Film agencies bury hatchet, commit to partner in promoting the local industry
The Kenya Film Classification Board and the Kenya Film Commission have resolved to work together to promote growth in the creative industry, which has an immense potential to transform Kenya’s national Gross Domestic Product.
Citing perceived differences between the two bodies, KFCB Chief Executive Officer Dr. Ezekiel Mutua and KFC Chairman Mr. Chris Foot said they have held discussions to synchronise their distinct but interdependent mandates in the interest of the creative economy.
They were speaking at the International Film Convention -IFCK, which has been hailed widely as the most inspiring meeting for stakeholders in the annals of Kenya’s creative industry.
Reiterating KFCB’s commitnent to work with the public and private sector to tap into immense opportunities available in the film industry, Dr. Mutua said it is imperative for KFCB and KFC to operate in sync to enable the sector to play in the international league.
“KFC plays an important role in marketing Kenya as the preferred filming destination while KFCB is responsible for facilitating growth in the industry through progressive regulation to protect children from exposure to unsuitsble content. We have to work together in the interest of the industry”, Dr. Mutua said.
Mr. Foot affirmed KFC’s commitment to work with KFCB, saying the collaboration will serve the industry’s common good. He said the Commission has put in place various initiatives to support local creative artistes, and to attract international film makers to set shop in Kenya.
The International Film Convention -Kenya, hosted by KFCB in conjunction with the French Embassy in Kenya , UNESCO and the European Union Mission in Kenya, brought together representatives from several film associations in Kenya and delegates from estsblished creative industries in Africa, France, United States, among others.
The closing ceremony today highlighted the way forward based on the feedback gleaned in the course of the convention, and lessons learnt from other global regulatory jurisdictions.
The forum came to a close with a public lecture at United States International University, where Mr. Foot made a keynote address on the future of Kenya’s film industry.