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The National Scriptwriting Competition Jury Unveiled

The National Scriptwriting Competition Jury Unveiled

The Ministry of ICT, through Kenya Film Commission yesterday 28th February 2019 unveiled a jury of experts for the National Screenplay Competition launched on 4th February 2019.

The list of jury include: Ms Njoki C. Muhoho– Filmmaker, Management Consultant and Academy Director for the Multichoice Talent Factory, Dr. Fredrick Mbogo– Scriptwriter, Playwright, Actor, Senior Lecturer The Technical University of Kenya; Ms Mona Ombogo– author and scriptwriter; Mr Eston N. Munyi– Lecturer, Kenyatta University and Kenya Institute of Mass Communication; Mr Eugene Mbugua– Content Creator, Writer, Producer, Director Young Rich Television Ltd; Ms Appie Matere– Film Producer, Director Zamaradi Productions Ltd, MNET, Africa Magic; Ms Ann Hamberger– Film Producer and Actress , Mr Reuben Odanga– Film Director, Multan Production and Ms Victoria Goro– Deputy Director/Film Lecturer Kenya Film School .

The nine-member jury of experts drawn from the Kenyan film industry will be tasked to scrutinize the screenplay submissions received, evaluate entries and determine winners of the competition. The judging criteria will focus on: Originality, Story structure, Characterization, Visual inventiveness and Overall viability for world-class film festivals and/or online distribution.

By close of submission on 27th February 2019, the competition had garnered an overwhelming 549 entries.

Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit full scripts for further evaluation. There are three categories to be evaluated and the winners announced on 25th April 2019. The Best Script will be awarded Ksh 1M with First Runner-up getting Ksh 500,000 and Second Runner-up getting Ksh 300,000. The Best Student Writer (under 25 years of age) will get Ksh 100,000 and the Best Young Writer (18 years and below) will get Ksh 100,000.

This competition seeks to grow the film industry in Kenya and expand the local market of films in the country and other markets in Africa and Asia while showcasing Kenya as a film production destination. It is hoped that the competition will identify authentic Kenyan scripts viable for world class film festivals and online distribution to spur growth in Kenya’s film sector.

Cabinet Secretary, ICT Mr Joe Mucheru who was the Chief Guest noted, “Long term we must not rely on the rest of the world but should sell our stories as well and be part of the contribution of the global film industry in a big way. China sold around 10 Million US dollars in tickets; they have a huge market that Kenya can take advantage of as well as SMART Africa initiative.”

Also in attendance was a Chinese delegation led by Mr Pang Xinxing Chairman of Star Times Group, Prof. Yin Hong, Vice Chairman of China Film Association.

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