Kalasha biggest winners

Entertainment in Kenya has become a big deal; from music to social media content creation and acting.

As a way of appreciating this growth, those in the film industry were brought together to celebrate the Kalasha International Film and TV Awards that took place on March 30.

A red carpet was laid on the grounds of the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC).

As the event unfolded, some names popular and every time they were mentioned, ululations got louder.

One of the highlights of the night was Daudi Anguka who was named as the Best Director, for his film 'Mvera'.

Mvera, which means ‘blessing’, is a coastal film that talks about a hero. The film art has not only been acknowledged by the Kalasha Awards but also by other international platforms like Joburg Film Festival in South Africa and the Oscars.

Anguka became the first cinematographer to have a coastal film nominated in the Best International Feature category for the 96th Oscars.

During the Kalasha Awards, 'Mvera' was named Best Feature Film and the Best Viewers’ Choice.

In addition, Mvera produced winners in other categories like Best Lead Actress in a Film, which went to Lina Sande and Best Makeup Artist which was bagged by Fatma Muhidin Kayla.

Other films that Anguka has worked on include 'Pete' where he was the executive producer, 'Zilizala' as the director, and the cinematographer for 'Ol-Enaibon', 'Kiza' and 'Zuena'.

‘Where the River Divides’ is another film that was awarded in several categories. It is a film about culture and the Christian faith, where a son is torn between following his father’s footsteps or taking his path.

The film was written by Matt Black, who won the Best Screenplay category. Nancy Aluoch, another cast member, won Best Production Design, the Best Costume Designer was given to Eddah Wakesho as well as the Best Lead Actor in a Film, Godwill Odhiambo, who played the role of Dennis in the film.

Overall, the film was named the Best Short Film.

Still on films that stood out during the event, there is the 'Act of Love'. This is a film that describes the hardships faced by a young mother, Juliana, played by Mwixx Mutinda.

This film produced the Best Lighting Technician (Joseph Churu), Best Editor (Koome Mwirebua) and the Best Sound Designer (Mbaru Patrick).

Sarah Hassan was named the Best Lead Actress for TV Drama for her role in Zari. She was nominated alongside Sanaipei Tande and Faith Kibathi among others.

The same film also produced the Best Supporting Actress in Brenda Wairimu, who plays the role of Lola.

Hassan has been on the screen since the Tahidi High era. 

She has had major roles in other films such as 'Crime and Justice', 'Zora', 'Plan B' and 'Just in Time'. 

In the Best Lead Actor category, the room was taken down memory lane when the late Charles Ouda was announced the winner.

The sudden demise of the popular Charlie is a loss that the film industry is still healing from. He was not only an excellent actor but also an awesome script writer, show host, events manager and voice-over artiste.

Charlie was known for his appearances on TV shows such as 'Makutano Junction,' 'The First Grader,' and 'Count It Out.'

The Lifetime Achievement Award was bagged by Jenny Pont from Pontact Productions. This was unique as she could not contain her excitement while recalling where the Kenyan film industry started.