The film industry is struggling to make an impact, not only in the local scene but also in the international scene. But just like any other industry, it faces numerous challenges.
The charges imposed by the government on film making in Kenya are so exorbitant. Many film makers are shunning Kenya for South Africa and Nigeria.
The process of script writing, shooting, editing and promoting/marketing a movie is very tedious. Ezekiel Mutua, the CEO of Kenya Film –Classification Board is also another thorn in the flesh for a filmmaker.
if he is not coming up with restrictive laws, then he is busy banning movies. The following movies have made it to the international scenes despite not being given much attention in Kenya.
Watu Wote
The movie, “Watu Wote” (All of Us) has been received well here in Kenya and outside Kenya. It talks about the bandit attack which happened in 2015 in Mandera a few years ago. A passenger bus was attacked by Muslim bandits and all passengers were ordered to come out of the bus. The bandits then selected non-Muslims for execution.
A Muslim man made a very brave and passionate move to defend the Christians. He insisted that if the bandits have to kill the Christians, then it is better they kill all of them. That is how the title of the movie came about. Watu Wote was nominated for Oscars and the leading actors were invited to attend the ceremony.
Rafiki
Rafiki is yet another Kenyan Movie which has been celebrated abroad. It was banned in Kenya due to its homosexual content. It narrates a love story between two women. While Kenyans could not get the chance to watch it freely, movie lovers from other Countries are enjoying it. It premiered in this year’s 71st Cannes Film Festival in France.
Nairobi Half Life
Nairobi Half-life is a product of Kenya-Germany collaboration. The movie rated 18+ due to its strong street language and sexually explicit scenes portray life in Nairobi.
The struggle that a young man from the village, armed with only talent, goes through to put food on the table. From prostitution to robbery with violence. The movie also depicts how the corrupt city council askaris collaborate with outlawed gangs to terrorize citizens in the city.
The First Grader
The first-grader film was released in 2010. It narrates the story of an old man who defied all odd to join a primary school. It came at a time adult education was being promoted. Daniel Ndambuki, popularly known as Churchill also featured in the award-winning movie.