PHILIPPE BRESSON & GRACE KAHAKI: INSIGNIA PRODUCTIONS SCOOPS FIVE KALASHA AWARDS

Insignia Productions, under the creative leadership of Philippe Bresson and Grace Kahaki, walked away with five trophies at the 14th Kalasha International Film & TV Awards, marking a major milestone for the company’s television slate.

Kash Money, co-directed by Grace Kahaki and Philippe Bresson, was the night’s breakout TV drama, earning Best TV Drama, Best Director Kahaki & Bresson, Best Lead Actor in a TV Drama John Sibi Okumu as Joe, Best Supporting Actor in a TV Drama Lenana Kariba as Njagi, and Best Supporting Actress in a TV Drama Amara Tari as Cate Njenga.

While celebrating the win, Bresson reflected on his journey, recalling that the first time he stood on that stage was in 2009 for a show called Changing Times. He shared that seventeen years later, they continue making films simply because they love the craft. Despite having partnered with Netflix, Showmax, and leading TV stations, he noted that piracy remains their greatest obstacle. Bresson added that so many of the artists nominated that night have had their work stolen and uploaded to unauthorised platforms. 

He emphasised that Kenyans truly appreciate good content and are ready to pay for it, but piracy gets in the way. He explained that global streamers like Netflix and Showmax hesitate to invest more because they are not seeing the subscription numbers they need, calling these the real struggles the industry faces every day.

Kahaki thanked the Kalasha jury, the Kenya Film Commission, the production team, and distribution partners, praising the cast and crew for their dedication and vision in helping the series reach wider audiences. Bresson highlighted the damaging impact of content piracy on the industry’s growth and on streaming platforms’ ability to invest in local productions. He called for stronger measures to protect creators and to safeguard the future of Kenyan content.

With five Kalasha wins, Insignia Productions reinforces its reputation for high-quality storytelling as the company develops new projects aimed at both domestic and international viewers.