Kenya Film Commission partnered with Heat Entertainment to host the 4th Edition of the Shining Stars Talent Training Day at Havilah Cornerstone Ranch, Ruaka, Kiambu County on 30th September 2020. The colourful event was attended by 65 children aged between 4 years and 16 years who have embraced creativity in areas of filmmaking, photography, music and dance, gymnastics, fashion, among others.
The event featured a Film Village courtesy of the Commission that showcased the various elements of film production – Lights! Camera! Action! – to expose the young minds to activities surrounding the filmmaking process. There was also a Music Set that allowed the participants to try a hand at various musical instruments. The day-long event addressed the general understanding of film and growing one’s brand; the sessions were facilitated by notable film and TV industry players including Comedian Sleepy David, TV Director Bonnie Katei, TV Producer Leonard Kitili, Digital Content Distributor & Marketer Nickson Kirwa, Cinematographer James Irungu and Music & Stage Performance Coach Enoch Masanga.
The Shining Stars initiative is a talent development programme and a performing arts platform for kids aimed at discovering, nurturing and celebrating talent among children. The initiative seeks to awaken the creative mind in learners and empower them to develop talent from the earliest start possible. Additionally, it addresses parents and guardians by cultivating a culture of talent development from the home set-up. The initiative runs under the leadership of popular Comedian Sleepy David who previously held three similar events in 2019.
The Commission was glad to partner with Shining Stars so as to work with young minds and instill in them the awareness of Kenya’s film industry that requires a blend of actors, musicians, technical crew, among others. In a bid to facilitate the growth of the film industry for sustainable wealth and job creation, KFC works to groom future filmmakers through events such as this and the School Outreach Programme in Secondary Education institutions. With the School Outreach Programme, the Commission is connecting with Secondary School students by forming film clubs aimed at educating students on film production and the importance and benefits of film as a career choice and consequently, a potential employer. The School Outreach Programme enhances supportive learning environments to foster creativity and self-discovery through the art of filmmaking. Additionally, it will provide passionate filmmaking professionals with learning opportunities to develop their careers in the creative arts.
The Kenya Film Commission CEO Mr. Timothy Owase noted that: “Student Outreach programs form an important strategic goal for the Commission. With this program, creative minds will be empowered to use the power of film, art and ideas to create a better creative world at a young age”. He encouraged parents to nurture their children’s talents since content on children programming is not as vibrant as other genres.
