Wanuri Kahiu
Wanuri Kahiu in particular has been a trailblazer. Her film Rafiki gained international attention when it was banned in Kenya for its portrayal of a same-sex relationship, but it also sparked important conversations about censorship, LGBTQ+ rights and creative freedom. Kahiu's success highlighted how women filmmakers are using film not only for artistic expression but also for social commentary. She has also contributed to several Hollywood projects, including Disney's Once On This Island.
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Victoria Goro
Ensuring that the conveyor belt never stops churning out capable filmmakers is Victoria Goro. Currently the director of the East Africa Academy MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF), Goro has ensured that budding talents in the film industry are nurtured through various programmes.
During the last edition of the Women in Film Award, she was recognised as the most influential personality in women's film in its fifth edition. With over three decades of experience in the film industry, Goro has been instrumental in the development of film curricula and the development and implementation of talent-based film training.
Denise Ngibuini
Popularly known as Madam Producer in the film industry, Denise is not a new face to many. She started her career on the local TV show Tahidi High and since leaving she has been making films in various capacities.
At Phil-It Production, as a producer, she leads the project and manages the entire production process from concept to execution.
Other roles include client liaison, where she acts as the primary point of contact between the client and the production team, ensuring that the client's needs and expectations are met throughout the project. At WIFA, she is also a producer and a key figure in this project.
Dr Zippy Okoth
Dr Zippy Okoth is a performing artiste, producer, director, actress and writer who has produced several films and plays. Her latest film, Otis Janam, has won many hearts for its unique execution. It was also nominated for the National Film and TV Awards and although it did not win, it was a statement for a Kenyan film to be nominated for the South African awards. It is a compelling story that delves into the power of love, destiny and second chances. The KCA film lecturer is also the festival director of the LIPFF Film Festival.
Nice Githinji
Nice Githinji is a prominent figure in the film industry. A talented actor, Nice is known for her top performances in All Girls Together (2008), Subira (2018) and Nganya (2018). She is also the co-founder of The Talent Studio, a performing arts school, and Shorts From Africa, a Kenyan collective that brings together artists from different disciplines to create works inspired by Africa and its literature. Her most recent works include These Are the Moments to Die, which she directed and starred in with Nyokabi Macharia. Her latest work on screen is Subterranea on Showmax, Kenya's first sci-fi series.