Positive results are starting to show following aggressive marketing of Kenya as a natural film destination. Discussions are underway with top movie producers and the industry may soon take a positive turn especially after being hit negatively by the post election violence which saw film producers divert their work to other countries

We represented Kenya at “The Association of Film Commissioners international (AFCI) Trade Fair held in Los Angeles USA, where more than 150 film commissions and 5,000 movers and shakers from key markets like the US, Canada, India and Nigeria meet to chart and discuss movie trends across the globe. The Commissions’ stand took third position overall after Georgia and South Africa in creativity, originality and presentation.

What came out clearly from the trade fair was the fact that the producers need incentives to make their venture in Kenya more rewarding and profitable. Kenya is losing its clients to other countries like South Africa which have attractive incentive programmes.

The authorities need to quickly put together an incentive package that include tax rebates, tax credits, subsides and cash payments to stop the production company from digitally recreating Kenya in their films.

The film industry still faces challenges like lack of cameras and other equipment needed by the international producers to shoot in Kenya, lack of post production facilities hence the films have to be exported and as a result an increase in the cost of production for smaller players. We need tax waivers on the film equipment to encourage local investors by importing tax free equipment.

Colossal movie houses including Universal pictures, Warner Brothers and Columbia Pictures have shown interest in using Kenya as a preferred African film destination. For instance the Dan Eldon story “Journey” and Mike Resnick Sci-fi movie “Kirinyaga” are some of the movies likely to be produced in Kenya.

By participating in international film events like the AFCI trade fair, influential people in the world film scene get the chance to know and understand what Kenya has to offer. We want to create awareness about Kenya’s unique features.

There is need for us to change the perception that film is a luxury and start to view the industry as a profit making sector.