This archive report was first published on 26 September 2019.
Benjamin Oduor, a seasoned film writer and producer, has been crowned the winner of the National Screenwriting competition 2019 by the Kenya Film Commission.
With over 14 years of experience in the film industry, Oduor has written and produced numerous television shows, including Noose of Gold, Demigods, and Dominus.
According to Oduor, his journey in screenwriting began around 2005 when he joined the writing team of Makutano Junction. He later left to establish his own production company, Maxpot Media.
When asked about his first script, Oduor revealed that he had conceived the idea 10 years ago, but it is still under development.
On being announced the winner of the competition, Oduor expressed his gratitude, stating that it was an amazing moment and a testament to the government's initiative to spur the film industry in the country.
Regarding the film industry, Oduor noted that the government through the Kenya Film Commission is rising to the challenge of growing the Kenyan film industry. He emphasized the importance of a functional film infrastructure, including a skilled workforce, technical capacity, and policy, to make Kenya a competitive filming destination.
However, Oduor highlighted the challenges faced by screenwriters and film producers in the country, including insufficient investment and a need for a more collaborative approach in the industry.
Looking ahead, Oduor's big vision is to see his script, Dust in My Eyes, made into a film. He hopes to achieve this through further development and collaboration with stakeholders in the industry.
