The Film Commission successfully hosted the Kalasha International Film and TV Market Festival Awards from March 27-30, 2024, at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), culminating in a glamorous gold and black themed awards gala.

For 4 days, the KICC was abuzz with industry insiders, budding filmmakers, and cinephiles congregating for the 3-day festival that aimed to showcase and develop Kenya’s film and television industry. This year’s theme was ‘Reel money in the business of film’ under the tagline ‘Where art meets commerce’ sensitizing the need of empowering Kenyan creatives into monetizing their talents in filmmaking. Participants engaged in workshops, panel discussions, and exhibitions, fostering growth and innovation.

With a series of movie screenings across the Goethe Institute and Anga Cinema, attendees had the opportunity to witness storytelling from diverse perspectives. Exhibitions connected creatives from around the globe, encouraging networking and investment in the dynamic Kenyan film market. Each evening heightened the festival’s allure with sponsor-led cocktail side chat meetings and movie premieres, setting the stage for meaningful dialogue among industry professionals.

Culminating the event, the 13^th edition of Kalasha Awards gala on March 30th was a sight to behold. Dubbed the Kenyan ‘Oscars’, the gala event, seeks to celebrate various achievers in the art of film storytelling while celebrating the unwavering dedication of individuals and organizations that push the boundaries of cinematic artistry and innovation within the film sector.

The Cabinet Secretary in the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports, Hon. Ababu Namwamba, Embassy representatives from the Chinese Embassy, Board members of the Commission, joined the staff of KFC and all 2024 sponsor spanning Multichoice, Communications Authority,  Showmax, Jamii Telcom, Startimes, Samsung, Argyle Grand Hotel, Royal Tulip Hotel, Dormans, Copyright Tribunal, Kenbright, Kenya Film Classification Board, NFVF South Africa, Goethe institute, Anga Cinema, Olsberg. SPI, Grycelle Studios, Kenya Film Television Professionals Association, Madisson General Insurance, Cameras Africa, Sony, Mind me International and The bar during the gold and black themed event and blending glamour with cultural flair from the Burundi drummers who curtain raised the awards gala.

Speaking during the award ceremony CS Ababu Namwamba reiterated his commitment to building a thriving creative industry through equipping youth with necessary skills; a key pillar of the Beta Plan of the Kenyan government, ‘We expect the recent signing of an agreement between the Kenyan government and Hollywood based Invention studios to be a game changer in this industry into offering Kenyan youth with relevant skill transfer as well as improving the infrastructure of our creative industry at the grassroot level’, he noted.

Mvera film was the biggest winner of the night bagging the Best Feature Film Award and four other categories namely; Best Make-up Artist by Fatma Muhiddin, Best Lead Actress in Feature Film by Lina Sande, Best Director by Daudi Anguka, and the Best Viewer’s Choice award.

The film follows the journey of a courageous woman determined to expose a wicked organ harvesting ring, delving into themes of resilience, justice, and the power of the human spirit.

Kudos to the outstanding achievement by all the winners. Your talent, creativity, and dedication have truly shone through, and KFC is honored to have the opportunity to recognize your exceptional work.

Here is the full list of the 2024 winners of the 13^th edition of Kalasha Film and TV Awards;