It was all business and pomp at the 5th edition of the Kalasha Film and TV Market that took place from the 10th to 12th of June at the KICC, a vibrant event that was graced by Chief Administrative Secretary, Ministry of ICT, Maureen Mbaka and Kenya Film Commission CEO Mr. Timothy Owase accompanied by the Commission board members.
The Market provided an opportunity for over 100 experts and exhibitors both local and international to gather and exchange ideas on improving the film industry by way of workshops, panel discussions and a showcase of their services/ products.
Against the backdrop of the Kalasha Market was the launch of the first ever locations mapped in Kenya, officiated by the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of ICT, Innovation and Youth Affairs, Joe Mucheru. This event sought to unveil locations all over the country that are ideal for film productions, ranging from mountainous areas to beaches and deserts among others. The public and specifically film makers can access the locations from the Commission website.
The Kalasha International Film and TV market saw various creatives in the film industry go through beneficial workshops such as photography, speed dating which was to help them learn how to pitch their ideas as well as networking events.
The overarching message throughout the market was the film industry growth with a call to creatives in the industry to make use of resources facilitated by the ICT Ministry and the Film Commission to grow their craft. Industry players were also challenged to learn more on how to protect their content through copyright and learn the film distribution channels for easier monetization of their content.
On day 2 of the market, 19 students who were taken through an animation training course in collaboration with USIU-A University, Dedan Kimathi University of Technology and Daystar University graduated with certificates upon successful completion of their training as well as animation projects. This is part of Kenya Film Commission’s efforts towards growing the industry through capacity building.
The culmination of the Kalasha International Film and TV market was the screening of various select films, in a session that was open to the public, at the KICC on 12th June, 2022 which was the last day of the three days trade fair.
