German tycoon Josef Brunlehner has said Kenya is the Hollywood of Africa and has urged the Government to open doors to investors interested in film making in the country.
"All we need is a viable environment and realistic investment terms to turn the hospitality and filming industry into a leading earner in the country’s economy," Brunlehner told MondayBlues during an exclusive interview last week.
The Kenya-based investor has been working with top Hollywood film producers and directors who have been using Kenya’s beautiful and natural scenery to make international award winning films. |
The tycoon, Josef Brunlehner poses with events organiser Claris Odongo during a beauty show hosted at Seafront, Mombasa, last month.
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CHALE, FILM MAKERS HAVEN
"Chale Island, for example, is a gold mine for Kenya. It is ranked among the top 10 islands in the world.
It should soon be our small Hollywood judging by the way celebrity actors and movie producers are trooping there," noted Brunlehner.
The business merchant who runs a chain of luxury hotels abroad among other investments owns massive property in South Coast, Lamu and Chale Island.
"For the last 25 years I have lived in Kenya, my interest has been to invest in real estate and help establish a viable tourism and hospitality industry.
Kenya is one of the most beautiful countries in the world and with a viable business environment, the sector can turn Kenya into one of the best tourist destinations in the world," added Brunlehner, who is the father of national swimming champion and Olympics finalist Sylvia Brunlehner.
SHOWDOWN WITH PRINCE
The soft-spoken millionaire came into public limelight after a court awarded him Sh20 million for being assaulted by Prince Ernst August of Hanover at Shella Beach, 10 years ago.
Prince August is the husband of Princess Caroline of Monaco, the daughter of Prince Rainnier and Princess Grace.
Ironically, Brunlehner rejected the court award — terming the cash as peanuts — noting that all he wanted is justice.
"Sh20 million may sound much for an ordinary Kenyan. But that is like a drop in the ocean compared to the investments I have done," he said.
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