Film in Kenya

Kenya is situated in of the most violent aera's in the world, East Africa. The country is poor, government priorities are not focussed on building a local film industry. Since independence in 1963 Kenyans have been producing films at the average rate of one feature film every four years. Despite the fact that there are many Kenyan film professionals, the development of this industry is hampered by four major problems: 1) Finance: film production is an expensive venture and there are no local investors who have shown interest in it. 2) Post-production: through filming equipment is generally available, Kenya does not have a film processing laboratory - the 16mm facility that exists at the Kenya Institute of Mass Communication has collapsed due to lack of spare parts and maintenance. 3) Lack of an enabling government film production policy. 4) Piracy - Kenya is a world black spot as far as this is concerned. During the past decades, Kenyan filmmakers have tried to break into the African cinematography market which is currently dominated by foremost American and french features.

Today over twenty film production companies in Kenya, working mostly on video and occasionally on film when the budgets allow. Legally film production is regulated by the government, in particular, through two Acts of Parliament: Cap 222; The Films and Stage Plays Act of Parliament and the Copyright Act. The goverment requires that private companies or individuals submit their applications through local agents who are accredited with the responsible Ministry. Crews wishing to film in Kenya have to meet filming requirements that are laid down by the Ministry. A government committee approves requests for feature films commercial films and documentary films. Notable local productions are: "Mlevi" (1968), So far, the only commercially viable Kenyan film production by Paul Singh. It starred popular former television personalities Mzee Pembe and the late Kipanga Athumani and singer Sal Davies,...