Board conducts a consultative forum on the proposed Films and Stage Plays Regulations in the Eastern Region
Filmmakers and other key stakeholders, among them, representatives from religious organizations, the County Government of Embu, youth groups, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and learning institutions in the Eastern Region, on Tuesday 9th May 2023, presented their views and comments on the proposed Films and Stage Plays Act Regulations and Guidelines.
While addressing the diverse stakeholder’s, during a consultative forum held at the Kenya School of Government, Embu Campus, the Board's Ag. CEO, Christopher Wambua, said that the Government has proposed a 15% reduction in film-licensing fees for local filmmakers.
The CEO, however, noted that licensing fees for foreign filmmakers will not change.
"The overall objective of the proposed regulations is to align the legal and regulatory framework to developments in the industry as well as to international best practices," he said.
He also observed that the regulations are meant to spur the film sector by encouraging investment as well as creating more opportunities for local filmmakers to monetize their talents.
Wambua said that the proposed regulations are align with the wider Government's policy of putting money in the pockets of content creators.
"We subjected the proposed regulations and guidelines to stakeholder participation that lapsed on 28th April 2023," the CEO said, adding that the consultative forum aimed at collecting additional stakeholders' input, comments and recommendations.
On the proposed self- classification, Wambua said that the Board will provide an oversight role as well as training to exhibitors of audio-visual content, especially on Video on Demand (VOD) and Over the Top (OTT) platforms.
Other proposals in the draft regulations include imposing lower examination and classification fees on cinema operators, video shops, and dens with more screens.
A new film rating, PG 13, has also been proposed in a move to bridge the huge rating gap for content targeting children aged between 10 and 16.
The current local film ratings include the General Exhibition (GE), Parental Guidance (PG), 16, 18 and Restricted.
The proposed regulations and guidelines include: Film and Stage Plays (Film Classification) Guidelines, 2023, Films and Stage Plays (Self-Classification) Regulations, 2023, Films and Stage Plays (Film Distribution and Exhibition) Regulations, 2023, Films and Stage Plays (Film Censorship) Regulations, 2023 and the Films and Stage Plays (Cinematograph Films) (Forms and Fees), Regulations, 2023.
The draft regulations and guidelines can be accessed via: https://kfcb.go.ke/policies.