Kalasha: Legends, newcomers and familiar favourites
ENTERTAINMENT
By
Kirsten Kanja
| Mar 09, 2024
The biggest night in Kenyan film is inching closer, with the Kalasha International Film and TV Awards nominees having been named.
The prestigious event is set to take place on March 30 at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre, following a one-week festival drawing local and international delegates, per a press statement by the Kenya Film Commission.
"This year's award season boasts a record-breaking number of submissions, with over 1,500 entries across 37 categories. The significant increase, compared to the previous year, reflects the flourishing Kenyan film industry, with a notable surge in submissions for the animation category," the KFC statement reads in part.
On the Best Lead Actor in a film category, Dr Edwin Nyutho, a renowned industry veteran is nominated for his role in Half Open Window. He goes up against Patrick Owino (Mvera), Pascal Tokodi (A Familiar Christmas), Emmanuel Muga (Itifaki) and Godwill Odhiambo (Where The River Divides).
A Familiar Christmas, which earned popular actor Pascal Tokodi his nomination, has been described as Kenya's first-ever Christmas feature film. The actor acknowledged the nomination in an Instagram post, writing that he is humbled to be nominated for his fourth Kalasha Award.
"Some incredible actors and an assiduous production team led by Odanga Reuben got together and shot a beautiful holiday movie," Pascal wrote, before humorously adding, "Just because I have won three Kalasha's doesn't mean I don't want a fourth. And a fifth and a sixth! Congratulations to all the nominees."
The Best Lead Actress category features a talented list of ladies. There is Lina Sande (Mvera), Nice Githinji (The Caller), Maureen Kunga (A Familiar Christmas), Mwixx Mutinda (Act of Love) and Shandra Daisy Apondi (Where The River Divides).
Further, KFC submitted the film, Mvera, to the Academy Awards for consideration in the Best International Feature Film category, per a report by Deadline, a film website. Mvera premiered in September 2023.
Where The River Divides, a short film has received a staggering 15 nominations, and for a good reason. The 33-minute film is captivating, heartwarming and thought-provoking. Where The River Divides earned nominations in categories including Best Lead Actor and Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Editor, Best Lighting Technician, Best Special Effects, Best Director of Photography, Best Short Film, Best Original Screenplay and more.
On the TV categories, our familiar favourites will battle it out for enviable accolades.
The Best Lead Actor in a TV Drama category features a remarkable list of renowned actors. There is Blessing Lung'aho (Igiza), Jimmi Gathu (Kina), the late Charles Ouda (Salem), Isaboke Nyakundi (Shamba La Wanyama) and Sele Mzamil (Sanura).
Reality TV is shining on the Best TV Show nominee list, with projects like This Love +1 (Eugene Mbugua), Our Perfect Wedding Season 16 (Eugene Mbugua), Best of Show (Eugene Mbugua) and The Real Housewives of Nairobi Season 1.
Writer, producer and director Eugene Mbugua is celebrated for producing multiple TV shows that are beloved in Kenyan homes. Although it is not his first time receiving a nomination, he expressed excitement and gratitude through a social media post.
"D&R studios has had six TV shows and a TVC nominated for this year's Kalasha Awards. We are stoked! There are many people to thank. The board of directors of our company that keeps us ambitious and honest, the team at D&R and our freelancing partners that work tirelessly to bring these shows to life, the cast members, guests and hosts on our shows who allow us into their lives," he wrote.
The Best Lead Actress in a TV Drama lists renowned actresses, from Sarah Hassan (Zari) to Sanaipei Tande (Kina), Faith Kibathi (Single Kiasi) and Ivy Wanjiku (Sanura).
Single Kiasi, Grace Kahaki and Philipe Bresson's drama has received multiple nods. The show received nominations for Best Supporting Actor in a TV Drama (Michael Munyoki), Best TV Drama, and Best Viewers Choice (TV Drama).
More slots in the TV category include Best TV Comedy, Best Performance in a TV Comedy and Best TV Advertisement.