Kalasha International TV and Film Market kicks off

ICT CS Joe Mucheru experiences how a video camera operate when he presided over the opening of Kalasha International TV and Film Market in Nairobi on March 26 2019. [David Njaaga/Standard]

The Government is considering introducing changes in the film industry in order to revitalise it and attract investors.

According to Information Communication and Technology Cabinet Secretary Joe Mucheru, a policy paper is in the offing that will make film an integral part of the entertainment industry.

Mr Mucheru, who spoke during a ceremony to launch the third edition of the Kalasha International TV and Film Market yesterday, said the policy would attract investment to film.

He said the policy seeks to encourage public-private partnerships and also establish a national film fund where players can get loans to undertake film projects.

Mucheru noted that since the film industry is a devolved function, it has been difficult for film makers to get incentives from the State.

He assured filmmakers that the policies being put in place would make the industry much better.

“The policy will give very clear guidelines on how the industry should work. It will also propose tax incentives,” said Mucheru.

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

“The film idea could be creative and the concept good, but if you launch it and it is not sustainable then you will find challenges,” said Mr Munene.

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

“What I can tell the Kenya Film Commission (KFC) is that we are honoured to be its media partner. We hope to make our partnership even bigger,” Munene said.

KFC boss Timothy Owase said the event’s objective was to showcase Kenya as a major regional hub for film and TV production, post-production and distribution.