Kalasha International TV and Film Market kicks off

The government is considering a raft of changes into the film industry to revitalize it into a multi-million investment opportunity.

A policy which will make film an integral part of the entertainment industry in Kenya is in the making.

Cabinet Secretary for ICT, Joe Mucheru said the policy will as well pave the way for the film industry to be an important investment and commercial pillar in the economy.

Mucheru spoke during the third edition of the Kalasha International Film and TV Market on Tuesday. The event which has been organized by the Kenya Film Commission will be going down at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) from March 26, 2019 to March 28, 2019.

He said the policy seeks to encourage public-private partnerships in the area of film and also establish a national film fund for financial credits, rebates and other incentives for the industry.

Mucheru noted that since the film industry is a devolved function, it has been difficult for film makers to get incentives and the requirements have not been pocket friendly. He assured film makers that the policies being put in place will make the industry much better.

“When there is no policy you will get that different counties are giving diverse requirements and there would be many state agencies that one may not be sure who to go to and for what, the policy will give very clear requirements and the kinds of incentives such as tax and employment,” said Mucheru.

Mucheru said the policy is in its final stages and is available for people to critique. It has already gone through public participation and shortly it should be published.

He wooed filmmakers to consider Kenya as a film destination to foster growth of the industry and talent.

“For the many movie people we have met, our sun is the best, our scenery is good and we have a variety of communities and culture, even the black panther itself is here in Kenya,” said Mucheru.

Kenya has so far played host to about 80 films including Out of Africa, King Solomon’s Mines, Rise and Fall of Idi Amin, The Color People and Lion King animation among others.

Standard Group Managing Director, Broadcast, Joe Munene, said that for business of film and TV to thrive, it has to be sustainable.

“the idea may be creative and have good concept but if you launch it and it is not maintainable then you will find challenges,” said Munene.

He added that Standard Group is open for business across all its platforms and it is committed to supporting the film industry.

“My strong commitment that I would want to give to Kenya Film Commission is that we are honored to be the media partners and we hope to make our partnership even bigger and better,” he said.

Kenya Film Commission CEO Timothy Owase said the event’s primary objective is to showcase Kenya as a major regional hub for Film and TV production, post-production and distribution, across all platforms and genres while reinforcing the uniqueness of Kenya as a shooting location.

“It is a unique platform for all the regional and international players and festival goers from the TV and Film industry to gather, discuss exchange, collaborate, share stories and develop new business opportunities in a fast growing area,” said Owase.