Kenyan film director and producer Appie Matere has passed away.
The Kenya Film Commission broke the news about Matere’s death honouring her as an extraordinary and visionary producer.
“The Kenya Film Commission mourns with deep sorrow the passing of Appie Matere, an extraordinary and visionary Kenyan film and television producer whose influence on African storytelling will remain enduring and profound.”
She rose from humble beginnings and founded one of Kenya’s independent studios, Zamaradi Productions.
“A trailblazer in the Kenyan and African film industries, Appie Matere was a rare creative force whose career spanned over two decades. Rising from humble beginnings, she became a seminal figure in film production and founded Zamaradi Productions, one of Kenya’s foremost independent studios dedicated to creating authentic African content for local and international audiences.”
The Kenyan Film Commission noted that she demonstrated exceptional leadership and creativity to nurturing talent and telling stories that reflected the diversity of African life.
“Her body of work spanned influential feature films, award-winning short films, documentaries, and long-form television drama, helping shape Kenya’s contemporary screen narrative.”
She was given several honours for her work, which ranged from documentaries to telenovelas.
“Among her notable achievements was the production of Killer Necklace, which earned Best Short Film and Best Director honours at the Kalasha Awards and screened at the New York African Film Festival. Her feature documentary Headlines in History won Best Feature Documentary at the Kalasha Awards. She was also instrumental in producing the acclaimed Kenyan telenovela Kona, which brought Kenyan stories to wide audiences through M-Net’s Africa Magic channel.”
Former Tausi actor Ken Ambani penned a touching tribute, noting that Matere left behind a legacy with her impactful stories.
“Make an impact while at it and leave a legacy bro… your words my sister, producer and friend. Sad that you left so soon but your words help us push on while at it. Rest easy, Appie. You positively touched many souls, and we say a big thank you. You left a legacy dada. You left a legacy.”
