The 3rd Edition of the Kenya International Film Festival (K.I.F.F) is set to take place from October 22nd to November 1st 2008.
A press launch was held on July 2nd at the Stanley Hotel to formally launch the festival to the media, stakeholders and public.
This year’s theme is “CELEBRATING OUR CULTURAL DIVERSITY” and in line with this theme, the festival organizers are hoping to impress upon the audience, a feeling of unity despite our differences.
The press launch was attended by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Dr. Bitange Ndemo, trustees of the Kenya International Film Festival, the Commission’s board members and various stakeholders in the industry.
CHARLES ASIBA- KIFF FESTIVAL DIRECTOR GIVING HIS PRESENTATION TO GUESTS In his remarks, Dr. Ndemo encouraged the Film Commission and the stakeholders in general to take advantage of this opportunity and focus efforts towards demand driven local content. He added that this year’s Festival will cover a broad spectrum of themes, from drama to comedy, and will provide a platform for exchange among film professionals from many African countries. On its part Ndemo added, the Government through the Kenya Film Commission has pledged to be at the forefront of developing a local content driven screen culture.
DR. BITANGE NDEMO EMPHASIZING HIS COMMITMENT TO DEVELOPING LOCAL CONTENT
JENNY PONT (PONTACT), P.S DR. BITANGE NDEMO AND BARBARA REICH (GOETHE INSTITUT) ENJOYING BREAKFAST
The Acting Chairperson of the Kenya Film Commission, Dr. Suki Mwendwa pointed out the Commission’s commitment towards the continued success in developing the film industry; specifically the issue of initiating a national film policy to guide the aspirations of all stakeholders in industry.
DR, SUKI MWENDWA (ACTING CHAIRPERSON -KFC) AND WANJIRU KINYANJUI (CHAIR, KIFFT) SIGNING THE MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN KFC AND KIFF. THE SIGNING CEREMONY IS WITNESSED BY CHARLES ASIBA (KIFF)AND DAVID MAINGI (M.D OF KFC)
GUESTS HELPING THEMSELVES TO BREAKFAST
Dr. Mwendwa welcomed the new found energy in the film industry and especially the collaboration and consultative processes that now pervade this industry. She noted that KFC intends to lead from the front and will facilitate partnership building opportunities and industry cohesiveness. Her parting comments commend the sponsors and partners that have come out to support the festival.
DETAILS OF K.I.F.F
K.I.F.F has gained a growing reputation within the film industry of being an excellent showcase for Kenyan and African film and this year, it intends to expand its repertoire.
200 films have been submitted for screening during the ten day event.
Film in Kenya will soon become synonymous with all things beautiful; for our time-honoured traditions to thrive and to create an industry with environmental sustainability. The flora and fauna of Kenya are the environmental instruments of our films. Kenya is striving to be on the world map as the centre of Africa cinema. Kenya will also be the epitome of African culture at its best. The Kenya International Film Festival will represent who is who in African Cinema and the Best African Films.
Filmmakers from the African region namely, Uganda, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Ethiopia, Sudan, Rwanda, South Africa and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are expected to attend KIFF this year.
The festival will create a forum for filmmakers to:
- Network and share ideas on the technological and artistic development of the industry.
- Look for distribution networks both regionally and internationally.
- Capacity building in technical skills, cinematography and creative writing.
- Join associations to create lobby groups that will push for more government assistance.
- Discuss policy matters and how to regulate the industry.
- Promote Kenyan films in the international market.
K.F.C’S COMMITMENT TO K.I.F.F
Since it first launched, the Commission has offered a supportive hand in the running of the Kenya International Film Festival.
When it first premiered, the Commission sponsored the event to a tune of Kshs 375,000 and also offered office space to one KIFF staff member.
In the second year of KIFF, the Commission contributed Kshs 75,000 and organized for the Ministry of Information to contribute Kshs 500,000 for the opening cocktail. Under the auspices of the Commission, the former Vice President Moody Awori graced the opening ceremony and officially opened the festival.
This year, the Commission is desirous of playing a more supportive role of KIFF and committing more resources towards achieving resounding success.
Several partnerships, initiated by the Commission have been forged, geared towards supporting the Festival. The Commission is also offering government and financial support.
The Commission intends to make 2008 the year for pushing local content into the forefront of the Kenyan audience’s mind and in line with this rallying call, KIFF will be a very powerful forum to elevate this agenda.
The time to highlight “the Kenyan story” is now and the Commission is committed to seeing the local film industry greatly promoted through important forums such as KIFF.
KFC calls upon its partners of goodwill and those who want to join this growing revolution of local content, to partner with us and make KIFF a resounding success.
K.I.F.F ACTIVITIES
- HISTORY OF KENYA FILM INDUSTRY EXHIBITION
The Department of Film services (DFS) will showcase the “The History of film development in Kenya from he colonial era to the modern day” at the main entrance of the Alliance Francaise. The exhibition will display different cameras and other equipments that D.F.S has used over the years. The department will also display assorted productions that it has been commissioned to make in the recent past.
- MAISHA LAB AT KIFF
Kenya international Film Festival in collaboration with the Maisha Lab from Uganda have agreed to partner to organize a ten day training workshop for filmmakers during the festival. The workshop is designed to start before the main festival and will run for ten days. The Short Films category (2minutes to 5minutes) from the Lab will be screened at a special forum during the Festival at Alliance Francaise.
- INTERLLECTUAL PROPERTY WORKSHOP
A Workshop to create awareness of the need to understand the copyright and related right will be held during the festival. The participants will be lawyers with interest in Audiovisual Matters, Filmmakers, Musicians and Performing Artists. The workshop will be facilitated by Kenya Film Commission (KFC), the Kenya Copyright Board in collaboration with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)
- REGULAR SCREENINGS & COMMUNITY SCREENING
For each of the screenings, there will be a performance by various local artists, who will journey with the audience through the various cultures in Kenya. The audience members will enjoy different cultural instruments used by the various cultures.
Four (4) venues within Nairobi: Alliance Française Auditorium, Goethe Institute-Nairobi, National Theatre and the National museum auditorium will be used as venues for screening during K.I.F.F. The screenings will start at 10:00 am to 10:00 pm daily at all venues.
- CAPACITY BUILDING WORKSHOPS
Five (5) workshops on the following topics: Script writing, cinematography, concept development, film criticism, music for film and pitching and access to film funds will be held.
- STUDENTS’ FORUM
The interaction between professional filmmakers and students
- FILM PREMIERES
KIFF/ KFC/ ROYAL MEDIA GROUP and NUMETRO CINEMAS will host a ‘Red Carpet’ Film Premieres for the best African Films at the Prestige Plaza.
- THE ARTIST CAFETERIA
Brainstorming, interaction with fellow artists, at the Goethe Institute and Alliance Francaise.
- WOMEN’S PANORAMA
The Women's Panorama is intended to provide a real and dynamic space within the Festival for women and their concerns. The Panorama becomes essential to the Festival from this perspective, it serves to promote and encourage a broader scope of vision and perception on critical issues, thus enhancing the desired culture of democracy, which underlies the notion of culture.
- EAST AFRICAN FILMMAKERS FORUM
Roundtable discussions with like minded people of the East African Community. The newly formed “Forum for East African Filmmakers” will have their first meeting at the Festival. The Main Agenda is “Lobbying the Governments for support.”
- THEME NIGHTS
Cuban, Mexican, French, Asian, South African and, of course, Kenyan nights/ cocktails are set to be held.
- MINI FESTIVAL WITHIN FESTIVAL
We recognize that other festivals are equally important. We have previously partnered with AMAKULA and ZIFF to showcase their products. This year we expect AMAKULA, ZIFF, Rwanda Film Festival and Sudan Festival. LOLA-KENYA SCREEN is also expected to showcase their best product during the festival.
- KEY NOTE SPEECHES/PRESENTATIONS
Among the presentations will be The C.E.O of the Kenya Film Commission, Mr. David Maingi who will elaborate more on the state of the Kenya film industry.
- AWARDS
The competition will have eight categories as follows:
- STUDENTS FILMS
- DOCUMENTARIES
- SHORT FEATRUES
- LONG FEATURES
- ANIMATION
- BEST EAST AFRICAN FILM
- BEST KENYAN FILM
Deadline for film entries: 15TH JULY 2008
SPECIAL AWARDS:
- JURY AWARD- BEST KENYAN FILM;
- AUDIENCE AWARD- BEST KENYAN FILM;
- THE JOURNALIST AWARD- BEST OVERALL KENYAN FILM.
FOR INFORMATION CONTACT:
CHARLES PETER ASIBA
FESTIVAL DIRECTOR
KENYA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL (KIFF)
MUTHANGARI DRIVE, LAVINGTON,
TEL: 254 (20)3866114/6/7
FAX: 254 (20) 3866117
EMAIL: asiba@kifftrust.org , info@kifftrust.org, kiff@filmingkenya.com
Website : www.kifftrust.org
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