See the full list of winners.

The Kenya Film Commission (KFC) announced the winners of the 12th edition of the Kalasha International Film and TV awards during a colourful gala event hosted at the Safari Park Hotel on Thika road.

CS Minister of Culture & Heritage Ababu Namwamba and KFC CEO Timothy Owase.

Officiating the gala event, KFC Chief Executive Officer Mr Timothy Owase expressed confidence that Kenya’s film industry is on track to getting global recognition. This he said was a result of the vibrancy and commitment shown by content creators and industry players.  

“The submissions we received this year have shown how much commitment and effort industry players are putting to ensure it remains steadfast. Interestingly, the number of submitted films for the 12th Edition of Kalasha Awards went up to 217 compared to 149 that were submitted in 2021. The additional 68 films show the hard work and extra effort the industry has put with regards to content creation,” said Mr Owase.   

He said the Commission has invested heavily in technology through its E-Film shop and has also formed strategic partnerships geared towards promoting and growing the sector.   

“KFC’s Film Empowerment Programme provides film and video-related funding in the broad categories of Development Funding (of feature films, documentaries and TV concepts), production funding (of feature films and documentaries), Marketing and distribution funding, emerging filmmakers funding. In 2021, the Commission disbursed KShs. 30 million which funded 14 locally produced films.  

Additionally, the Commission undertakes capacity-building programmes focused on strengthening the local filmmakers' professional skills and equipping them with information and skills which enables them to compete effectively in the local and international film environments,” he continued.

Additionally, the Chief Guest at the award ceremony, Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Youth Affairs, Sports and Culture, Hon Ababu Namwamba mentioned that his Ministry under the Department of Culture and Heritage, is involved in the promotion of cultural cooperation locally, regionally and internationally and as such it aims to promote rich cultural values in the local and international fraternity through film. 

“As a Ministry, film is one area we are keen on since it is a powerful medium that can be used in transmitting different ideologies and preserving cultural values,” he said.

Also present was Mrs Juliana Yiapan- Administration Secretary, Ministry of ICT and Digital Economy who mentioned that the Ministry of ICT and Digital economy is working closely with KFC to support the industry mainly through policy formulation for capacity development. 

Speaking about Kenya’s film policy, she said, “The current National Film Policy seeks to establish legal, regulatory and institutional framework that will promote a vibrant film industry towards social, economic and national development. The Policy has underscored the importance of a unified industry having a shared vision of growth.” 

Key dignitaries present included Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, The First daughter of Kenya and Zimbabwe, Charlene Ruto and Miss Tariro.