ¶
Local producers faced difficulties due to the dominance of foreign content from Nollywood, Bollywood, Hollywood, and soap operas. The lack of regulation in local content provisions further exacerbated the issue.
Mwaniki Mageria, Riverwood Awards Group CEO, noted,
We tell the Kenyan story through Kenyan lens. It was a way to ensure there is more local content in the market.
The Riverwood Academy Awards were established to celebrate local works and raise industry standards. This year, the academy received submissions from neighboring countries, Tanzania and Uganda.
Legislative Hurdles ¶
Local producers, including Diana Kayode, an independent film producer with Kadi Media Limited, emphasized the need for legislative changes to support the industry. Kayode stated,
Some laws were made during the colonial era. They have proved to be stumbling blocks for many start-ups who try to venture into the film industry.
The Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) charges varying fees for licenses and classifications, which can limit the quality and willingness of creators. For example, the board charges Sh5,000 for documentaries and short dramas, while full-length feature films require a payment of Sh15,000.
Support and Consultations ¶
However, ongoing consultations have yielded positive results. The KFCB has announced its sponsorship of this year's Riverwood Academy Awards with an increment of Sh2.5 million, up from last year's Sh1.5 million.
Ezekiel Mutua, KFCB CEO, stated,
The film industry has a huge potential. We are particularly committed to helping the youth create jobs by directing their energies to positive ventures.
The industry currently generates Sh7.2 billion annually, creating direct and indirect employment for over 100,000 people, according to the Pan-African Federation of Film-makers.
The recovered account cited reporting by Mediamax,The Standard.
