Kenya Film Commission boss confirms Kalasha International Film and Television Awards will go on: "Bigger and better"

The fate of the 2025 Kalasha International Film and Television Awards hangs in the balance, but Kenya Film Commission (KFC) CEO Timothy Owase remains adamant, the show will go on.

 Rumours have been swirling that the prestigious awards, traditionally held in March, might not happen this year.

 However, Owase has shut down the speculation, insisting, “Unless you hear it from us, consider it just rumours. The event may not happen in March, but it will happen, and it will be bigger and better.”

Despite his assurances, insiders at KFC paint a different picture. Reports suggest that the commission is grappling with severe budget cuts, casting doubt on whether the 13-year-old film gala can proceed as planned.

 Funding appears to be the biggest hurdle. KFC’s budget for the 2024/25 financial year was slashed to Ksh 104 million, barely enough to keep the commission’s day-to-day operations running. Compared to the Ksh 442 million allocated last year, the drastic cut has left little room for major initiatives like Kalasha.

“The commission is broke,” an insider disclosed. “This year’s allocation barely covers salaries and office expenses.”

Further fueling uncertainty, there has been no official call for film submissions, usually announced in November, a critical step in the award planning process.

With doubts mounting, the Kenyan film industry is buzzing with concern. In a filmmakers’ WhatsApp group, Owase once again reassured creatives, stating, “Kalasha 2024/25 will happen, bigger and better. No cause for alarm.”

Last year’s Kalasha Awards saw Mvera dominate, winning Best Feature Film, Best Viewers’ Choice, and Best Director for Daudi Anguka. KFC reportedly spent Ksh 30 million on the three-day event. Whether 2025’s edition will match—or even surpass—that scale remains a hot topic.