The Commission joined partners, filmmakers, and creatives at the 18th FilmAid International Film Festival, held under the theme “Stories of Strength.” The festival celebrated the courage and creativity of refugee and host-community filmmakers who continue to use film as a voice of empowerment, resilience, and transformation.

Organized by FilmAid Kenya in collaboration with various partners, the festival brought together refugee storytellers, host-community representatives, industry stakeholders, government partners, and the media all united by a shared belief in the power of storytelling. This year’s edition gave special visibility to refugee-led films, showcasing how authentic narratives can both inspire and shape Kenya’s creative landscape.

During the opening ceremony, our CEO Mr. Timothy Owase applauded FilmAid Kenya for providing an inclusive platform that nurtures new voices in cinema, reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to inclusivity, collaboration, and capacity building in the creative economy.

During the festival, the Commission engaged Students, filmmakers and creatives, sharing information on film incentives, training opportunities, and production support available through KFC. These interactions fostered dialogue on how refugee and host-community filmmakers can access Commission programmes to enhance their storytelling capacity and contribute to the growth of Kenya’s film industry.

The festival concluded with a vibrant Gala Awards Ceremony celebrating outstanding refugee and host-community filmmakers whose stories of courage and resilience continue to inspire and uplift audiences.

By supporting platforms like FilmAid’s festival, the Commission continues to advance its mission of building an inclusive, globally competitive, and sustainable film industry, one where every voice finds its place on screen.