The government is committed to set up the right policies and create an enabling environment for the growth of the film industry, Dr Ezekiel Mutua, the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) Chief Executive Officer has said.
Dr Mutua made the revelations during the premiere of a Kenyan film 'Disconnect’ at Anga Imax 4D theatre, Parklands, on Saturday, April 21st.
He represented the Sports and Heritage Cabinet Secretary Rashid Echesa and congratulated the crew behind the new film saying the government would continue to support the film industry.
"The government is committed to set up the right policies and create an enabling environment for the growth of the film industry. But it will not build the industry. The private sector will. You guys will. Hollywood wasn't built by government. It was built by the private sector. So was Bollywood and Nollywood," said Dr. Mutua.
Dr. Mutua challenged the industry to talk less and work more and stated that film production should be taken seriously and be aligned to the Big Four Presidential vision so as to create jobs and wealth for the youth.
"Film makers like Tosh Gitonga and Ezekiel Onyango talk less and do more. They do not find excuses. They work. It's gratifying to see that such creatives comply with film regulatory requirements. They obtain film licenses and submit their work for examination and classification. Kenya has got talent. We just need to focus and work together. Congratulations to Iman Mueke (Producer), Tosh Gitonga (Director), Dr. Ezekiel Onyango (Associate Producer) and the entire team behind this great film," Dr. Mutua said.
The KFCB CEO reminded the creatives that they do not create films for themselves but they create for the consumers and the Government must regulate content meant for public consumption.
"Film industry in Kenya has great potential and gifted creatives that are among the best in the world. The future lies in the creative and knowledge economy. We must therefore focus more on talent and knowledge based industries in order to grow the economy," added Dr. Mutua.
Dr. Mutua congratulated the crew behind 'Disconnect' - Iman Mueke (Producer), Tosh Gitonga (Director), Dr. Ezekiel Onyango (Associate Producer) and the entire team and said that Kenya has got great talents that need to focus and work together.
The event was also an opportunity that brought together Dr Mutua and the Chairman of the Kenya Film Commission, Chris Foot for bridging the organizational disconnect between them.
They both committed to work together for the sake of growth and development of the film industry.
“The industry is bigger than us. The country is bigger than us. We must embrace synergy and collaboration and discard the little colonies in order to take the industry to the next level. KFCB and KFC have distinct but complimentary roles in growing the film industry in Kenya," Mutua said.
Also in attendance were MP John Kiarie, former Nairobi Deputy Governor Jonathan Mueke, Sauti Saul Maestro, Alison Ngimbuini of the TV show ‘MALI’ and other actors in the film industry.