The Kenya Film Commission launched SINEMA PAMOJA PROJECT on 25 th March 2008 at the Goethe Institut Nairobi.

The project was formalized following the post election crisis. Kenyan film makers came together to seek ways of sending out a message of peace to their fellow Kenyan brothers and sisters. The film makers felt it was important for them to remind Kenyans that indeed this country has a thriving film industry which generates billions of shillings in revenue and creates employment for many.

As a result of several brainstorming sessions, held at the Kenya Film Commission offices, the film makers decided to shoot short films that showcase the vast talent which the local film industry boasts as well as send out the urgent message of peace to Kenyans.

The project consists of FOUR projects; two of which are finished products:

" WHY NOW "- by GUY WILSON and GINGER WILSON (GINGER INK)

" WALE WATU "- by CAJETAN BOY, MARY MIGUI and NICK NJACHE (Et CETERA PRODUCTIONS)

" PIECES FOR PEACE " (Two stories in one)- by ROBBIE BRESSON and MBURU KIMANI (X MEDIA KENYA).

KENYA FILM COMMISSION'S ROLE

The Kenya Film Commission was instrumental in facilitating this process by providing a venue for the film makers to meet and chart the way forward for the project. The Commission also provided financial assistance to three of the projects.

Our commitment as a Commission is and has always been to see the Kenyan story told! For the sake of posterity, the Commission strives to seek ways to see that the Kenyan story is told and that local content finds it's much deserved and long awaited niche on our screens.

The Commission believes that supporting initiatives such as SINEMA PAMOJA, we shall contribute to the growth and development of local talent in the film industry which will in future translate to an influx of local content and audience appreciation of these stories.

The Commission shall continue to support initiatives that contribute to the growth of this industry and the legacy we shall leave behind will be one of a Commission that went out of its way to develop the film culture in this country.

SYNOPSES OF SINEMA PAMOJA PROJECTS

1. BRIEF SYNOPSIS OF " WHY NOW "- Directed and Produced by GUY WILSON (Ginger Ink Productions)

On the 27th of December 2007, Kenyans went to the polls. The results were hotly contested and, for over a month, Kenya was the world's focus as law and order appeared to break down.

On the 5th of January 2008, 9 days after the general election, Paul Karuri, a bus driver working for the Starliner Bus Company, left the Western Kenyan city of Kisumu with 47 passengers aboard for the coastal city of Mombasa.

He shares his harrowing, life changing experience on "WHY NOW"

2. BRIEF SYNOPSIS OF " WALE WATU "- Directed by CAJETAN BOY (Et Cetera Productions)

Paul and Mary are two people who are from different tribes and deeply in love. Their families share a close relationship and everything looks well as they prepare to tie the knot. However, with the out break of the post-election violence, one family loses a clinic and family member through arson. Things get tense between the two families. Peace eventually prevails but at what cost? Wale Watu" is not only by Cajetan Boy (script supervisor/ Producer), Mary Migui (Producer) and Nick Njache (Director).

Produced by Et Cetera Productions in conjunction with Sisimka Productions.

Script is by: Flo Onyango, Muchai Moses, Reuben Odanga, Gloria Muturia and Miriam Kipirash.

3. BRIEF SYNOPSIS OF " PIECES FOR PEACE " ( 2 stories in One)- Directed by Robbie Bresson and Mburu Kimani

"Pieces For Peace" tells two different yet interconnecting stories of ordinary Kenyans, living ordinary lives that are suddenly thrust into the scenarios connected and surrounding the post election crisis. It highlights the effects of historical injustice & prejudice, institutionalized neglect, the disregard of Human rights by both the general population and the establishment and the injustice that many where forced to undergo due to no fault of their own. The stories revolve around two broad themes. "Tough Times" scripted and directed by Mburu Kimani, tells the story of a couple desperately wanting to marry who are torn apart by their family's tribal prejudice. and " LR 45" scripted and directed by Robby Bresson about a family  who where fighting over control of the family's only asset , a plot of land ,but  who now, given the post election violence have to come to terms with each other.

The Commission is currently seeking partnerships with broadcasting houses to have the projects aired on local TV.

Sinema Pamoja will continue to operate as a forum where producers can have their films promoted and aired.

CEO David Maingi addressing the audience

The people behind the Sinema Pamoja projects:CAROL NGESA - Ginger Ink, NICK NJACHE- Co- Director of "WALE WATU", GINGER WILSON- Producer of "WHY NOW", DAVID MAINGI- M.D, KFC, MARY MIGUI Co- Director of "WALE WATU", STANLEY MBURU- Director of "PIECES FOR PEACE", ROBBIE BRESSON - Director of "PIECES FOR PEACE", NYATICHI SITATI- KFC

Ginger Ink Producer, Ginger Wilson introducing her piece "WHY NOW"