The Kenya Film and Classification Board has entered into a partnership with the 2020 Kisima Awards scheme in which the government agency will inject Kshs. 5 Million to boost the award kitty. – By Gerald Gekara
While addressing the media at its Nairobi Offices, KFCB CEO Dr. Ezekiel Mutua applauded the organizing parties for bringing back the award to empower creatives in Kenya and East Africa.
“KFCB is delighted to be part of the Kisima Awards revival and success. I am informed that the award initially sought to recognize talent from across East Africa, but has now gone Pan-African.
Dr. Mutua said the award would boost individual creatives, who’s industry had been brought to a standstill during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Kisima Award’s relaunch at a time when the entertainment industry has been ravaged by the Coronavirus is not only timely, but it’s a critical intervention in supporting the fledgling industry to get back on its feet.”
He added that the partnership, that follows other agreements to boost Kenya’s film sector will add missing links and project Kenya as a global destination for film and tourism.
Dr. Mutua also allowed the event management the right to use the revived Nairobi Film Center (Formerly Nairobi Cinema) as a venue for the awarding ceremony.
“As I conclude, allow me to announce that the Board will avail the Nairobi Film Centre (NFC), formerly Nairobi Cinema, to the organizers of the award and our partners to support the youth in mentorship and enterpreneurship in film and music related activities.”
The Kisima Awards chairman Fred Simiyu expressed his gratitude, reitarating that government empowerment is the key to driving the youth agenda in the country.
The iconic award is part of Africa’s most credible creative industry awards, alongside; All Africa Music Awards and MTV Africa Music Awards, and AFRIMMA awards which celebrate music of African origin and popular contemporary music in Africa.
