'My Kenya My Story' is an annual film competition for short Kenyan films shot exclusively using mobile phones. This year's edition was themed "Mental Health and Wellness" to highlight the state of mental health in Kenya.
Kenya Film Commission hosted a gala award ceremony last Friday, 23rd August 2019 at the Sarova Stanley Hotel where a host of Kenyan filmmakers and top government officials were present to celebrate winners in the mobile phone film competition.
Yours truly, KenyaBuzz were co-sponsors of the event.
The competition is in its second edition, and the number of submissions this year increased. It was noted that there was an improvement in the quality of productions entered for the competition since the first edition was launched in 2018.
The films submitted explored a spectrum of issues spanning gender-based violence, gender equality, PTSD, depression & cyber bullying.
Hon. Esther Passaris has committed to offer KES 100,000 cash reward for the five jury mention films.#MyKenyaMyStory #BestMobileFlickKe pic.twitter.com/qMiFZ7KlXz
— Kenya Film Commission (@kenyafilmcomm) August 23, 2019
'The Loss' by David Waronja emerged the winner and was awarded a cash prize of Ksh 200,000. Coming in second was 'My Bad' by Philip Muoki scooping a cash prize of Ksh 150,000. 'Escape' by Eric Sirama bagged Ksh 100,000 for the second runners up position.
Kenya Film Commision CEO, Mr. Timothy Owase noted that; "We established the mobile phone film competition to expand opportunities and scope of film making in the country. This ensures that Kenyan Youth can now make films without the use of expensive equipment. This is a significant milestone that must be celebrated. ''
With a vibrant Film and TV industry, we are certain that the industry will be more alive offering increased job opportunities and sustainable wealth creation for industry professionals. #MyKenyaMyStory #BestMobileFlickKe pic.twitter.com/LsCOEAcsEj
— Kenya Film Commission (@kenyafilmcomm) August 23, 2019
''My Kenya My Story'' also sought out to take advantage of technological advancement and global trends in consumption of media content thus influence how filmakers produce content for the ever changing and demanding audience.
The commission has also rolled out key initiatives aimed at supporting the local film industry such as the fully-furnished resource Centre equipped with film books, editing suites, desktop machines with high-speed internet connectivity, meeting space for production meetings and screening equipment.
Following the success of 'My Kenya My Story' in two editions, the commission will be rolling out yet another programme dubbed 'My county My Story'. This programme will see all the 47 counties producing their own unique stories which will be showcased across the country and beyond our borders.
