After missing last year’s edition, the Kenya Film Commission has unveiled comprehensive plans for Kalasha 2026, positioning the event as a transformative platform for Africa’s creative economy. At an exclusive stakeholders’ breakfast meeting held on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, the Commission outlined its strategy to bridge creativity and commerce while addressing key industry concerns.
Scheduled for April 28 to May 2, 2026, Kalasha International Film and TV Market, Festival, and Awards aims to celebrate its 14th edition under the theme “Innovating Tradition: Reinventing Storytelling One Frame at a Time.” Since its establishment in 2009 as an awards market, Kalasha has evolved into a comprehensive platform that serves as a bridge between creativity and commerce.
This year’s edition promises unprecedented scale, with projections of 3,000 attendees and 2,100 delegates converging for five days of industry activity. The event comprises three integrated components designed to create maximum value for participants: the Market, the Festival, and the Awards.
The Kenya Film Commission emphasized that Kalasha aligns with Vision 2030’s creative economy strategy by providing greater access to markets, finance, and skills. The market component offers structured opportunities for enterprise development, growth, and visibility through strategically designed exhibition spaces.
The festival component showcases both local and international content through strategic programming. Film screenings will celebrate diverse storytelling while providing filmmakers with crucial exhibition opportunities. Themed nights include a Kenyan Themed Night highlighting local productions, an African Themed Night positioning Kenyan cinema within broader continental narratives, and film premieres offering exclusive first looks at anticipated releases.
The awards program follows a carefully structured timeline designed to build engagement and ensure credibility:
February 13, 2026: Call for submissions opens
March 1-15, 2026: Evaluation period conducted by professional jury
March 25, 2026: Unveiling of nominees
March-April 2026: Public voting period
May 2, 2026: Awards gala ceremony
The Commission anticipates participation from over 100 filmmakers alongside a diverse array of industry stakeholders. While the industry now awaits to see whether this ambitious vision translates into tangible opportunities for content creators, sustainable partnerships, and measurable economic impact.
