Film masterclasses, climate storytelling take centre stage at National Drama and Film Festivals

Students receive training through masterclasses and film during the 63rd Kenya National Drama and Film Festival at Lions School, Nakuru, on April 8, 2025. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

Learners participating in this year’s National Drama and Film Festivals are being treated to unique experiences and interactions with experts in art spaces.

In addition to free screenings of African films that highlight various themes, including leadership, heritage, self-awareness, and climate storytelling, learners at all educational levels are being offered a masterclass to gain insights into film creation.

The film masterclass is a collaborative effort that brings together stakeholders in the film industry to  integrate African films as a core learning resource in the education system.

“In these interactive sessions, learners have the opportunity to watch thoughtfully curated excerpts of African stories. They also undergo comprehensive film lessons and carefully crafted lesson guides,” said Cindy Makandi, founder of Tunga Africa.

Makandi explained that the masterclass and film screening sessions are part of programmes designed to stimulate creativity among learners and provide them with technological exposure, enhancing their understanding of the film industry in light of the introduction of the Competency-Based Curriculum.

Mungai Kiroga, a producer with Docubox, an organisation that awards grants to filmmakers, said the masterclass also aims to showcase interesting African films to learners who spend most of their time watching foreign films.

“Here at the film hub, learners interact with high-tech cameras used in big-budget films, technologies that the majority of them have never encountered. Such exposure helps them understand that film is a viable career that employs many people,” said Mungai.

In this collaborative venture, the organisations will, for the first time this year, sponsor awards for climate storytelling among high school students. The competition provides learners with the opportunity to tell climate stories, both fictional and documentary. Climate stories featured during the competition will be judged by a special panel to highlight their uniqueness.

“In every hall where different pieces of art are showcased, there is a special judge for climate stories. This is the first time climate stories are being featured in a special awards category,” Makandi said.

Some of the climate stories showcased yesterday included Kilifi Vonwald’s presentation titled Kesho Kilio, a spoken word piece highlighting the impacts of climate change, and a solo verse by Kabare titled Paradise West, which advocates for environmental conservation.

Upon conclusion of the festivals, an impact grant will be awarded to the winning climate stories, allowing students to showcase their work within their communities to initiate discussions on, and potentially expand, solutions.

National Chairman of the Kenya National Drama and Film Festival, Professor Christopher Odhiambo, said the masterclasses are part of additional items included in this year’s calendar.

He explained that the climate change category is a new addition that seeks to raise awareness among learners and society about the current environmental challenges.

“Showcasing work on climate change enables learners to appreciate their environment and calls for urgent action to address the challenge,” Professor Odhiambo said.