Bigger and better: Kalasha Kenya’s premier screen awards to return in June

By Kiundu Waweru

According to the Kenya Film Commission, the Kalasha Film and TV Awards are closely crafted after the Oscars and Emmy awards.

Maybe not in the organisational sense of the word, but since 2009 Kalasha has created a buzz around the Kenyan film and television circles. The best in the field, from the actors to the scriptwriters to the producers have been rewarded in its four editions, putting the winners at an enviable position — apart from last year when the awards gala did not happen.

But even with fears of the awards ceremony folding after a dismal showing in the 2012 edition culminating in the failure to hold one in 2013, players will be relieved that this year Kenya Film Commission is calling for entries.

In fact, it has extended the April 12 deadline to April 28.

“KFC wants to make sure that no film maker is left behind to be part of this ultimate gala award ceremony,” said Caroline Kittur, the acting CEO, KFC while announcing the extension during a press briefing Thursday. Kittur adds that this year’s gala, which will be held at National Museums of Kenya on June 28, will be grander.

In previous editions, films like Nairobi Half Life, The Rugged Priest have won awards with the former dominating in 2012 and the latter in 2011. KTN has also had its big wins in the TV programmess including Lies that Bind which scooped the best TV drama in 2012 and Mheshimiwa and Changing Times alongside its cast reigning in 2011.

Kenya Film Commission was established in 2005 under the Ministry of Information and Communication. It, among other things, markets Kenya as a filming destination and now in the spirit of devolution, it is looking to go into the Counties. Chris Foot, the Commission’s board chair says that they are meeting with all film county executives for county specific case-by-case study.

This unlike days gone by, before the advent of the CD and DVD players will be a herculean task. What with Hollywood, Bollywood and all the DVDs selling at a paltry fifty bob? The onus is on the filmmakers to come up with great local content though their biggest challenge remains funding.