TOSH GITONGA JOINS KITALE FILM WEEK SELECTION COMMITTEE 

Kitale Film Week, an 8-day film festival in Trans Nzoia County, has announce the addition of three prominent film industry professionals to its 2025 selection committee: Tosh Gitonga, Pierrick Chabi, and Cassandra Onwualu. 

The film experts will play crucial roles in shaping the festival’s film lineup, ensuring it remains a premier platform for African filmmakers as it continues to grow in both influence and reach. The third edition of the festival will take place on February 2nd to 9th, 2025. 

Tosh Gitonga, an acclaimed Kenyan filmmaker and founder of Primary Pictures, brings over 20 years of industry experience. He is best known for directing the award-winning film Nairobi Half-Life, as well as the popular Netflix titles Disconnect.

Joining Tosh is Pierrick Chabi, a Beninese-French entrepreneur and the founder of Wakatoon, an innovative platform that revolutionises children’s content through AI-powered, interactive animation. Pierrick’s fresh approach to animation and media technology promises to bring new perspectives, providing African animators with global exposure. “Helping people unleash their creativity is my greatest challenge,” Pierrick shared. 

Cassandra Onwualu, a Nigerian film producer and expert in marketing and distribution, rounds out the trio. With vast experience promoting African films on the global stage, she has contributed to the success of films such as The Wait and Gwoza, and she is currently spearheading the release of The Weekend, the first fully Nigerian-funded film selected for the Tribeca Film Festival. “I’m honored to join the selection committee,” Cassandra said. “Every filmmaker dreams of having their work seen and appreciated. Festivals like Kitale Film Week are key in showcasing the remarkable films coming out of Africa.” 

These renowned professionals join a dedicated team of industry leaders, including festival competition manager Wangui Ngunjiri, festival director Peter Pages Bwire, Ugandan film curator Joel Tugaineyo, and Tunga Media Afrika founder Makandi Mbae. Together, they will curate a film lineup that celebrates the diversity, creativity, and courage of African storytelling.