Partnerships key to transforming Kenya's film scene- MultiChoice Kenya

MultiChoice Kenya, Africa's leading entertainment company, has issued a clarion call for collaboration among stakeholders in Kenya's burgeoning film industry to propel it to greater heights.

The 13th edition of the Kalasha Film and TV Market, Festival, and Awards launched this call, emphasizing the significance of transitioning from competition to collaboration.

Nzola Miranda, Managing Director of MultiChoice Kenya, emphasised the transformative potential of collaboration within the industry.

"The more we collaborate, the more competitive we become," stated Miranda, acknowledging the myriad challenges faced by the industry.

Expressing gratitude to partners including the Kenyan Film Commission (KFC) and the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Sports, and the Arts, Miranda hailed Kenya's evolution into a premier film destination in East Africa. He highlighted the country's growing reputation as a top producer of local films, showcasing its storytelling prowess globally.

With over 5,600 hours of local content and continuous expansion, MultiChoice Kenya takes pride in its role as Kenya's foremost storyteller.

Miranda also emphasised the contribution of programmes like the MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF), which annually trains 20 students from East Africa, to the industry's growth.

Echoing the call for collaboration, Raymond Ochieng, Secretary of Youth Development at the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and the Arts, urged filmmakers, experts, and media professionals worldwide to forge partnerships and explore new possibilities.

Timothy Owase, CEO of the Kenya Film Commission, lauded partners like MultiChoice Kenya for their unwavering support of local filmmakers. He emphasised the importance of platforms like the Kalasha Film and TV Market in facilitating exchanges and dialogues among industry experts.

Data from the KFC revealed that the film industry contributed Sh38 billion to the Exchequer in 2022, underscoring its significance to the Kenyan economy.