Magazine issue1 film kenya

Picture Perfect: The Exclusive
Film Kenya gives its rating on ‘The First Grader’:

April - May 2012 : Issue 1

Kenyan Features - Global Audience
www.filmkenya.com

FREE
Premi
er Copy

a
Keny
ilmr 2 at 5 star
i th F fo
InNprw: oGteeltainwNanyuki!
Wd ize
ay
cebo
ok to
WIN

Gra H r, fa
Tw itte ibe page
llow cr
& fo subs
cribe tails on
Subs De

SIMIYUtoSAMURAI
BEHIND THE Get introduced the world of our new
African Super Hero

SCENES OF XYZ Africa Review:
INSIDE STORY: An innovative
Get more on this hilarious show approach to eradicating HIV/AIDS

The Green Room: Career Talk: Stars & Glitz: Ksh: 290
Movies are good business Jump start your career in Take a peek at our ‘I am a
when they are made with Animation with insights celeb’ & ‘Labour of love’
business in mind! from renowned animators columns!

Enlist

Subscribe to Film Kenya’s Database of Film & TV Industry
Stakeholders, Professionals, Students & Enthusiasts.
Film Kenya (c) All rights reserved.

Are you a model? do you want to feature as an extra in a film production? are you a professional film editor, animator, camera
man, script writer, director, screenplay, casting agent, location scout, actors & actress, film caterer, transport managers, lighting
& rigs, project accountant, music & sound FX, visual FX artist, gaffer, set runner, art director, involved in photography,
continuity, set design & construction or do you just want updates on current developments in film and TV?

Subscribe/follow & get into the conversation www.facebook.com/filmkenyamagazine @ filmkenyamag

Get in touch with us Today! Email: subscribe@filmkenya.com | www.filmkenya.com/subscribe
Kenyan Features Global Audience

Film Kenya is...

Landscape

“Film Kenya is” is an internal campaign constructed to highlight the various attributes
or elements such as culture, lanscapes personality, industry and diversity we posses

Film Kenya (c) All rights reserved. Kenyan Features Global Audience

Managing Director:
Eddie Irura

Brand Director:
Grace Mungai

Staff Writers:
Carol Kiiru Wambui

Editorial Board:
Anne Mutugi
Joe Wahome
Dickson Migiro

Photographer:
Francis Nderitu

Multimedia Executive:
Ruth Mwende

pg:27
Art Director:
Naima Mungai

Brand Partner:
Nick Creations: info@nickcreations.co.ke

Contributors:
Mona Ombogo, Neil Schell, James Karundu,
Brian Njenga, Ronny Ombogo.

Film Kenya Magazine (C) is published
bimonthly by Broad Space Interactive Ltd On the Cover
(2012). It’s distributed by direct subscription
through the online portal - www.filmkenya.
com/subscribe. 27 - Up close & personal
With the XYZ team
P.O. Box 1221 00217, Limuru. Get the 411 on the sensational XYZ
Tel: 020 802 4781
E-mail: info@filmkenya.com
show, meet the founder and team
behind it...
All rights reserved. No part of this publication pg:46
may be reproduced in any form or by any means
without prior permission in writing from Broad 12 - Career Talk
Space Interactive Ltd. Unsolicited Manuscripts, Read on how animation has come of
artwork, transparencies submitted at senders
risk and assumed to be for publication. While age as a career choice
every care is taken on receipt of such material,
Broad Space Interactive Ltd cannot accept
responsibility for accidental loss or damage.
18 - The Green Room,
Why Movies are good business. The
Disclaimer for protection of privacy
and information: Broad Space Interactive cons & pros of the movie industry
Ltd takes no responsibility for unsolicited
photographs or material ALL PHOTOGRAPHS,
UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED ARE USED
FOR ILLUSTRATIVE PURPOSES ONLY. Labour of
pg:34 love: Meet
Any information received through responses Tabitha an
by Users through any communication astute film
platforms in use will be used in whole or in I Am a Celeb:
part, in the publication (other than contact Meet Kevin caterer
information), for our research, individual
marketing, strategic client analysis, and for Samuel who
other internal purposes and all copyrights in manages to
such information will vest with us. Your contact
information shall not be sold, traded, rented or don an array of
in any way divulged to any third party unless interesting hats.
we are legally bound to.
pg:23

CONTENTS
13 - Film & Marketing Buzz
Visibility is key! A look at Advertising & marketing
campaigns running for film & TV productions

17 - Picture Perfect
First Grader: Read why this movie gets our highest
rating

37 - Location Location
Locations Exposed for their Filming potential.

39 - Simiyu Samurai
Star Africa has a new super hero!
Profiles 41 - Society Page
33, 49 The Shattered Premier - a glitzy affair

pg:17 43 - African Review
The Inside story: An innovative approach to
HIV/AIDS awareness

Captain of Nakara premiers at Pan African Film
Festival in Los Angeles

46 - Behind the music video
Nina Ogot speaks of her inspiration and creative
process

pg:12 50 - In It To Win It!
Motivational speaker and Coach James Karundu
gives us the Simple steps for a quick take off in 2012

51 - Intenational Review
Meryl Streep receives honorary Golden Globe at the
Berlinale

53 - Film & TV Memoirs
There’s nothing quite refreshing as
reviewing golden oldies from our past!

53 - Game Review
NFS-The run and Battlefield 3 unveiled

54 - Nutrition
Be a man Loose some weight

pg:39

EDITOR’S LETTER
THE BEST
WAY TO
PREDICT THE
FUTURE IS TO
INVENT IT
Alan Kay once said ‘The Best Way to predict the future is to invent it’. It is now time to invent/ re-
invent our own film industry; film makers, television producers and enthusiasts alike must stand
up and be counted as those who contribute to the change our country needs to evolve into a
developed filming nation. Film in Kenya is at its tipping point and we are on the verge of a film
revolution that will place Kenya squarely on the map as a film production power house. With over
75% of the Kenyan population being under the age of 30, the youth represent the biggest block of
viewers to be tapped into and one of the major focus groups of this publication.

There have been failures and awards along the way and like the proverbial saying ‘there is a light
at the end of the tunnel’, recently our own; Oliver Litondo made us proud by receiving the AARP
award for best actor for his role in the Kenyan movie “The First Grader” and it is only a matter of time
before more Kenyan actors take over the stage during international awards. His humble speech at
the award ceremony was a testament of how with determination, perseverance and hard work, we
can see our dreams come true and more accolades to Kenya emerge from a filming perspective
and not purely from athletics or sports! Coming soon, the AMAA’s; Africa’s most prestigious Film
based award ceremony held in Lagos Nigeria will showcase the best of Africa. With calls for film
submissions now closed it will form a good spotlight as to where we are as a continent in regards
to film.

This first issue brings together writers, media practitioners, animators and contributors passionate
about the Kenyan film Industry, all of whom have made this Premier issue a reality. Inside you will
find among other sections and columns; Picture Perfect (c); a production design based review that
discusses the images and the multiple elements that made the First Grader a winner, we take you
through an inspiring story on how perseverance brings results in our cover story of XYZ. As well as
The Green Room (c); (an incubator for industry wide discussions on TV and films) starting with why
Movies are good business when they are made with business in mind. Stars & Glitz (c) - looking
into inspirational stories, full page Star profiles, Society Pages and how to jump start your career in
animation in the section Career Talk & an interesting nutrition column.

As you read this premier issue, I invite you to savour the pages before you, to subscribe and follow
on social platforms and get into the conversation. To contribute your thoughts and opinions on the
local film and TV industry please send us an email at comments@filmkenya.com or
visit www.filmkenya.com/submitnews
Eddie Irura - Editor
Subscribe/follow & get into the conversation
www.facebook.com/filmkenyamagazine @ filmkenyamag

5 filmkenya.com

NEWS SHOTS

Kenya Film Commission ambassadors in Africa, are former Botswana President, Festus Mogae, Jay
Jay Okocha from Nigeria and Hugh Masekela, South Africa’s Jazz Maestro.
This year the Commission is set to host a number
of events starting with the Film & Animation Expo.
It is indeed a shame that we in Africa still talk of famine in the 21st
This will be a build up on the Animation Expo
Century. Droughts are inevitable. But famines are man-made. While
held in the past and will incorporate exhibition
the drought was an act of nature, the famine in the Horn of Africa is
of both film and animation works by local
the result of a tragic combination of abnormally high food prices, lack
content producers. The Expo will be preceded by
of governance, insecurity in Somalia and a historic lack of investment in
a short Animation workshop which will include
long-term agricultural development.
film discussions. Other capacity building events that are scheduled this
year include screenwriting and cinematography workshops.

Kenya Talent Casting Association
A hope for change in the
entertainment and media industry
has come with the birth of Kenya
Casting Agents, Models and Talent
Welfare Association – KECAMTWA.
Formalized in September 2011,
their main aim is streamlining the
standards and operations of Models, Talents, Casting Agents and their
respective clientele who include Advertising Agencies, Media Houses
and Production Houses both locally and internationally.

KECAMTWA is comprised of professionals with a proven track record and
who have the ability to successfully transform the local industry to meet
global standards. In participation with all stakeholders, they seek to bring
CCTV Opens African HQ in Kenya
To mark the occasion, a launch ceremony was held in the Kenya capital
sanity to an industry that has in the past been viewed as incoherent,
of Nairobi on Wednesday. Kenya’s Vice President, China’s ambassador to
amorphous and disorganized. Their primary objective is to provide
Kenya, Liu Guangyuan and CCTV Vice President Sun Yusheng delivered
professional and technical support to the stakeholders represented by
their speeches, as a show of mutual appreciation.The officials joining the
the association.
locals to play a Chinese drum and an African drum to represent the long-
lasting friendship between China and Africa. CCTV Africa has about one
Like all other welfare association the world over, KECAMTWA is also
hundred employees from different backgroundS, many of them Kenyan
geared to giving back to society by contributing to aspects that affect
citizens.
our country such as the fight against hunger, tree planting, floods,
drought and peace building initiatives using our numbers and influence
in the country. Movie Trailers
on Roma Media’s
ONE Campaign Digital Transit
ONE is a grassroots campaign of more than 2.5 million
people around the world committed to the fight against
Platform.
extreme poverty and preventable diseases, specifically Roma media a targeted transit advertising company with installed
in Africa. Which has killed between 40-60000 to date LCD screens in public service transport provides entertainment and
and left approximately 13 million people at risk of starvation. The educational value interspersed with advertisements. For the myriad
significance of the impact such a PSA titled ‘Famine is the real obscenity’ of consumers who use public transport within the greater Nairobi
is to spark a more urgent response to the growing famine in the Horn of metropolis it provides a captivating audio-visual experience for
Africa. The PSA features some of the biggest names from the world of commuters. In this same way it provides key audiences for movie trailers.
entertainment - Omotola Jalade, Nameless, Sauti Sol, Zolani of Freshly Limited options exist to get movie info out to the masses leaving only
Ground, Didier Drogba, Naeto C, 2Face, Sipho ‘Stix’ Mabuse, Bono, Idris the internet and in a few cinemas. This means that you can only reach a
Elba among others from around the continent. Our current campaign small percentage of Kenyans.

7 Kenyan Features - Global Audience | filmkenya.com

Email Comments: news@filmkenya.com

U
Film It, a mobile phone video contest that creative video’s for a chance of winning the filmmaker’s cash prizes. U
invited all mobile phone users to create Film It mobile phone video contest ended on November 30th 2011 with
short films of not more than 3 minutes the award giving ceremony held on 10th of December 2011 at Katanazi
and a limit of 10 megabytes on any topic of choice Restaurant located on Kirichwa road in Kilimani area.
from everyday situations. The video clips were to be
recorded exclusively by a mobile phone. Kiama Muriithi who is the Creative Consultant for Production Republic
delivered a speech at the Award Ceremony stating that his main passion
Anyone over 18 years of age was eligible to participate. Simply by is nurturing and developing creative talent in Film, TV and the creative
creating a short video and uploading the video clip to their website, economy as a whole. This he believes will lead to more Kenyans pursuing
www.productionrepublic.co.ke, you would then invite your friends to and building talent oriented businesses.
vote for you for a chance to win the fabulous filmmaker cash prizes. Subscribe/follow & get into the conversation
Registered members on their website would upload or submit their www.facebook.com/filmkenyamagazine @ filmkenyamag

PAWA254: The Creative’s Hub

A
place to create and become one with your creation, a media as a means of civic and social action. Established
unique social enterprise that focuses on social impact, and aspiring photographers, cartoonists, animators, creative
a place to bring about change and bring out in you designers, video and filmmakers as well as entrepreneurs
potential that brings forth change. PAWA254 is the place to be. and activists will use the facility to share, learn and work in
Started by a group of change makers, the hub acts as a catalyst an environment that inspires creativity and innovation efforts
for community driven projects for social change in Kenya. that will eventually bring about social change.

It is a space that makes people engage and cohesively PAWA254’s like-minded and active professional community
come up with new ideas to foster change in the society. will meet and work daily in its flexible co-working space.
PAWA254 is an acronym derived from “Power” and 254 which The space will also serve as an open resource for a range of
is Kenya’s country code. The hub provides for the use of collaborative youth meetings and efforts, an exhibition center
visual and graphic arts, independent and citizen journalism, for photography and other artistic endeavors, and a vector for
documentary film and photography and digital and social angel investors and others seeking to support social change

Kenyan Features - Global Audience | filmkenya.com 8

NEWS SHOTS COMING SOON
...continued

in Kenya. There will be regular programs and training which
will promote skill-sharing and empower a new generation of
young professionals and disadvantaged youth to effect social
change through tangible, innovative projects. Programmatic
focus will be on photography and visual arts, documentary
and mixed media, traditional and citizen journalism, and
community organizing. A primary part of the project’s mission
will be to make the space and its resources accessible to the
grassroots. Beyond, building a strong community in-house,
PAWA254 has tangible plans to engage over 10,000 youths
through trainings and outreach programs over the next year.
For motivated youth, participation is expected to lead to
professional employment and sources of income generation.
PAWA254 thus seeks to improve the socioeconomic situation
of youth from underprivileged backgrounds by providing the
skills and resources that will enable them to pursue careers
and livelihoods, particularly in journalism, media, and arts.
Its projects will build upon the experience and intent of Picha
Mtaani, a street photography exhibition that has helped
the nation heal and address the post-election violence that
traumatized Kenya in 2007-2008. By Carol Wambui
“Let’s come together and bring about change
in the society. We are the leaders we have
been waiting for and we need to take up
the mantle and exercise our duty as Kenyan
citizens who work towards enlightening the
masses and revolutionalize our thinking and

K
bring forth a society that is change efficient. “ enya Boys is a feature documentary telling the
Boniface Mwangi. true story of five Kenyan youths from “Kosovo”
Subscribe/follow & get into the conversation a small neighborhood in Mathare Valley
the second largest slum in the country. A story of
struggle; of Kenyan youths using the art of music and
Hip Hop dance to positively uplift themselves and
their communities above their circumstances.
As a dance crew they face challenges other similar
dance troupes simply do not. The need to find time
apart from school to gather, electricity to power their
radios, dance floor space safe enough to practice, and
enough money for transportation and uniforms. The
boys audition for the country’s hottest reality dance
show “Sakata Dance Battle”. Though in previous years


A true underdog story combined with the layers of
story revolving around each of these boy’s lives, the
immense challenges they have yet to overcome

the boys were too young to audition they have since banded odds and chasing their goal to win a million Kenyan shillings
together and in 2011 were all eligible to participate. Already and dance their way to a brand new destiny. Filming began in
underdogs as the youngest on the show, and despite the late January 2011 for two weeks with a follow up two weeks
odds, the “black blingers”, were among the top teams to dance of filming in July throughout various locations in Nairobi and
on the Sakata Dance Battle. Eastlands. The crew shot the film in high definition using
Canon 5D Mark II and 7D digital SLRs.
A week before the tapeing of episode one of Sakata, two
members, Sanchez and Dougie were scheduled to meet the Kenya Boys is set for release through Citizen TV and Worldwide
others for a quick after school practice. While running late to in Spring of 2012. The film is directed by Alvin Shen. More
practice, Sanchez, the group’s most talented dancer was hit by information can be found online at: www.kenyaboysthemovie.
a car while crossing the streets of Nairobi nearly killing him. com or Facebook.com/kenyaboys
Kenya Boys, the documentary covers the team’s rise from hip
hop outsiders to their amazing success dancing all the way Subscribe/follow & get into the conversation
to the finals of the television show overcoming tremendous www.facebook.com/filmkenyamagazine @ filmkenyamag


CAREER TALK
by Bryan Njenga

Animation
A
s one of the new emerging career paths, animation is and getting a firm grip on your animation techniques. Some
a profession filled with excitement and opportunity. It animators take extra courses like human/animal anatomy to
has been integrated into almost every sector, mostly increase their understanding of how the body moves and be
in the entertainment industry e.g. movies, music videos, video able to replicate it. But before any digital artist can sit down
games, commercials etc. Its applications are relatively infinite; and produce an animation, he/she has to come to terms with
a good animator can apply his skills in almost any industry out how much time it actually takes to make a good animated
there. Animation can be one of the most useful creative tools production. With experience comes animation content (that
if you use it properly or a waste of valuable time. you have created) which can then be stitched together to
create a solid portfolio. This will enable potential employers to
Becoming a successful animator is rather challenging because see what one can do and will also give one a chance to express
unlike most career paths it requires imagination and a lot of that they are the guy for the job. The most important thing is
creative thinking especially when dealing with commercials. to get as much visibility as possible. Thanks to organizations
As usual a little post secondary training is required, although like the Kenya Film Commission and its collaborators, most
some people with natural talents might slip through without animators/animation companies get to increase their visibility
any formal schooling. Kenya is lucky enough to have a few in their annual animation expo. There is also a growing demand
quality colleges within its borders. Most do not stand up to for digital artists and all round animators mainly because of
international standards but they do provide a good foundation the growing need for of quality productions in areas like film
to kick start an animator’s career. It is very production, special FX and animated
useful to learn the dominating software’s movies. More jobs are popping up
in the field as they can make you slightly in areas like interior design, mobile
more appealing among other qualified applications, medical research and
animators. Most animators hold a even corporate presentations! With
certificate or diploma in graphic design this realization comes competition.
which has proven to be a very strong Production companies and individual
tool in an animators career. This is good clients are always looking out for new
but not good enough to propel their and creative talent. All these vast
careers to new heights. areas give an animator a number of
options; he can either seek casual
Animation programs offer lessons in either 3D (3 dimensional), employment or become a freelance animator. Both have
2D (2 dimensional) animation or in some cases, both. In most their pros and cons, it all depends on the eventual goal the
cases an aspiring animator will learn how to work as a unit and animator seeks.
even start up their own animation company. Students will also
learn basic production processes (which are not so different Freelance animators get to work with a lot of people and
from the regular film production process) like storyboards, in most cases have more time to work on their personal
sound FX, character development etc. it also helps if you know projects. They get to understand what most producers or
a little about computer hardware and how it can affect your creative directors want. This unique experience provides a
work and time. Work experience is one of the most important good platform for producing an independent film or short
cornerstones of an animator’s career. Aspiring animators story. Starting up is the hardest part because you have to gain
should involve themselves in internship programs to peoples trust and prove that you have what it takes. At first
improve on their time management skills and also to expose most freelancers don’t get paid a lot (if they are paid at all) but
themselves to other professionals in the field who might have it slowly changes as you progress and get to learn how the
tips on what is needed to become a star in the field. This would industry works.
also be a good time to start experimenting with new ideas


I had always been fascinated by cartoons as a child, and i really wanted to
know how they were created. As luck would have it, in 2001 someone got
me some animation software from Malaysia and from that moment I was
hooked. My inspiration draws heavily from old time artists like Michelangelo
and DaVinci. I study their life’s work and ask myself “if these guys existed in
the 21st century, what kind of work would they produce?”
WAGEUZI (C) 2011 Andrew Kaggia

Employed animators on the other hand get to know first (creates raw shapes and models), an animator (gives motion
hand how a production company operates. They get to grasp to the shapes and models), painter (either paints texture to
concepts like consistency, client scouting and corporate image the shapes and/or create backgrounds) or compositor/Visual
which are very important if he/she is thinking of starting up FX Artist (creates animated effects where necessary) among
a production company. Professional companies mostly hire others. Animation is a great career to consider, especially if
animators for specific positions in the production pipeline. An you are an artist or have a passion for cartoons and creative
animator can specispecialize in to one of many technical fields thinking.
in the animation department. He/she can either be a modeler Subscribe/follow & get into the conversation

1

1: Shattered that launched late last year advertised on lamp posts near Posta.
2: Mali - Dubbed Kenya’s first Soap Opera takes prime visibility at the Kencom Stage in Nairobi
3: In the past the cheapest place to watch a movie now host to Gospel Based events and services
4: Movie Hall at Prestige Plaza one of the few remaining movie theatres

2 3 4

ADVERTORIAL

FILM INDUSTRY IN KENYA

T
he film industry is responsible for a large proportion agencies and members of the public to differentiate
of intellectual property creation in Kenya. According between genuine and pirated copyright works. Continuous
to the Kenya Revenue Authority, the Kenyan Film investigation enforcement actions including raids and seizure
industry (both local and international films) is estimated of suspected pirated works have also been enhanced with
to have injected Kshs 1,821.46 million to the economy in the introduction of the APSD. So far over 300 cases have been
2008. The intellectual property assets generated by the film investigated and prosecuted.
industry in Kenya qualify for copyright protection under law
and therefore the Kenya Copyright Board plays an important Lack of knowledge among the users and rights holders is
role in this regard. The Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO) is one of the biggest obstacles in copyright enforcement in
a State Corporation established under the Copyright Act of Kenya and KECOBO has embarked on a series of programmes
2001, to administer and enforce Copyright and Related Rights to create awareness among the users and rights holders
protection in Kenya. through workshops and seminars, print and electronic media
campaigns. KECOBO also collaborates with educational
One of the major functions of KECOBO is registering copyright institutions, industry management organizations and
works and administering the antipiracy security device. The government departments. So far, in collaboration with the
Film Industry through the Kenya Film Commission must Judiciary Training Institute and the CID Training School, over
encourage all its creators to register their works so as to reap 48 Magistrates and 400 police officers have benefitted from
extra benefits of copyright protection. The registration process this training since 2006. KECOBO has also organized several
is simple: applicants collect registration forms from our offices, workshops, seminars and media campaigns on protection of
fill them in, have the forms commissioned by a Commissioner copyright and related rights.
for Oaths and then attach two original copies of the work with
their duly completed form. The applicant must also deposit KECOBO also offers a host of services free-of-charge including
the registration fee of Kshs. 600 in the account of KECOBO and mediation in copyright ownership disputes, training/
attach the Bank Deposit Slip to their application forms. Once awareness-creation and advocacy on copyright matters as
these steps are followed, the application forms are returned well as legal advice on copyright law and contracts.
to KECOBO where a receipt is issued and after seven days, the Currently KECOBO is working on amendments to the laws that
applicant returns to collect the Certificate of Registration. incorporate the latest developments and also seeks to improve
the enforcement and administration of copyright and related
Once the film work is registered, an application can be made rights in Kenya. We welcome any suggested amendments that
to KECOBO for the Anti-Piracy Security Device (APSD) which stakeholders in the Film Industry may have.
consists of a bar-code sticker and a hologram. This APSD is to
be placed on all copies of the copyright work intended to be
sold. In Kenya, the APSD was introduced to curb the increase
in piracy levels of copyright-protected music, books, film with
the main beneficiaries being those engaged in these illegal
activities at the expense of the rights holders. Piracy not only Kindly visit our website:
deprives the copyright owners of income, but also costs the www.copyright.go.ke or
government much in lost tax revenue. find us on Facebook or
on twitter “@KenyaCopyright”.
As observed from the music industry, the APSD has been
instrumental in assisting the right holders, law enforcement


PICTURE PERFECT
The First
Grader
DIRECTOR: JU
STIN CHADW
ICK
D.O.P. : ROB H
ARDY
PRODUCTION
DESIGNER: VI
TTORIA SOG
COSTUME DES NO
IGNER: SOPH
IE OPRISANU
SET DRESSIN
G/ ART DIREC

T
TOR: CHELAN
he First Grader GAT LEBO
is a movie ba
shows the lif sed on a Keny
e of Kimani N an Story that
g’ang’a Marug tells and
made history e (Oliver Lito
by being the ndo) who
The Movie w oldest man to
as shot on lo enrol in Prim
cation in Keny ary School.
fronts , The pr a. The movie
esent where M plays on two
fit into school aruge tries to
. And The past enrol in and co
showing his yo nsequently
and gives us ung wife, thei
a sneak peek r children
into 1950’s em
ergency Keny
a.

Picture Perfect loves the costume design. The wardrobe ties you into the characters. You feel the sweet
genial yet strong character of Teacher Jane(Naomi Harris) who is predominantly in Pinks that play
really well with the background and make her stand out from the rest of the characters.

She is placed in darker tones in some places
when she is alone and going through trying
times in the film. It plays very well. Picture
Perfect likes.

Film Kenya gives:

First grader is a film about contrasts. Past and
Present. Rural vs. Urban. The Production Design
behind this allows for the visual representations not
just in the different locations but also in how the are
Dressed Lit and Shot.
Maruges home in the present is a dark place with
little light and rough textures peppered in the
background.

The classroom by contrast is bright,
airy, and fun. Full of life and vigour.
Working with Texture and Architectural
Elements gives design value as it adds
something extra onto a scene. For
example this one with Maruge in a
waiting area.

And we love the
little Tabby Kitty
Cat who seems to
always be in frame
in this house.

We also love the assymetricalness of this still from the movie. It enhances Teacher Jane’s solitude
and the weight of her thoughts. The scenery is also captured beautifully in this film. Underscoring
moments of solitude, movement, travel so well they carry you along.

PICTURE PERFECT
Email Comments: pictureperfect@filmkenya.com

The Director of Photography also did a marvellous job in composing his shots. Through the film
there are quite a few shots that are framed almost to perfection isolating the characters from their
surroundings and allowing you to focus solely on them.

But our absolute favourite element of the film. The school
Gate. It is awesome. It keeps people out. Keeps them in.
Excludes others and almost takes on a life of its own.

Our take:...
THE FIRST GRADER is almost Picture Perfect.
What did we miss in the film. Banana Plantations. I mean
which self respecting Kikuyu Farmer has a farm without
Banana plants. I guess it came with the location but
that’s what we missed, seeing green lolling hills. But
the movie takes you away from that and into the story.


To comment on this review or find out how your
production can be reviewed, please get in touch
directly through the dedicated review address:
pictureperfect@filmkenya.com

Pulling you towards their conversations and interactions. There is
almost a picture frame effect freezing a moment for the viewer.


INDUSTRY NEWS
The Green Room by Neil Schell

Why Movies Are Good Business

A
movie is the best investment one can make for the sense, investors stay away and so do the scientists and the real
up-side potential vs. the risk. They’re better than real artists who are trying to reach the masses with their message.
estate, blue chip stocks, gold, silver, precious stones,
income-producing rental properties, futures, treasuries, Now, don’t get me wrong. I am all for getting messages out
international currencies . . . better than anything, with the there. I am a firm believer that movies are the best vehicle for
possible exception of investing in your own education and such. This modern, artistic way of telling stories enhances a
spiritual enlightenment. The data on low budget features society more than most people are aware of. I am also of the ilk
indicates that the total long and short term gross for one that movies are vital to the future survival of any culture here on
feature motion picture is estimated to be $70,006,831 over Earth. That the art of movies not only preserves the culture of
an 18 year period.” by James Jaeger the country
where they
Movies are good business when they are made with business are made but
in mind. I could be completely wrong here and stepping way also makes
out of bounds but it seems to me that most Kenyan movies the world a
to date, if not all, have not been made with a profit in mind. richer place
In fact, I spoke to a couple of new filmmakers here in Kenya to live in for
recently and they told me outright, “We don’t care if the movie everyone.
makes money. We just want to get our message out there.” But to view
Let me point out why this is a bit of faulty thinking. them as
purely an
The movie industry exists and continues to improve with ar tistic
such things as special effects, high quality digital cameras, 3D e x p re s s i o n
images, surround sound, advances in lighting, better acting, without
better stories, etc., because it is a business. If it were not a paying any
business from the very beginning when Thomas Edison set up attention to
his small revolving studio called the Black Maria in New Jersey the business
to make the very first films, this industry would have died side of
long ago. If filming did happen to carry on without people industry is
caring about making a profit, it would be the hobbyist or the folly. It is
dilettante who would be still shooting with hand-cranked to deny the
cameras, poor lighting and celluloid film in black and white. very source
And that would only be if their other full time jobs could afford of where
them of such gear and materials. m o v i e s
have come
Without filmmaking being a business, no one in Kenya would from. The
be shooting on a RED camera, or even a 5D Mark II for that popularity
matter, making high quality images for a very low investment. of movies
Without there being a profit being made over the past around the
100+ years, technology and inventive scientists would look world would
elsewhere away from the dilettante filmmaker to make their not exist
advances and thus make a profit. If it doesn’t make business other wise.


INDUSTRY NEWS
The Green Room: Why Movies Are Good Business

They have always been good business and they always will be.
If they weren’t, as I have already said, movies wouldn’t exist
as they do today. So why ignore one of the most important
aspects of filmmaking? Why would two Kenyan filmmakers,
new as they were, sit in front of me and say that they don’t
care if the movie makes any money? Especially when the
facts are clear that if it doesn’t make money, chances are very
few people will see it. So the whole purpose of getting their
message “out there” is defeated without business in mind. I
guess this viewpoint is simply ignorance. I am not totally sure.
So
I have found in the world of art, of which movies are included,
that those who teach about art and do not make a living from
being an artist or a filmmaker and their livelihoods are financed
by tuitions rather than a paying audience, seem to preach
you want
about “artistic purity.” To be true to the art of filmmaking or

to be in a
any art for that matter one must satisfy an audience as the
primary function not just be artisticly pure. And if you satisfy
an audience you will make a profit. A satisfied audience will
pay to see your work because you are moving their emotions
and their minds in a way that they enjoy. Now you are making
a profit because you have a paying audience. Now you can movie
stay in business and make more movies to tell more stories
and improve their quality as you move on up the line.

It is the responsibility of the filmmakers of Kenya to enlighten
?
the business community on the money-making potential of
movies. It is also the responsibility of the Kenyan filmmakers
to enlighten various government agencies that deal with
employment, tourism and trade on the positive values films
bring to these sectors. It is a well known fact that when the Register online for a chance to be
artists of your society are free to express themselves and are profiled as an actor or model
supported in such endeavors by the business community, the
society and the country as a whole fairs better. The economy
grows and the general population is inspired and productive.
In this article I am not going to get into just how powerful
films are and how they can influence billions of people. I will
save that for another issue. But what I am getting into is how
valuable and therefore viable show business is and how a smart
www.filmkenya.com
business person should be running to make an investment www.facebook.com/filmkenyamagazine @ filmkenyamag

in this industry. A movie has several tiers of money-making


Email Comments: thegreenroom@filmkenya.com

capability. To an outsider, a movie seems to only bring in just like the film itself. Part of the successful formula is to get
money by selling tickets at the box office or DVD’s after that. the proper financing so the job is done right. It also entails
At the risk of being trite I will say this, tickets and DVDs are only proper planning and looking at this movie like it’s a product, a
the tip of the iceberg. In today’s world of filmmaking there are product to be marketed and sold throughout the world.
spinoffs like you wouldn’t believe and they are all streams of With the proper business viewpoint, the message of My Life
income that pour into the coffers of the production company in Crime will be distributed to more people on a broader
and its investors. I will list of few of these: box office tickets, scale. The business side of filmmaking aids the artistic side of
territory distribution rights, DVD’s, TV broadcast rights around filmmaking. And the art creates a business that can flourish
the world, T-shirts, video games, character dolls, TV series spin and add to the overall economy of Kenya in many ways. It’s
offs, fashion labels, candy bars, toys, etc., the list goes on and time the business community of Kenya realized the business
on. potential of making Kenyan films in Kenya. Everyone wins
when it’s done properly. The overall productivity of the
It so happens that I am in the process of helping to produce country goes up when a film is successful worldwide. A vast
a Kenyan movie based on a best-selling Kenyan book My Life majority of the money from the sales of tickets to video games
in Crime by John Kiriamiti. Janet Kirina of Kirina Productions pours into the Kenyan economy. How much money? It varies.
owns the filming rights to the book and I am working along But it’s not unusual for a well made, well marketed film to
side her to make this film happen and to make it make money. make a profit of 1 billion Ksh and up to 10 billion – maybe even
By ensuring this film is made to the highest quality standards, more. It will drive up tourism and other spinoff industries
that it is marketed and distributed on the existing lines for such as well. Any businessperson in the tourism industry here in
in the world today, that spin off products are designed and Kenya should seriously look at investing in Kenyan films. You
marketed along with the film so the film sells the spinoffs and truly have the double edged sword when it comes to future
the spinoffs sell the film, it will make its investors money. The profits. If you just want to be a part of an exciting industry
film industry in Kenya will no longer be looked to like some that has glitz and glamour and has the potential to reach out
sort of hobby place where artists just play around hoping they to the whole world, you should seriously look into investing
will garner fame and fortune and “get their message out.” in Kenyan films. Or maybe you feel patriotic and know that
Kenya is misunderstood in the world as a whole and you
My Life In Crime won’t be financed by NGO’s who are not would like to contribute to getting the messages of Kenyans
interested in making a profit. NGO’s know the power of film out to the rest of the world. Or maybe you just want to make a
and television and that’s why they use this art form to get out healthy profit and get in on the ground floor of a business that
their messages. But they are not in the film business. Many has nowhere but up to go.
Kenyan films and some Kenyan television programs have been
financed by NGO’s. They have a purpose and are valuable. The Kenyan film industry is on the verge of a major expansion
What I am talking about though are Kenyan films, made by and is set to make an impact on the world’s stage. It has
Kenyans and financed by the business community. Films that the talent, creativity, stories and drive that when joined in
have the potential to entertain audiences worldwide. My Life partnership with the business community can truly make a
in Crime is such a film. And there are many more to come. positive impact in many sectors. I believe films like My Life in
Crime, which is very much a part of Kenyan culture, will lead
My Life in Crime is set to have many spinoffs from new the way into a new era of filmmaking and business.
printings of the book that include photos from the movie to Invest in Kenyan films. Be the tycoon who helped
video games, comic books, T-shirts, hats, toys and possibly a TV create Kenyawood and put it on the map.
series. And probably more. These will all be sold worldwide, www.facebook.com/filmkenyamagazine @ filmkenyamag


RONY’S RANTS A..D..D.. Moment

Learn How To Drive Before You Buy Your Car

S
o what do writers actually write, is it what makes sense and makeshift fixes since she was bound to be bashed again
or what comes to mind? Guess I’ll figure that out when at a bend not too far from the workshop.
I am on the last page. So…this kind of reminds me of
those people who buy a car before they learn how to drive, in So as you read on, please note that I am ‘learning how to drive’
the process subjecting the poor car to a series of ‘nudges’ with and I’m bound to hit the curb or a bus along the way, thank
other vehicles, barriers, pavements and sadly so pedestrians. God no pedestrians, but then again someone might throw my
book out of a moving car and hit a pedestrian. New meaning
They end up with a properly dented vehicle yet it’s still new. A to ‘book club.’ So in that case I’ll insist the publisher makes the
case of the test before the lesson I would say, but then again book a ‘soft cover.’ So if that happens, just read between the
that is life isn’t it? Experience, it gives the test before the lines, (whoever came up with that, what spacing was he or
lesson!! I have a set of cousin’s who did just that, one of them she referring to we need more information and a background
bought this really nice Toyota sprinter sadly, for the car, three study of how that’s supposed to work)
of them learnt how to drive using the same car. Poor car ended Subscribe/follow & get into the conversation
up earning the nickname ‘patches’ due to the number of dents


Film Kenya is...

VICTOR GATONYE

A good director must have Art
Personality
in his Heart

“Film Kenya is” is an internal campaign constructed to highlight the various
attributes or elements such as culture, lanscapes personality, industry and diversity

Stars & Glitz

photography by François
Labour
of Love
Inspired by passion

…In Her Own Words…
Meet Adhiambo Owuor (known by some as Tabitha)…our focus for Labour of Love. Tabitha is a film caterer
among other things, but all of them revolve around the hospitality industry. by M.O.A

Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself, how would you like to
be described? Q: You do catering for film and TV. Tell us a bit about this?
A: My name is Adhiambo Owuor, I’m the owner/manager of A: I stumbled into this line of catering through a friend who
Harmony At Home. I enjoy people though I get my energies is in the film industry. Catering for TV and film is so intense
by spending time with myself, those are the times I talk with and never monotonous. Each day is different and each meal
God and ideas flow and if I had an issue that is bugging me I’m time is a time to learn something new. One has to be highly
able to resolve it. I’m intuitive though I disobey myself a lot. organized and efficient to be able to plan and provide meals
for the cast and crew. I love long shoots, they really challenge
Q: How do you define yourself career-wise? my creativity in menu variations and food presentation. This
A: I’m in the hospitality industry; I train my employees to be is because, we’ll be serving the same people say for 90days
respectable and to enjoy serving our clients. My business and you want them to enjoy the meals as much as they are
involves offering food and beverage products and service and enjoying what they are doing. When catering for film and TV
home management service to my clients. I’m tenacious when you are the first one on set and the last one out depending on
it comes to achieving set goals. I’m also a manager who loves how long the shoots are. You need to have an efficient staff
to be hands on, because I have a picture of the end product and those that love and enjoy doing what you are doing.
that I would like to see achieved.


Email Comments: starsnglitz@filmkenya.com

Q: Why did you decide to go into it? 4. Transporting the food to the venue, the cost of a fully
A: First I thought it would be glamorous, the reality is the furnished catering van is very high.
glamour is only on screen. I learned this the hard way, on 5. Most clients don’t pay on time.
the job, after a very, very, trying first day on set. But, on the 6. Competing with big companies who have everything
plus side, as I’ve said before, it’s not monotonous. There is no at their disposal.
one shoot that is the same in terms of the people, location 7. Competing with small ones who cost close to nothing
and the menu. The people you interact with are the so called but don’t offer quality service and products thus giving
celebrities. I say this with a smile on my face. The cast and the rest of us a bad name.
crew are an amazing group. It has pushed me to be a better
person, employer, caterer, planner and manager, school is Q: How would you advice someone trying to get into
always in session. catering?
A: Plan, plan and plan. Be sure you know exactly what you
Q: What was your journey from, say, when you left college/ want. Don’t give up even when you feel like it. Don’t shy away
high school to where you are now? from what look like mountains; you learn a lot from them. Your
Before I joined college I knew I wanted to be in the hotel back up plan should be workable. You need to be a stickler for
industry though in the airline sector, preparing and packaging details and a very organized person or have a very organized
airplane foods. Though when I was through with high school team and you need to be a good manager.
I did CPA I and flunked it. I wanted to re-sit the exam just to
prove that I could do it. Instead I went to college and took a Q: Is this something you’d encourage them to do?
course institutional management. We did a lot of hands-on A: Sure if they have the heart for it. It is just like any other
work and the theory bit of our course had subjects that most career.
people in our class used to wonder how it will help us to cook
and clean. But, those lessons have come in handy to date. Q: What are the pitfalls of the career?
After college I joined Debonairs Pizza for 3months and I A: You could lose all your investment if you didn’t think through
couldn’t take it. It was just making Pizza and if you are not it well. You could poison people and be sued for damages.
making Pizza you are making Pizza. But what I learnt there was Your suppliers can let you down by not delivering or being late
maintaining a high standard of hygiene in everything that I with deliveries. It is also very easy to promise heaven and only
do, I learned organization and learning recipes by heart. So I deliver middle earth.
don’t regret it one bit. Since then, I have cooked for a church,
school, weddings, parties, film and tv; I have also cleaned Q: What are the rewards?
houses, babysitting; housesitting, ran errands…you name it. A: Happy satisfied second time or third time clients use your
My thing is service. services over and over again and recommend you to others. A
happy motivated staff and of course monetary reward.
Q: What are the challenges you have faced as far as
catering goes? Q: What jobs have you done, catering-wise?
A: A: Weddings, private parties, camps, Changes Season II,
1. Start up financing which makes hiring of all the Writers’ workshops for Mnet East Africa.
catering needs a very high cost to bear.
2. Finding capable staff who are able to execute the job Q: Is it possible to make a living out of this?
the way you need it executed. A: Yes it is.
3. High food costs making the price per plate very high.


Stars & Glitz

Q: How long, between inception and profit?
A: 2 to 3 years.

Q: What does one need to get into the business?
A: First you need to be passionateaboutproducing great food
and for always learning new techniques as they keep changing.
Then you need your business legally registered in accordance
with the laws of Kenya. You need all the required licenses.
You need cooking space whether it permanent or mobile;
competent staff for the production and service departments,
the necessary equipment, cutlery, crockery and materials and
advertise your business as much as you can. Let people know
what your business is about.

Q: How is your business doing right now?
A: It’s now picking up. It has reached the point of make or
break.

Q: What is the best decision you’ve made as a caterer?
A: Starting my own business and diversifying

Q: What is the worst?
A: Turning down a business offer because I thought of myself
as too small to handle a big deal.
Q: What else do you do as Tabitha?
A: I have a heart for the ladies in the slums – Kibera and
Kawagware , so I train and involve them in my business with
the hope that it does make a difference in their lives.

Q: Are you living the life of your dreams?
A: Yes I am because I believe if I wake up in the morning and
wonder why I am doing what I am in at the moment then I’m
not living my dream. But, if I wake up tired and still have the You need to be passionate
energy, joy and love for the job that is to be done then that’s about producing great food
my dream. and for always learning new
techniques as they keep
Q: What would you say to those who have big dreams?
changing.
A: If it’s bigger than you then go for it otherwise it is not worth
your while; dream again.



XYZ
Cover Story

“ It is in an idea that we find and know our own
strength to execute anything. Passion is that
strength”

INTERVIEW
WITH GADO
X
YZ a satirical show has been running for five
seasons and has the zeal to keep going. As we
premier Film Kenya’s cover story uncovers the
XYZ world and how one man Geoffrey Mwapambe aka
Gado brought an idea to life.
by Carol Kiiru Wambui

Inspiration Mungai, came to interview him for a story about how editorial
cartoonists viewed the upcoming presidential elections in
Everything started in 2003. On a trip to Paris, for an exhibition Kenya. After the interview, Gado showed her the XYZ pilot.
Gado took time to visit the set of “Les Guignols de l’Info”, or the Straight away, Marie thought that this show absolutely
“News Puppets”. Les Guignols, just like XYZ, is a spoof newscast needed to be on the air - and she knew she could help. But
featuring latex puppets. It has been on the air for more than 20 the next month, all hell broke loose in Kenya. We now call this
years and is one of France’s most popular shows ever. period “the post-election violence”, but the term doesn’t give
To Gado it was immediately obvious that the same concept justice to the madness of these terrible months. At that time,
would not only be a huge success in Kenya, but could also it became even more obvious that Kenya needed a show such
have an important social impact by exposing, with humour, as XYZ. Humour appeared like the only possible way to dig
the rampant corruption and mismanagement of the country. ourselves out of the dark hole we had fallen into.

The return The Series
Gado and Marie met again. Marie proposed a complete change
Back in Kenya, Gado shopped the idea around to the TV in strategy: if the show is too expensive for local stations, then
stations, but many had trouble understanding the concept. let’s make it free. But of course, because a TV Show cannot
Still, Gado pressed ahead, and in 2004 he managed to convince actually be free, that meant finding the money elsewhere.
the French Embassy in Nairobi to send sculptor Gerald Olewe So Gado and Marie embarked on a year-long journey into
to France for a month. There Olewe was trained by the team Nairobi’s NGO and foreign embassies underworld. They
of experts who create the French puppets, and he learned knocked on every door, they made dozens of contacts, and
how to work with sophisticated materials such as foaming Marie wrote countless proposals and budgets. They pitched
latex. He came back with a fully finished puppet of Kibaki in XYZ relentlessly.
his luggage. Olewe held his breath as he innocently walked
through the JKIA customs. Luckily, he was not stopped. The rest, you know. Several courageous and enthusiastic donors
came through with some money. Citizen TV agreed to air the
Two more struggling years went by until in July 2007, Gado show, and Wachira Waruru became one of XYZ’s strongest
scrapped together a few shillings, got a little bit of money supporters. A full team of about 50 people representing 11
from the French Embassy and produced a pilot for different communities
the show. was hired. And in
May 2009, the first

Pilot
episode of The XYZ
Show finally aired.
Producing the pilot was a challenge, but it brought Courtesy of XYZ.
together some key team members who would stick
around for ever after that: director James Kanja,
visual effects guru Pete Mute alias Majiqmud, and
Alfred Mutua and he’s alter ego
the talented group of puppeteers led by Jack
Kibedi. With the pilot in hand, Gado embarked
on a new round of visits to the TV stations. He hit
a new wall, or rather two. One, the show was political and
controversial. That made a lot of TV executives uncomfortable.
Two, it was expensive. There were puppets to make and
screenwriters, voice artists, puppeteers, cameramen and more
to hire. No one wanted to pay for it.

Redefined
Gado went back to the drawing board, plotting his next
move. Then in November 2007, a TV journalist, Marie Lora -

Hon. Martha Karua with her puppet and voice
artist

28

XYZ: Q&A
Q: When it finally got airtime, what was the feeling like? new friends that have stood the journey with me and this has
enabled me to value friendships plus my crew. I’ve learned to
A: It was supposed to be a bit easier but it didn’t happen. I
believe this was the most trying time for me in this project. I ran work with people of special mention Marie, my co – producer.
up and down like never before to ensure that the target was Where there is a will there is a way and XYZ is the outcome of
achieved. Questions were asked, words needed to be verified sleepless nights, brainstorming and execution of ideas.
it was like a wedding day and final things and decisions were
made. Q: The program is satirical in nature and a bit humorous. Do
Even after all this things did not settle down. It was as if they you think it brings out the wanted or precise reaction from
didn’t want to and for me I wanted the whole idea behind it the viewers?
to be vivid to every viewer. I had walked the talk, tried various A: Well that is hard to say because people react differently to
stations hit blocks and sometimes almost wanted to give different things. We wanted the show to highlight different
up but passion drives all these feelings away. Things started scenarios in government, to have the people analyse and
settling around the fifth episode into season one. Once every see how it affects them. The mismanagement and corruption
person and issue was dealt with things fell into place. The in government was to be brought out through humour. We
feeling was challenging to say the least. I was happy that we believe that the show got great feedback because if not we
went on air and unhappy that a lot of things were not ready! wouldn’t be where we are now, the sixth season.

Q: As the executive producer do you feel that you have Q: On a lighter note, what of Jonah Lesit? Was he given a
achieved your goal? better deal in another show or?
A: Well we keep achieving new goals. When this idea came A: Yes he did!
into a reality that was a goal I had set for myself as an artist.
we had to make it real and we did it. That was my first goal. Q: Really?
I have been setting new goals every now and then and they A: What we wanted was someone who gets the crowd from
come to pass. We are getting to new heights every season and the very first moment he speaks. Jonah was a good host and
the fact that we have now had five seasons is proof that I have when time came we had to replace him. With that said we
achieved my goal. got Keff Joinange who was a hit with the audience. This was
Marie’s suggestion. He pushed XYZ show to another level and
Q: What has “the struggle” in the making of XYZ taught you? I am very happy to have him on my team.
A: It has been a rough ride with trying various media houses
to air the show, funding for production and crews. It has Q: Political satire show is bound to have mixed reactions
taught me resilience in whatever I engage myself in. I have especially from the politicians. Have they tried their hand
found more patience and growth from this project and over in this?
time the production process becomes easier. I have found A: Definitely. It involves the government and how they


The mismanagement and corruption
in government was to be brought
out through humour. I believe that
the show got great feedback because
if not we wouldn’t be where we are
now, the sixth episode.

play about the politics of the day. It therefore goes without Marie Lora - Mungai & Gado
saying that they have tried to have the show shut down and
we have even received threats over time. It has been a rough
road towards this venture but we are still standing. Of course
there are others who have come on board and have seen this
as freedom of expression. We have also had the Hon Martha
Karua and the Government Spokesman Alfred Mutua visit the
set and meet their puppets. It is indeed mixed reactions but all
in good faith.

Q: In terms of funding how have you tried to raise your
own and the challenges that have come with them?
A: As I said earlier it has been a tough project to execute with
Puppet heads
the first few steps being very hard to take but we used those
tough times as stepping stones. There was a time nobody
wanted to air the show as it was a risky affair which then had
us dig into our own funds. Such things do happen but only
last for a while and pass. I got funding from various NGOs
and helped me get the show rolling but this was after almost
hitting a dead end.

Q: Why XYZ and not any other title?
A: To tell you the truth, XYZ was never the title of this show. The
name came about by default as I was doing some proposals
for funding. As I was trying to finish up the earlier draft of the
proposal I realised the show didn’t have a name and out of
meeting a deadline, I wrote XYZ which was used as the filler
On set prepping for a scene
for a time. The idea for it was “THIS IS IT........XYZ,,,, the final!!”
It stuck from then on as the name of the show and it has no
meaning behind it. I think the show’s content and that title
worked because nobody asked when we were presenting
these proposals and it works well for the show. I guess that is
just the beauty of art.

Q: What is the future of XYZ?
A: More and more seasons with better puppets and scripts. The
far we have been able to do this show has been phenomenal
and We couldn’t be happier with the turn of events. It can only
get better and that is what we are working on. I could say the
future is bright.


with Film Kenya Magazine!
Subscribe & follow on twitter or
facebook for a chance to WIN the
Grand Prize, A Getaway for 2 at the
luxurious Falcon Heights hotel in
Nanyuki. Terms & conditions apply.

Subscribe, Follow, Get into
the Conversation!
Follow us on the
social web scene: www.facebook.com/filmkenyamagazine @ filmkenyamag

GREAT Reasons to
Helena Waithera ‘Gabby’ in Tabasamu

Subscribe to Film Kenya
>Great International & local Movie review >Film Events >Film Careers
>Film & Music Celebrity Reviews & Humour >TV memoirs >Current Film Trends

Name (Mr/Mrs) ____________________________________________________________________________

Address __________________________________________________________________________________

City _______________________________________ Postal Code: ___________________________________

Mobile ____________________________________ Email: ________________________________________

RATES:
3 Issues- Kshs 700, 6 Issues - Kshs 1,500, Corporate Annual Subscription - Kshs 15,000 for 10 Guaranteed copies monthly

Broad Space Interactive Ltd
P.O. Box 1221 00217, Limuru. | Tel: 020 802 4781 | E-mail: info@filmkenya.com

I’ve Enclosed a rCheque rMoney Order

For Amount ................................................................ Kenyan features - Global Audience

*All fields, including the postal code and contact numbers are mandatory | For subscriptions/enquiries please email them to info@filmkenya.co.ke

Advertorial
The Kenya Film Classification Board
HISTORY AND ESTABLISHMENT OF KFCB 8. From time to time prescribing procedure for licensing of
The Kenya Film Classification Board (formerly Kenya Film exhibitors and distributors of films.
Censorship Board has a long history, having been established
in the country in September, 1930 under Gazette Notice No. INFORMATION TO OUR CUSTOMERS AND THE GENERAL
500. It was formally established in 1963 as a statutory body PUBLIC
with film regulatory role under part III of the Films and Stage
We wish to inform our esteemed customers that the Board
Act Cap 222 of Laws of Kenya. The Kenya Film Classification
has modernized film classification stickers and phased out the
Board is responsible for the regulation of the Film sector in
older ones. The new regime of the stickers will be sold at ten
conformity with national aspiration. The Act with various legal
shillings (10). The modern stickers are small in size which can
Gazette notices empowers the Board to examine and classify
easily fit in the DVDs covers and the film cassettes. Owing to
all films for public exhibition, distribution and broadcasting in
the above development, film distributors and exhibitors must
the country.
ensure that the right stickers are fitted on the classified and
VISION rated movie/film on DVD/video cassette formats.
To be a centre of high quality film classification.
MISSION STATEMENT We appeal to the general public to buy rated movies which
To provide the people of Kenya with professional film have been classified by KFCB and bear the appropriate sticker.
regulatory services through examination and classification of A film catalogue is also available for film distributors and
films. exhibitors to know which category of movie/film has been
classified and the appropriate sticker for such. The public
CORE VALUES is also encouraged to counter check the correct rating of
Professionalism. Stewardship DVDs and film/movie available at the address and website
Fairness and impartiality Teamwork provided below. We also appeal to members of the public
Quality service Integrity to report any DVDs/movies which have not been rated or
Continuous improvement and innovativeness classified and are sold without stickers. Moreover, the Board
carries out broadcast monitoring to ensure that content aired
OUR MANDATE
is appropriate for family viewing. Programmes approved
The Board’s mandate is achieved through the following
for family viewing are rated as General Exhibition (GE). The
functions:
public is therefore encouraged to report any programs they
1. Examining and classifying new films as prescribed by the
feel are in violation of this. The media is expected to abide by
Films and Stage Plays Act Cap 222 Laws of Kenya and the
the regulations set out by law and the Board urges the public
Kenya Communication (Amendment) Act 2008.
to beware of programmes, which are not rated or unsuitable
2. Prescribing guidelines to be used in examination and
for family viewing, being broadcast between 5am and 10pm.
classification of films.
Pornography is banned in Kenya and should therefore NOT be
3. Imposing age restriction on viewership.
circulated in any format whatsoever to the public. Violation of
4. Giving consumer advice with due regard to the protection
this is a criminal offence and if caught will lead to prosecution.
of women and children against sexual exploitation in
cinematography and on the internet.
5. Monitoring distribution of films to ensure that no film
For more information contact us:
or class of film is distributed exhibited or broadcast, either
The Chief Executive Officer,
publicly or privately, unless the board has examined it and
Kenya Film Classification Board,
issued a certificate of approval in respect thereof.
P. 0 BOX 44226-00100,
6. Broadcast monitoring of films and other contents and
Uchumi House 15th Floor , NAIROBI.
ensuring that those intended for adult audience are not
Mobile: 0701 741228/ 0737 622 760
broadcasted within the watershed period(5am-10pm)
Fax: 020 2251258 | Email: info@kfcb.co.ke
7. Issuing certificates & licenses to distributors & exhibitors of
Telephone No: 020 2250600 / 2247591 / 2241804
films.
www.kfcb.co.ke | Complaints: complaints@kfcb.co.ke


Star Profile

Name: Ojiambo Ainea
Nick Name: OJ
Date of Birth: 20th April
Hometown: Nairobi
Languages: English /kiswahili
Profession: Actor

Pictures By Fransoir Images| Make up by Cathy Wanja
Email Comments: starsnglitz@filmkenya.com

Featured Series:
Reflections 2004-2005 (Uncle Tom)
Makutano Junction

Featured Movies:
Constant Gardener-2004,
White Massai-2004,
Kibera Kid-2004,
The First Grader-2009,
Shattered-2011.

“Star Profile” is an internal campaign constructed to highlight the Actors and Actresses
whose talent and dedication produces Kenyan Features for a Global Audience.


Magazine issue1 film kenya

Recommended

Recommended

More Related Content

Viewers also liked

Viewers also liked (18)

Similar to Magazine issue1 film kenya

Similar to Magazine issue1 film kenya (20)

Magazine issue1 film kenya