Following the directive by H.E. the President of the Republic of Kenya, to provide of KES. 100 million from the Sports and Arts Fund in support of Kenyan Artist with an objective of cushioning them from the negative economic impact of COVID-19, the Kenya Film Commission made an application to the steering committee and was granted KES. 8.5 million shillings to support film makers from the 47 counties and Kenyan’s at large to create employment by development film content that will communicate, entertaining and resonate with “Wanjiku” in relation to COVID-19 and its impact social-economically.
A call for funding applications for the stimulus program for filmmakers was put up on 18th May 2020 and closed on 13th June 2020 having received 98 applications from the following Counties: Bungoma, Kiambu, Mombasa, Uasin Gishu, Nakuru, Kwale, Nairobi, Makueni, Machakos, Kajiado, Murang’a, Busia, Siaya, Trans Nzoia, Nandi, Tharaka Nithi, Elgeyo Marakwet, Homabay, Kericho, Bomet, Narok, Baringo, Kisumu and Embu.
A Jury Committee consisting of four members namely – Martin Munyua, Isabel Maina, James Kanja and Immaculate Murugi, representatives of the various film associations was selected to review the submissions and shortlist accordingly. Out of the 98 submitted projects, only 62 projects met the set criteria. The 62 projects were then subjected to the technical evaluation process and 33 projects from 21 counties were finally awarded the price money as follows;
In a view to sustain employment within the film industry, the Commission has developed health and safety guidelines for film production. This is in line with the Ministry of Health set guidelines and has been approved by all the relevant authorities allowing film makers to continue with their craft.
Key highlights include
Production can take place between 5.00am – 6:30pm for 13 hours including set – up and wrap.
As an Industry we will insist on having the minimum number of cast and crew possible (with social distancing).
Social Distancing: Our work requires some departments to work very closely together. Production companies and technicians will document a safety method protocol taking into account the necessary precautions.
Each film production set will have a qualified medical practitioner on-set to check temperatures, and monitor social distancing, hand sanitizing and PPE protocols throughout the day.
Depending on the total number of people on set, Production to assign one or more Hygiene Officers to supervise sanitization and PPE for all non – technical crew and cast members.
Approved PPE will be worn by all crew and cast for the duration on the shooting day.
Hand sanitizer and hand washing facilities will be made available to all crew and cast at all times.
Gear sanitization- Heads of Department to be responsible for delegating the wiping down of the gear within their department during the day, as required while ensuring their crew are wearing correct PPE
These guidelines stem from research with local production companies, local technical crew, as well as research available to us from the global film Community.
