The Kenya Film Commission (KFC) is hosting the 6th Edition of Kalasha International Film and TV Market, a three-day event at Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) from 29th-31st March. It is a unique platform for all regional and international players, and festival goers from the Film & TV industry to gather, discuss, exchange, collaborate, share stories and develop new business opportunities.
For three days, local and international professionals from the audio-visual and film industry coming from East African countries, Europe and other places around the world, get a unique opportunity to boost their business through trading content, partnership opportunities, networking and more.
Speaking during the opening ceremony of the market, KFC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr. Timothy Owase said, "Kenya is indeed ready for the film business. The industry is on the right track in getting global recognition. The presence of key policy makers like UNESCO and film distributors like Netflix with us here today is a stamp of authority that Kenya's film industry is on an upward trajectory."
Also present was UNESCO Assistant Director General for Culture, Ernesto Ottone R. who emphasized UNESCO's support and commitment to the fast-rising audio-visual industry. "The African audio-visual industry is on the continuous rise, with a capacity to create over 20 million jobs with appropriate investments. It takes the whole of creative ecosystem to unlock this full potential, and UNESCO is committed to accompanying the governments and civil society alike." Said Mr. Ottone.
Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Sports and Arts, Hon Ababu Namwamba EGH, in a speech read on his behalf by State Department of Youth Affairs Secretary, Raymond Ochieng, reiterated his Ministry's support towards ensuring that the industry remains on an upward trajectory.
Governor of Nairobi Johnson Sakaja said that his office is creating an enabling environment for film makers through investing in modern infrastructure such as film studios and stages and setting up a film fund to support film makers. He added that he has streamlined the regulatory processes for freelance film makers and photographers by exempting film fees.
The three-day market will additionally feature film screenings, conferences, workshops, business-to-business talks and pitching sessions.
Key players in attendance of the 6th edition include film distributors like Netflix, Multichoice, Paramount, Viusasa, Africa XP, Imax, Crimson Media, MyMovies Africa, Media Pros Africa and Rushlake.
