Day one of Kitale Film Week erupted with unprecedented energy as industry leaders and film enthusiasts from all over Africa gathered in what Ezekiel Onyango, founder of Kenya Film and TV producers association (KFTPA) dubbed “Africa’s Cannes.” The festival has positioned itself as a cornerstone event for filmmakers, students, and cinema lovers across the continent, but especially in the country.
Founder Peter Pages captivated the audience with his passionate address about the festival’s journey. Since its inception in 2023, the festival’s rallying cry “In February, we watch films” has led to the screening of over 200 films for African audiences. In partnership with Docubox, the festival has also become a vital platform for student filmmakers. Pages also announced that legendary classics will be watched alongside the newer films throughout the week.
“Community is what raises the best of us,” a statement from Aaron Tamale one of the emcees, highlighted how collective support nurtures artistic excellence. Ezekiel Onyango also drew compelling parallels between Kitale Film Week and the Cannes Film Festival, emphasizing how both events transcend mere entertainment to become catalysts for cultural transformation and economic growth.
Speakers emphasized the urgent need for African storytellers to take control of their narratives. Mudamba Mudamba (Docubox) reinforced this vision, championing authentic African storytelling that reflects the continent’s diverse experiences.
Timothy Owase (Kenya Film Commission) delivered a forward-looking address which among other things included the convergence of traditional storytelling and artificial intelligence in modern filmmaking. He highlighted Kenya’s impressive achievement of producing 50 films in the previous year – a rate of nearly one film weekly. He ended his speech on a high note, citing the Film week as what would be an industry blueprint, and should be taken on as a challenge by other industry stakeholders.
The festival’s first screenings set a powerful tone with “La Fétiche and Nawi being screened. “La Fétiche” a short film from Côte d’Ivoire mesmerized audiences with its psychological exploration of obsession, weaving traditional African storytelling elements with contemporary themes. The film’s nuanced approach to human nature and its consequences left viewers in thoughtful reflection.
“Nawi,” shot in Kenya’s Turkana region, delivered a haunting portrayal of early marriage’s impact on young girls. Through masterful storytelling and authentic local perspectives, the film sparked urgent discussions about cultural practices and their effects on youth development.
The festival continues with carefully curated themed screenings that include:
- Monday showcases groundbreaking documentaries
- Tuesday will be a show of new African fiction and African classics spotlight
- Wednesday will showcase emerging filmmakers spotlight
- Thursday celebrates diverse genre films
- Friday spotlights East African cinema
As Kitale Film Week unfolds, it stands as a testament to African cinema’s power to entertain, educate, and transform. The festival promises to be more than a celebration of film – it’s a platform for cultural exchange, economic growth, and artistic innovation.
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