All posts by Derrick Kinyanjui

THE TALANTA HELA COUNCIL

Through a gazette notice by the Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, the Arts, and Sports, Ababu Namwamba, the TALANTA HELA COUNCIL and it’s committees were announced.

The council consisting of Two committees one for sports and another for the creatives will be led by The Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba and will also include the Principal Secretary of the State Department of Sports, the Principal Secretary of the State Department of Youth Affairs and the Arts, the Principal Secretary of the State Department of Basic Education, and representatives from the Council of Governors

Set to last for three years the council also includes notable figures in sports and creative sectors consisting of;

• David Langat
• Debra Mallowah
• Abraham Kipyego Mutai
•  Charles Gacheru
• Claudia Naisabwa Leshomoo
• Nobert Ouma
• June Chepkemei
• Dennis Itumbi

The Sports Technical Committee is led by Carol Radull

as Chairperson and comprises of 11 members. The members are;

• Boniface Ambani
• Julius Kiplagat Yego
• Neddy Kutsuru
• Alfred Makotsi
• Sammy Tiyoi Shollei
• Collins Kale
• Kevin Mutai
• Shilovelo Winna Shilavula
• Daniel Nakeor Losiru
• Staicy Shariffa Ochieng

The committee will be responsible for promoting the growth of sports, supporting the Kenya Academy of Sports, using technology to identify and nurture talent, establishing a framework to monetize sports and expand employment opportunities, managing the annual bottom-up football tournament, and supporting the Harambee Stars and Harambee Starlets in their respective pursuits.

The Creatives Technical Committee is led by Daniel Ndambuki (Churchill)

as Chairperson and comprises of 10 members, including;

• Akinyi Odongo
• Jimmi Gathu
• Catherine Kamau (Kate Actress)
• Esther Akoth (Akothee)
• Kizito Makhande
• Azziad Nasenya
• Rosemary Wahu Kagwi
• Awadhi Salim Awadhi
• Douglas Kipkirui Langat
• Susan Ekasiba

The committee will be responsible for proposals related to the collection and distribution of royalties, implementing the National Creatives Economy Plan, managing the National Creatives Awards, monetizing the creatives sector, upgrading arts facilities and infrastructure, and promoting Kenya as a top film-making destination.

The Talanta Hela initiative is a bold step by the Kenyan government to support the growth of the country’s sports and creative economy, create employment opportunities, and position Kenya as a destination of choice for sports tourism and film-making.

Sources: NTV Kenya

WOMEN IN FILM AWARDS NOMINATIONS

Celebrating the drive, spirit and diversity of the woman filmmaker, the WOMEN IN FILM AWARDS is back for it’s 4th Edition

This year’s edition is set out to appreciate Character, Courage and Commitment of women in the Film Industry

Here are this year’s Women In Film Awards 4th Edition Nominees;

BEST ACTRESS (FILM)

• Amalie Choppeta
• Auudi Rowa
• Maureen Koech
• Mumbi Maina
• Nyokabi Macharia
• Shirleen Wangari

BEST ACTRESS (TV DRAMA)

• Apondi Olielo
• Foi Wambui
• Jane Madivan
• Makena Kahuha
• Mercy Mueni
• Minne Kariuki
• Mwanaasha Johari
• Nini Wacera
• Sialo Louisa
• Wakio Mzenge

BEST ACTRESS KID’S CATEGORY

• Abigail Wambui
• Neema Kawa
• Shanah Manjeru
• Stacy Waweru
• Zawadi Kayo

BEST DIRECTOR (FILM)

• Angela Wamae
• Jennifer Gatero
• Joan Kabugu
• Nancy Wanja
• Zippi Kimondu

BEST DIRECTOR (TV DRAMA)

• Grace Kahaki
• Harriet Thuku
• Janet Chumbe
• Jessica Mwangi
• June Ndinya

BEST ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

• Christine Njeri
• Eve Mwangi
• Peninarose Njoki (PR)
• Sarah Gathoni
• Wanjira Hassan

BEST PRODUCER (FILM)

• Denise Kibisu
• Iman Mueke
• Krysteen Savane
• Kara Wambui
• Lynn Wamuyu Kariuki

BEST PRODUCER (TV DRAMA)

• Ivy Kiru
• Lucy Mwangi
• Maureen Wanjiku
• Milicent Ogutu
• Scolly Cheruto

BEST NEWCOMER PRODUCER

• Aseem Sharma
• Dr. Caroline Njuguna
• Margaret Wacera
• Tina Clara
• Whitney Namwaka

BEST SCRIPT WRITER (FILM)

• Jean Akinyi
• Glory Kawira
• Mona Ombogo
• Veronica Odal Mbaya
• Wanjeri Gakuru

BEST SCRIPT WRITER (TV DRAMA)

• Abigael Arunga
• Lydia Matata
• Nelly Ntinyari
• Mercy Mutisya
• Shigwan Shiqo

BEST SCRIPT SUPERVISOR

• AJ Maina
• Rose Maina
• Joey Kinyua
• Michelle Kivuva
• Samantha Musimbi

BEST EDITOR

• Carol Wairimu Ngare
• Hannah Wangari
• Mariam Said
• Mkaiwawi Mwakaba
• Nina Brivian

BEST SET DESIGNER

• Annete Waiguru
• Mariam Valcor
• Temko Lavinda
• Wakarima Wangui
• Vigilance Atieno

BEST ANIMATOR

• Mary Wanjiku Waweru
• Lydia Mugure
• Naddya Oluoch
• Tracy Muga
• Anne Kimani

BEST MAKE-UP ARTIST

• Ann Munene
• Nancy Odhiambo
• Jennifer Mkilo (Mshy Make-up)
• Stacey Gichinju
• Khadija Noor

BEST COSTUME DESIGNER

• Angela Ciruma
• Mercy Mwende Kambwei
• Edwina Ndiba
• Eddah Wakesho
• Eunice Rimba

BEST PRODUCER DOCUMENTARY

• Cynthia Abdallah
• Ayitso Owendi
• Sheila Kimathi
• Caroline Ngunjiri
• Emily Wanja

BEST DIGITAL CONTENT CREATOR

• Chebet Rono
• Esther Kazungu
• Eve Mungai
• Joy Kendi
• Mammito Eunice

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHER

• Mwende Renata
• Kidawa Juma
• Monicah Mugo
• Fiona Tande
• Michelle Donde

BEST DIRECTOR STUDENT FILM

• Fabby Grace
• Harriet Thuku
• Sandra Apondi
• Scola Thitai
• Tracy Njambi

Vote for your favorite candidate via the link

https://docs.google.com/forms/u/0/d/e/1FAIpQLSe9JJ0DPLnnkD5D-FSbqFRBItyS1_wB-wNHKLSOwM4m_G8xWQ/alreadyresponded?usp=send_form

Voting closes on February 15th

Congratulations to all the Nominees and best of luck

Photos Courtesy of Google

‘ECHOES’ the anticipated 2023 stage kick off

Kenyan theatre markers, Esther Kamba, Wanjiku Mwawuganga, Martin Kigondu, Beril Oondo, and Joseph Obel have announced their first 2023 production, ECHOES.

What if the universe was sound and every time it echoed another universe similar to this but parallel was born? That is the basis of the play ECHOES. It is about sounds that reverberate and affect both chance and choice. It allows us the space to explore theatrically, this complexity of the human condition that everything is fleeting and yet nothing ends.

ECHOES stars one of the best actors in Kenya Martin Kigondu (Supernova, Ngaahika Ndeenda) and the most well rounded artist in Kenya Wanjiku Mwawuganga (Roots).

Wanjiku Mwawuganga is a Kenyan Multidisciplinary Artist, mostly known for her work as a theatre director. Among the shows she has worked on are her directorial debut; ‘We Won’t Forget‘ which toured East Africa and was featured in the Jalada Literally Mobile Festival, 2017. And Sitawa Namwalie’s; “Taking My Father Home“, 2020. She is an Alumni of the DAH Theatre International Summer School; class of 2019 and a scholarship holder of the Zürcher Theater Spektakel 2020 Watch and Talk. Her current work in progress, ‘Roots‘; a multidisciplinary one woman show, opened in Nairobi and was also showcased at the Spielart Festival Müchen, 2021 and the Zürcher Theater Spektakel 2022. ‘Roots‘ is currently doing its East African Tour.

Martin Kigondu is a Kenyan theatre and film maker that stands tall with an impressive background in theatre. He is notable for his works as a playwright and director but is also celebrated as an adept actor, with honours such as leading in John Sibi Okumu’s play ‘Kaggia’ (2019) and playing the iconic Gicaamba in Ngugi wa Thiong’o’s play ‘I will Marry when I want’ (2022). Described in the papers as ‘arguably one of Kenya’s finest theatre brains‘ (2017) among other remarkable reviews of his work; Kigondu is an alumnus of the Canadian Directors Lab and a product of the Phoenix Players, Nairobi. With a career that spans over fifteen years in theatre thus far, Kigondu is also a producer, podcaster and screenwriter. He is the founder and producing artistic director of Prevail Presents – a film and theatre company and is a co-founder and co-host of the Busy Being Born podcast, a growth and development podcast that spotlights African excellence. He is also active in the performing arts teaching and training spaces, handling both novice and professional talent.

The two-hander is directed by the award winning experimental theatre maker, Esther Kamba (The Dying Need No Shoes, Dilation). Joseph Obel (Kenya Theatre Awards nominee) is the team’s production manager, and Beril Oondo (Lady in Red) is the stage manager for the production.

ECHOES will be opening on Friday, February 10th, at 7:00 pm. The subsequent shows are scheduled on Saturday, February 11th, at 6:00 pm and Sunday, February 12th at 3:00 pm & 6:00 pm, at the Cheche Gallery, Kenya Cultural Center in Nairobi, Kenya.

The production team of ECHOES hold live talks, Q&As, games and interactive sessions with the audience on Instagram and Facebook every Monday and Friday. Everyone planning to come watch the play is urged to follow these live shows on the Instagram handles of Martin Kigondu, Wanjiku Mwawuganga, Esther Kamba, Beril Oondo, and Joseph Obel, to dive deeper into the ECHOES world, as the actors explain different elements of the play in a playful and engaging manner.

Regular tickets are Ksh 1499 while couple tickets advance go for Ksh 2800. The sales for both regular and advance couple tickets end on February 5th, 2023. Gate tickets are Ksh 2000.

You can purchase your tickets via the MPESA TILL No.9584367.

3RD CYCLE FILM EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMME AWARDEES

In April 2020, The Kenya Film Commission in collaboration with Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), a German development agency that provides tailor-made, cost-efficient and effective services for sustainable development launched THE FILM EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMME set out to provide film and video-related funding in the broad categories of;

• Development funding (of feature films, documentaries and TV concepts)
• Production funding (of feature films and documentaries)
• Marketing and distribution funding
• Emerging filmmaker funding 

   This year’s 3rd CYCLE FILM EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMME has awarded the following the following upcoming projects;

PRODUCTION FUNDING

1.Limo on the Run (Documentary) Ksh 4,235,500.00

2.Otis Janam (Feature Film) Ksh 6,880,000.00

3.2 Asunder (Feature Film) Ksh 5,248,000.00

4.Family Vacation (Feature Film) Ksh 4,202,500.00

5.Punchline (Feature Film) Ksh 4,440,000.00

6.Kileo (Feature Film) Ksh 3,161,500.00

7.Kahawa Black (Feature Film) Ksh 3,255,000.00

DEVELOPMENT FUNDING

1.Valley of Gold (TV Series) Ksh 1,090,000.00

2.Finish Line (Feature Film) Ksh 1,655,000.00

3.Buzzy (Animation) Ksh 357,000.00

EMERGING FILMMAKERS

1.Bromance Central (Feature Film) Ksh 447,102.00

2.Love and Betrayal (Short Film) Ksh 353,663.00

3.The Chasm (Short Film) Ksh 437,000.00

4.Nyakio (Animation) Ksh 469,500.00

5.Ipo Siku (Short Film) Ksh 483,000.00

6.Barua la Uhamisho (Short Film) Ksh 397,000.00

7.The Dare Devil (Short Film) Ksh 467,000.00

8.Say (Short Film) Ksh 349,500.00

9.Beyond Passion (Documentary) Ksh 451,000.00

10.Hell or Highwater (Short Film) Ksh 500,000.00

11.Kayombo Ksh 500,000.00

12.Chapati: Strange Woman and the Kitchen (Short Film) Ksh 236,000.00

Congratulations to all the 3rd Cycle Film Empowerment Programme Awardees.

ANOTHER BREATHTAKING CINEMATIC SHORT FROM LORNA LEMI

Known for her captivating theatrical performances and her acclaimed screen presence in projects such as Nairoberry, Crime and Justice and The Hummingbird (a short film of which she produced and directed) among others, LORNA LEMI has yet again released another captivating cinematic short titled BRAIN STORM

In collaboration with Director Sanchez Marley, Godfrey Hinga (Location,Sound), Show Pictures’ Sheldon Owinya (DOP and Editor), Ngigi Stitch (Art Director and Set Designer) and See me Studios’ Lozh Pictures (DOP and Gaffer), Lorna Lemi wrote,produced and starred in the Cinematic, Thriller, Comedy Monologue BRAIN STORM

BRAIN STORM is centered on a mentally ill character in a juvenile asylum

In the monologue, Lorna does an accurate and stunning portrayal of a mentally ill character and the film has admirable attention to detail from the costuming to the location and captivating shots

BRAIN STORM is available to watch on Lorna Lemi’s Instagram via the link below

https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cm-5WrDsCHR/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

 LORNA LEMI Sanaa Post Profile

BIGGEST 2022 MOMENTS IN THE KENYAN ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY

2022,a year of which the Kenyan Film, TV, and Theatre industry has been filled with achievements that put the Entertainment sector on the spotlight like never before

Here are some of the biggest 2022 moments in the Kenyan Entertainment industry of 2022

1.THREE KENYAN FILMS PREMIER AT THE TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

The TIFF is one of the largest publicly attended film festivals in the world, attracting over 480,000 people annually.

This year three Kenyan Films premiered at the festival

• SHIMONI

A film about a teacher newly released from prison renegotiates the confines of the physical world while forced to face his nightmares in the flesh

• BABA

‘BABA’ follows a six year old boy living in the outskirts of Nairobi uses an unusual ability to escape a harsh reality

• FREE MONEY

‘FREE MONEY’ follows an experimental funded by the charity GiveDirectly in which residents of the Kenyan village of Kogutu over the age of 18 can opt to receive a universal basic income of $22 per month for the test period of 12 years

2.THE LAUNCH OF KENYA’S FIRST NETFLIX SERIES ‘COUNTRY QUEEN’

Released on July 15, Country Queen created quite a buzz as the first Kenyan series on Netflix with a star studded cast consisting of; Melissa Kiplagat, Melvin Alusa, Nini Wacera and many more.

The series ended up becoming the most watched Netflix show in Kenya 3 weeks in a row acquiring Three nominations at the Zikomo Awards and Six nominations at the Kalasha Awards

3.’NGAAHIKA NDEENDA’ (I WILL MARRY WHEN I WANT) MAKES A STAGE COMEBACK AFTER MORE THAN 40 YEARS 

Written by Ngūgī wa Thiong’o and Ngūgī wa Miiri,the then banned play ‘Ngaahika Ndeenda’ covers post-colonial themes of class struggle, poverty, gender, culture, religion, modernity vs tradition, marriage and family

The play was staged at the Kenya National Theatre on May and October directed by the award winning Director Stuart Nash

4.NAIROBI HALF LIFE CELEBRATES 10 YEARS 

Released on the 19th of July 2012 at the Durban Film Festival, Nairobi Half Life stood out to become a massive success

Directed by Tosh Gitonga, the film won several accolades at the Durban International Film Festival, African Movie Academy Awards and the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards.

5.’CLICK CLICK BANG’ MAKES 2.5 MILLION IN IT’S OPENING WEEKEND

Directed by Philip Karanja alongside Michael Munyoki and written by Abel Mutua, Click Click Bang was released on July 15 to a groundbreaking opening weekend gathering a sum of 2.5 million ksh starring Basil Mungai, Nyakundi Isaboke, Shigwan Shiqo, Amina Hussein, Jacky Vike, Idah Alisha.

6. ‘THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF NAIROBI’ ANNOUNCED TO PREMIER IN 2023

African streaming service Showmax, in partnership with NBCUniversal Formats, is bringing The Real Housewives to Nairobi. The Real Housewives of Nairobi, which will debut in 2023 as a Showmax Original, is the 22nd international version of The Real Housewives format and the sixth to be adapted in Africa.

7. ‘DISCONNECT 2’ AND MUSIC SERIES ‘VOLUME’ COMMISSIONED BY NETFLIX

Both directed by Tosh Gitonga, ‘Disconnect 2’ and the now in production ‘Volume’ series were commissioned by Netflix this year

Starring Pascal Tokodi and Catherine Kamau-Karanja, ‘Disconnect: The Wedding Planner’ is to be released on the 13th of January 2023

8. SHOWMAX POLITICAL THRILLER ‘COUNTY 49’ BREAKS STREAMING RECORD ON THE PLATFORM

The critically acclaimed Showmax TV show COUNTY 49 broke a record of the most viewed series on the first day of it’s release

Directed by Likarion Wainaina and starring Peter Kawa, Nyokabi Macharia and Wakio Mzenge, the series acquired Five nominations at the Kalasha Awards

9. ‘MPAKANI’, KENYA’S FIRST MILITARY SERIES LAUNCHED

From the creators of the highly acclaimed film ‘Mission to Rescue’,Foxton Media and KBC Kenya launched the first military series on the 28th of November

10. ‘TERASTORM’ KENYA’S FIRST SUPERHERO ANIMATION FILM SUBMITTED FOR THE OSCARS

Directed by Andrew Kaggia and featuring voice artists; Ali Mwangola, Arabron Nyyneque, Melvin Alusa, Mungai Kiroga, Sarah Muhoho and Peter Mudamba, TERASTORM premiered in theaters on the 24th of November

The animated film was later submitted for the Oscars making it the first superhero animation to ever be submitted to the awards

11. KENYA’S FIRST CHRISTMAS FEATURE FILM RELEASED

On December 15, the streaming platform Showmax released Kenya’s first Christmas Feature Film ‘A FAMILIAR CHRISTMAS’ 

Directed by Reuben Odanga and starring Maureen Kunga and Pascal Tokodi, the film follows a family spending Christmas together for the first time in three years but plans for a loving holiday are disrupted when secrets and a meddling mother wreaks havoc on her household

12. ‘TOO EARLY FOR BIRDS’ MAKES A MUCH ANTICIPATED COMEBACK

Too Early for Birds is a series of Kenyan theatre shows that stages diverse stories from Kenyan history. Founded in early 2017 by Kenyan performers Abu Sense and Ngartia, the show and its title were inspired by the work of historian and blogger Owaahh.

The much anticipated sixth edition took place on the weekend of 4th, 5th and 6th November 2022 after a two year hiatus with a total of five shows at the Jain Bhavan Auditorium in Loresho

With these and more having been archieved in 2022, fans around the country hope for more record breaking contents next year 

Sources; Sinema focus ke, IMDB, Wikipedia