MultiChoice Kenya, a leader in African entertainment, has urged stakeholders in Kenya’s film industry to prioritize collaborations to elevate the country’s cinematic landscape to global prominence.
At the inauguration of the 13th Kalasha Film and TV Market, Festival, and Awards, Mr. Nzola Miranda, Managing Director of MultiChoice Kenya, emphasized the necessity of shifting the industry’s focus from competition to collaboration.
“Collaboration is paramount in addressing the challenges facing our industry. By coming together, we enhance competitiveness and foster growth,” said Mr. Miranda.
He commended the Kenyan Film Commission (KFC) and the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Sports, and the Arts for their support in nurturing the industry.
Highlighting Kenya’s emergence as a premier film destination in East Africa, Mr. Miranda noted, “Kenya and Tanzania have risen as leading producers of local content, showcasing our storytelling prowess globally.
The film sector not only bolsters the economy but also provides substantial employment opportunities.”
Mr. Miranda highlighted MultiChoice Kenya’s commitment to local content development, boasting a vast library of over 5,600 hours of Kenyan productions.
Acknowledging the role of initiatives like the MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF), which annually trains students from across Africa, Mr. Miranda emphasized their contribution to Kenya’s film sector.
Mr. Raymond Ochieng, Secretary of Youth Development at the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and The Arts, echoed the call for global partnerships and knowledge exchange within the industry.
Mr. Timothy Owase, CEO of the Kenya Film Commission, expressed gratitude to partners like MultiChoice Kenya for their continuous support.
“Collaborations such as this are instrumental in showcasing Kenya’s film industry on the global stage,” said Mr. Owase.
He emphasized the importance of platforms like Kalasha in facilitating dialogue and skill enhancement within the industry.
According to data from the KFC, the film industry contributed Sh38 billion shillings to the Exchequer in 2022, underscoring its economic significance.
The three-day Kalasha event serves as a platform for stakeholders to forge alliances and explore avenues for industry growth.
Through collaboration and innovation, Kenya’s film industry aims to cement its position as a global player in storytelling and entertainment.