Kenya’s Partnership with Invention Studios A Game-Changer in Growing the Film Sector, CS Ababu Says
The Government of Kenya has reaffirmed its commitment to spurring the growth of the Creative Economy through strategic collaborations with international partners such as the Invention Studios of Los Angeles (LA), Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, Ababu Namwamba has said.
CS Namwamba, who was speaking when he hosted Invention Studios, CEO, Mr. Nicholas Weinstock, at the Talanta Hela Plaza on Tuesday 13th February 2024, said that his ministry is deliberate in consolidating the creative space to create a vibrant and productive industry that benefits both the creatives and the economy.
“The Government of Kenya and Invention Studios, based in Hollywood, have joined forces to support and promote the production of Kenyan stories through film and television,” he stated, adding that the partnership with the Inventions Studios is a game-changer in creating opportunities for creatives.
Besides the Agreement with the Invention studios to spur Kenya’s film sector, the CS said that the Ministry has also forged collaborations with China, the American Grammys, and South Africa, among other notable partners to advance the Creative Economy and sports agenda.
“I want to reaffirm the Kenyan Government's commitment to implementing the road map of the agreement signed with Invention Studios in September 2023 to ensure Kenyan creatives fully benefit from it and improve their livelihoods,” the CS indicated.
The CS further observed that the agreement/partnership signed with the Invention Studios covers various aspects but is not limited to; creative development, skills capacity development, international talent resources, distribution, and exchange programs.
In the agreement, the CS said that Invention Studios will also provide incentive packages, liaison services, and locations, and foster further partnerships with equipment rental companies.
“The partnership with the Invention Studios is anchored on telling Kenyan stories in a Kenyan way,” the CS reiterated while calling upon the media to increase the airing of locally produced content as part of promoting Kenya's film and creative industry.
While observing that Kenya has some of the most beautiful filming locations in the world, the CS revealed that the partnership with the Invention Studios is also focused on mobilizing resources and incentives for the benefit of Kenya's creatives & sportsmen.
On his part, Mr. Nicholas Weinstock said that Invention Studios is keen to support Kenya's rise to the global entertainment scene through the production, exhibition & distribution of elite films.
“We are excited about this partnership and our commitment is to develop and promote films that tell the Kenyan stories,” Mr. Weinstock said.
CS Ababu Namwamba observed that in one year, only, the Government through his Ministry has brought form, life, order, and direction in the sports and creative industries and positioned Kenya for a pivotal role, attracted investors, and signed partnership agreements aimed at turning around these sectors.
“The Kenya Government has adopted a comprehensive predictable rewards scheme that has seen top performers across all sports and the creatives rewarded handsomely, offering attractive incentives for Kenya’s top talents to conquer the world and smash records,” he added.
He stated that the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, is at the frontline of putting money into the pockets of creatives, musicians, and sportspersons through the Talanta Hela initiative.
Principal Secretary, State Department for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy, Mr. Ismail Maalim Madey and the Kenya Film Commission (KFC), Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Timothy Owase, also addressed the meeting.
Also present at the press briefing were; Mr. Michael Pundo, CEO, Kenya Cultural Centre (KCC), Ms. Nelly Muluka, Corporate Communications Manager, Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB), other officials from the Department of Youth Affairs and the Creative Economy.