INSIDE 6TH EDITION OF KALASHA INTERNATIONAL FILM AND TV MARKET

The Kenya Film Commission (KFC) hosted the 6^th Edition of Kalasha International Film and TV Market, a three-day event took place at Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC). 

For three days, local and international professionals from the Audio-Visual and Film industry coming from East African countries, Europe and other places around the world, got a unique opportunity to boost their business through trading content, partnership opportunities, networking and more.

Speaking during the event, KFC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr. Timothy Owase expressed confidence that Kenya has raised the bar for her peers across the region with regards to film through Kalasha market. He added that the market is one of the greatest initiatives the Commission ever came up with and has put Kenya in the international map. 

“Kenya is indeed ready for the film business. The industry is on the right track in getting global recognition. The presence of key policy makers like UNESCO and film distributors like Netflix with us here today is a stamp of authority that Kenya’s film industry is on an upward trajectory.”

With regards to market’s theme- Film distribution in the 21^st century, the CEO said that technology is revolutionising the distribution of film and that the industry cannot underestimate the influence of 21st century technology and its uptake in the distribution of film.

Also present was UNESCO Assistant Director General for Culture, Ernesto Ottone R. who emphasised UNESCO’s support and commitment to the fast-rising audio-visual industry. “The African audio-visual industry is on the continuous rise, with a capacity to create over 20 million jobs with appropriate investments. It takes the whole of creative ecosystem to unlock this full potential, and UNESCO is committed to accompanying the governments and civil society alike.” Said Mr. Ottone. 

Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Sports and Arts, Hon Ababu Namwamba in a speech reiterated his Ministry’s support towards ensuring that the industry remains on an upward trajectory. “We have set the film industry as the cornerstone for the creative economy in the country, my ministry will focus on promoting local films and also initiating co-production agreements between countries such as South Africa, Israel, France, China and Nigeria.”

With regards to the market’s theme- Film distribution in the 21^st century, the CS said the industry needs to think ahead and take advantage of emerging technologies that is revolutionising the film industry.  “Artificial intelligence (AI) is quickly becoming a game-changer in the film industry. From scriptwriting and casting to special effects and distribution, AI is transforming the way movies are made and seen. One of the biggest advantages of AI in the film industry is its ability to save time and resources.” The three-day market featured film screenings, conferences, workshops, business-to-business talks and pitching sessions.