Kenya Film Commission signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Nyeri and Embu Counties on 30th September 2020 and 2nd October 2020 respectively to establish a framework of strategic collaboration to sustainably promote the development and exploitation of audio-visual content and capacity building of the film industry in the two Counties for mutual benefit. The main area of collaboration is establishment of fully equipped Film Hubs in Embu and Nyeri for film and TV production.
The Commission has embarked on developing Film Hubs across the country to satisfy the film production needs at grassroot level. The main objective of the Film Hubs is to encourage growth and nurture creativity among young people by empowering students and aspiring filmmakers to have the necessary skills and techniques that will allow for a smooth transition into the industry. The initiative is aimed at strengthening the local filmmakers’ professional skills and equipping them with information to enable them compete effectively in the local and international film environments.
The Film Hubs in Embu and Nyeri will help nurture the existing creative talent among the youth in the two Counties. Once in operation, the Hubs will also host the Film Residency Program that focus on training aspiring filmmakers in month long workshops with industry professionals. The end product of this Program will be films shot on location in the Counties.
“The Commission’s role is to design and equip the Film Hubs to support the production needs of filmmakers at the grassroot level as this is where authentic stories reside”, noted the Kenya Film Commission CEO, Mr. Timothy Owase. He also highlighted his visit to the production set of the film “Medicine Man” in Embu County – one of the beneficiaries of KFC’s Film Empowerment Program aimed at powering Kenyan productions.
The Governor of Embu, H.E. Hon. Martin Wambora and his Nyeri counterpart, H.E. Mutahi Kahiga have both embraced the economic impact of film and have expressed optimism that the film industries in their Counties will thrive.
So far, the Commission has established a Film Hub in Dedan Kimathi University of Technology in Nyeri County and is in the process of establishing the same in Vihiga, Migori and Bomet Counties following the signing of M.O.U.s with the said Counties.
