Wednesday 4th December marked a momentous occasion in Kenya’s film industry with the Some Fine Day Pix Award Ceremony, the grand finale of the first-ever Moving Pictures Program. Held after an intensive two-day pitching session from December 2–3, 2024, the event celebrated the talent and innovation of 12 teams, selected from 60 participants, who showcased their exceptional storytelling and business acumen.
The Moving Pictures Program, an ambitious initiative designed to shape the future of film distribution across Africa, brought together young and emerging filmmakers to hone their craft and develop sustainable business models. Six teams were awarded funding to produce short films, while five others were selected to focus on innovative strategies for film distribution, audience development, and maximizing social media impact. Each winning team walked away with $10,000 in funding to bring their projects to life.
Representing the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports, Principal Secretary Mr. Ismail Madey honored the event, extending the ministry’s support for the creative industry. Speaking on behalf of the Cabinet Secretary, Hon. Kipchumba Murkomen, PS Madey praised the initiative and acknowledged the pivotal role played by the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ).
“We appreciate GIZ’s unwavering support in nurturing young talents and opening doors to international opportunities. These efforts are driving the growth of Kenya’s film industry and setting the stage for international collaborations,” said PS Madey. He further announced plans to roll out the fourth cycle of this impactful partnership, underscoring the ministry’s commitment to empowering filmmakers and fostering Kenya’s creative economy.
The event also highlighted the transformative contributions of GIZ in equipping filmmakers with invaluable skills in scriptwriting, animation, and cinematography. Their programs have not only strengthened local capacities but have also enabled filmmakers to access international platforms, including festivals and markets in Germany. These opportunities are creating pathways for Kenyan content to reach global audiences.
The Kenya Film Commission, represented by our Industry Capacity Development Officer, Ms Torut, served in the jury for the short film competition, reinforcing the commission’s integral role in nurturing talent. She lauded the creativity and dedication demonstrated by the participants, noting that the program has raised the bar for African storytelling.
Through the Kenya Film Commission, the government continues to position Kenya as a premier hub for film production on the continent and globally. Initiatives like the Moving Pictures Program align with the broader vision of showcasing Kenya’s creative potential to the world while promoting economic growth within the creative sector.
As the winners embark on their journey to create impactful stories and sustainable business models, the event reaffirmed Kenya’s position as a leader in innovation and talent within the global film industry. It also set the stage for deeper partnerships, including a future co-production agreement between Kenya and Germany, signaling a new era of collaborative opportunities.
