This archive report was first published on 28 October 2019.
On Monday, Information, Communications and Technology (ICT) Cabinet Secretary Joe Mucheru inaugurated the new board of directors of the Kenya Film Commission, marking a significant step towards the country's film industry growth.
Speaking at the event, Mucheru highlighted the government's efforts to tap into advanced international markets, citing a joint production deal with Chinese filmmakers and a co-production underway with India.
"We have brought the Chinese film week after the India film week, which happened earlier this year. These two markets alone are close to three billion people who want to watch our films," Mucheru said.
The government aims to leverage film tourism to create jobs for the youth and preserve the country's culture. In the coming year, Kenya expects to have over five major films shot in the country, with incentives in place to attract big-time movie producers.
The new board of the Kenya Film Commission includes representatives from government, media, and the film sector, tasked with creating jobs for the youth by attracting more film producers.
Existing digital villages and outdoor film centers will be used to showcase films, with the goal of making them accessible to every Kenyan. The Kenya Film Commission will also provide facilities for the public to watch the film 'The Elephant Queen', which was shot in Kenya over eight years ago.
The new developments mark good and exciting times for the film industry in Kenya, with the government looking to expand the use of film in the country.
