The Kenya Film Commission (KFC), in partnership with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), has announced funding support for seven film projects under the Film Empowerment Programme, marking a significant milestone for Kenya’s film industry.
For the first time, the Film Empowerment Programme has introduced a dedicated international co-production funding window. This strategic policy shift is designed to support ready-to-shoot international co-productions that already have established global partnerships, enabling Kenyan producers to compete more effectively on the international stage.
International Co-Production Funding Window
Through a Call for Submissions for International Co-Productions, KFC and GIZ sought to support Kenyan producers who have secured partnerships with international collaborators. The programme provides partial production funding to projects ready to advance into late development or production, with a focus on:
- Strengthening cross-border collaboration
- Enhancing production quality
- Increasing the global visibility of Kenyan stories
The call ran from 20 November to 1 December 2025, attracting 34 applications within a short submission period. Following a rigorous evaluation by an independent jury of industry experts, five projects were shortlisted for the pitching phase:
- Heirs of No Regret
- Kakuma League – Champions of Nowhere
- Sight from Sound
- Wash Wash
- Finish Line
From these, two projects were selected to receive up to KES 1.7 million each, bridging critical financing gaps and accelerating their journey toward production. The winning co-production projects are:
- Wash Wash – D&R Studios Limited
- Heirs of No Regret – Baruu Collective Ltd
Speaking on the initiative, KFC Board Chair Mr. Sudi Wandabusi stated:
“Allow me, at the outset, to reaffirm the Board’s appreciation for our continued collaboration with the German Government through GIZ under the Kenyan–German Cooperation Project: Strengthening the Film Industry in Kenya. This partnership has enabled us not only to expand resources, but also to raise standards, deepen skills transfer, and unlock new opportunities for Kenyan creatives within the global film ecosystem.”
He added that the strong response to the call reflects the growing maturity and ambition of Kenya’s producing community, noting that international co-productions go beyond financing to foster cultural exchange, skills transfer, and global visibility.
Screenwriters’ Residency: Nurturing Original Kenyan Content
Equally significant was the pitching of projects emerging from the Screenwriters’ Residency, implemented under the 4th Cycle of the Film Empowerment Programme. The residency attracted an overwhelming 158 applications, underscoring the demand for structured script development support.
From this pool, ten writers were selected for an intensive four-week residential programme held at Tafaria Castle and Centre for the Arts, under the mentorship of award-winning screenwriter Mona Ombogo. The selected writers were:
- Juma Adero
- Masika Doreen
- Lydia Matata
- Lesley Gakuo
- Cecimercy Wanza
- Gift Kyansimire
- Marion Kandia
- Edwin Kairu
- Michael Mutahi
- Wacuka Munga
The residency focused on disciplined story development, character creation, world-building, and professional writing practice.
“We commend both the facilitator and participants for their dedication to the craft,” noted the KFC Chairman.
At the conclusion of the programme, five projects were selected to receive development grants of up to KES 1.5 million each to support further script development and readiness for potential production. The selected Screenwriters’ Residency projects are:
- Mental – Edwin Kairu
- Offside – Lydia Matata
- Most Outlandish Heist – Hannington Juma
- My Girlfriend Wanjiru Is a Vampire – Gift Kyansimire
- Timeline Bloodline – Wacuka Mungai
Jury Panel
The projects were evaluated by a distinguished jury of industry professionals:
- Philip Karanja – Director and CEO, Philit Productions
- Fibby Kioria – Producer and Film Curator
- Paula Lowitt – Distribution and Entertainment Law Expert
- Myke Mwai – Broadcast and Content Syndication Expert
- Voline Ogutu – Award-Winning Writer and Director
Through these targeted investments, the Kenya Film Commission continues to strengthen the development pipeline for Kenyan stories—supporting writers, producers, and international collaborations while positioning Kenya as a credible and competitive destination for global film partnerships.
