Yakwetu


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Mark Dinn


With an astounding 15 Festival Selections, 9 Nominations, and 5 Awards, within just 13 Weeks from its Premiere, ACT OF LOVE has also just won Best Short Film and Best Scriptwriter at the inaugural Mombasa International Film Festival!

<img src="https://mlacrpylygub.i.optimole.com/cb:LlYY.8845/w:728/h:720/q:mauto/f:best/https://news.sanaapost.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Screenshot_20240129-110259.jpg"/>

To Celebrate, the Cast & Crew shall be Hosting a Free Screening at The Alchemist in Westlands, this Tuesday 30th January 2024 (8.00 pm – 10.00 pm), in conjunction with MyMovies.Africa™. Registration (100 Seats only) is now Open, here: https://app.mymovies.africa/tickets/act-of-love

<img src="https://mlacrpylygub.i.optimole.com/cb:LlYY.8845/w:729/h:729/q:mauto/f:best/https://news.sanaapost.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/IMG-20240129-WA0001.jpg"/>

Inspired by the Writer’s true story, ACT OF LOVE (16+) is a moving Short Film set in Nairobi, about Juliana (Mwixx Mutinda), a young mother, who holds on to her sanity by a thread, as her world is turned upside down in search of a livelihood.

"ACT OF LOVE is a Film that makes society acknowledge the ugly side of Motherhood”, says Ms. Shelly Gitonga – the now Award-winning Scriptwriter.

ACT OF LOVE also won Best Short Film at the 9th MASHARIKI African Film Festival in Kigali, Rwanda, in November 2023; following Runner-up for Best Kenyan Short at the Under Our Skin International Film Festival for Human Rights in Kenya in Nairobi, during November 2023; following-on from winning the People’s Choice Award at the inaugural Sauti Zetu Film Festival in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania, during October 2023.

"Statistics show that Post-Partum Depression (PPD) affects 10-20% of Women globally; but in Africa, the situation is worse, with 10-32% of Women suffering from PPD. In Kenya, the prevalence of this Maternal Mental Health challenge is reported as 11-13%, affecting the well-being of Mothers, Newborns, Families and Communities”, says Ms. Shirleen Wangari, the now Award-winning Producer, at Blackwell Films.

"The condition can impair a Mother’s ability to care for her Child and, in extreme cases, can lead to post-partum Psychosis, Suicide and/or Infanticide.” She adds

"We are so Proud of the Cast & Crew of this beautiful Film. As well as having ACT OF LOVE worldwide on our own MyMovies.Africa™. The Film is also now Available for Licensing to other Video On Demand (VOD) services, Television and Non-Theatrical opportunities like Airlines, so that as many Africans and Diasporans as possible, can watch this important Title.” says Ms. Trushna Buddhdev-Patel, Co- Founder, Chief Executive Officer & Content Director of YAKWETU™ – the Distributor.

The film has also been Selected for the prestigious 2023 Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF) in Tanzania, 2023 Swahili International Film Festival & Awards in Kenya, 2023 Fragments Festival in the United Kingdom, 2023 Kugoma Film Forum in Mozambique, 2023 Fankeenna Film Festival in Somaliland, 2023 Hollywood African Cinema Connection (HACC) Film Festival in America, 2023 Global Film Exhibition in America, 2023 Botswana International Film Festival, 2023 Mombasa International Film Festival in Kenya, Kenya Film Commission’s Reel County Film Festival 2024 and 2024 Kitale Film Week pin Kenya!

"We have also begun special Screenings to underserved Communities of Women and Healthcare Workers around the Kenya and Africa, to raise further Awareness and spark Conversations for supportive Action on Post-Partum Depression, Maternal Health and Mental Health”, says Ms. Chloe Genga, Impact Producer at LightBox Africa.

"And we’re open to Collaborating with any Partners who share our Vision”. She adds

ACT OF LOVE was Produced by Blackwell Films, in conjunction with Ripple Productions, through Funding from Some Fine Day Pix, GIZ, Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation & Development of Germany, and DocuBox East Africa Fund; with Support Naomi Mburuh Films, Film Studios, and Jenga Leo.

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Source: https://news.sanaapost.com/a-coastal-celebration-in-the-capital/


ACT OF LOVE to screen at the The Alchemist in Nairobi after two wins at the Mombasa International Film Festival 

A Coastal Celebration in the Capital


<strong> ACT OF LOVE to Screen at The Alchemist in Nairobi, after winning Best Short Film and Best Scriptwriter at the Inaugural Mombasa International Film Festival </strong>

28th January 2024, Nairobi: With an astounding 15 Festival Selections, 9 Nominations and 5 Awards, within just 13 Weeks from its Premiere, ACT OF LOVE has also just won Best Short Film and Best Scriptwriter at the inaugural Mombasa International Film Festival!

And to Celebrate, the Cast & Crew shall be Hosting a Free Screening at The Alchemist in Westlands, this Tuesday 30th January 2024 (8.00pm -10.00pm), in conjunction with MyMovies.Africa™. Registration (100 Seats only) is now Open, here: https://app.mymovies.africa/tickets/act-of-love

Inspired by the Writer’s true story, ACT OF LOVE (16+) is a moving Short Film set in Nairobi, about Juliana (Mwixx Mutinda) - a young mother, who holds on to sanity by a thread, as her world is turned upside down in search of a livelihood.

ACT OF LOVE also won Best Short Film at the 9th MASHARIKI African Film Festival in Kigali – Rwanda, during November 2023; following Runner-up for Best Kenyan Short at the Under Our Skin International Film Festival for Human Rights in Kenya in Nairobi, during November 2023; following-on from winning the People’s Choice Award at the inaugural Sauti Zetu Film Festival in Dar-es-Salaam – Tanzania, during October 2023.

“ACT OF LOVE is a Film that makes society acknowledge the ugly side of Motherhood”, says Ms. Shelly Gitonga – the now Award-winning Scriptwriter. “Statistics show that Post-Partum Depression (PPD) affects 10-20% of Women globally; but in Africa, the situation is worse, with 10-32% of Women suffering from PPD.”

“In Kenya, the prevalence of this Maternal Mental Health challenge is reported as 11-13%, affecting the well-being of Mothers, Newborns, Families and Communities”, says Ms. Shirleen Wangari, the now Award-winning Producer, at Blackwell Films. “The condition can impair a Mother’s ability to care for her Child and, in extreme cases, can lead to post-partum Psychosis, Suicide and/or Infanticide.”

To-date ACT OF LOVE, has also been Selected for the prestigious 2023 Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF) in Tanzania, 2023 Swahili International Film Festival & Awards in Kenya, 2023 Fragments Festival in the United Kingdom, 2023 Kugoma Film Forum in Mozambique, 2023 Fankeenna Film Festival in Somaliland, 2023 Hollywood African Cinema Connection (HACC) Film Festival in America, 2023 Global Film Exhibition in America, 2023 Botswana International Film Festival, 2023 Mombasa International Film Festival in Kenya, Kenya Film Commission’s Reel County Film Festival 2024 and 2024 Kitale Film Week pin Kenya!

“We are so Proud of the Cast & Crew of this beautiful Film”, says Ms. Trushna Buddhdev-Patel, Co-Founder, Chief Executive Officer & Content Director of YAKWETU™ - the Distributor. “As well as having ACT OF LOVE worldwide on our own MyMovies.Africa™”, the Film is also now Available for Licensing to other Video On Demand (VOD) services, Television and Non-Theatrical opportunities like Airlines, so that as many Africans and Diasporans as possible, can watch this important Title.”

“We have also begun special Screenings to underserved Communities of Women and Healthcare Workers around the Kenya and Africa, to raise further Awareness and spark Conversations for supportive Action on Post-Partum Depression, Maternal Health and Mental Health”, says Ms. Chloe Genga, Impact Producer at LightBox Africa. “And we’re open to Collaborating with any Partners who share our Vision”.

ACT OF LOVE was Produced by Blackwell Films, in conjunction with Ripple Productions, through Funding by Some Fine Day Pix, GIZ, Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation & Development of Germany and DocuBox East Africa Fund; with Support Naomi Mburuh Films, Film Studios and Jenga Leo.


Notes to Editors:

01). ACT OF LOVE

After losing her job at a restaurant, Juliana downsizes to a one-roomed house in an informal neighbourhood. Her luck turns when she is shortlisted for an interview, by a top accounting firm! However, before she can leave her house, the landlord - Mr. Mutisya (Dennis Musyoka), gives her a final notice to pay her rent arrears the same morning. Then, her neighbour - Mama Mukami (Veronica Gatuguta) - who had promised to watch her 2-month-old baby, has a campaign engagement for a local politician. Sister Magdalene (Julisa Rowe), despite being sympathetic to Juliana, cannot allow her to leave the baby at the church, due to a ‘pandemic’ of mothers abandoning their children in the compound. Undeterred, Juliana beats the clock and makes it for the interview - her upset baby in her arms. A sequence of events, triggered by her baby's cries, makes Juliana lose her promising interview. Broken, frustrated, and holding onto sanity by a thread, she questions her love for her baby.

More: https://app.mymovies.africa/view/f23879c9f04ad9b0
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt27393708/

The making of ACT OF LOVE:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ETIMPIziILNuBK8P1T4zNUMdYlHu5at9

Behind the Scenes photos:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1sLHVJPZOOx891A3YvMTr31lotejc0hWi?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1RgogAE2v3IgO1bAh34vzqoYirXwijzb3?usp=drive_link

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Epf1AOVZ6zz1rmma1T3TLQwjO1L-l6gq?usp=sharing

02). Mombasa International Film Festival

The Mombasa International Film Festival is a celebration of local and international Cinema, offering a
diverse selection of Films from talented Filmmakers; organised by Mombasa County Government,
Swahilipot Hub and Alliance Française.

Here is the List of Winners for the inaugural Edition:

Best Feature Film - Rishai - Kenya.

Best Coastal Film - Eastzuu - Kenya.

Best Short Film - Act of Love - Kenya.

Best International Short Film - Malaika - South Africa.

Best International Feature Film - Heroes of Africa - Ghana.

Best Editor - Derek Hammeke & MD Neely - Where the River Divides - Kenya.

Best Sound Designer - Monicah Mugo (Mzuka) - Kenya.

Best Child Performer - Kabuye Close (Crystal) - Uganda.

Best Actress - Grace Ngaracu (Eastzuu) – Kenya.

Best Actor - Keith Chuaga - Visasi - Kenya.

Best Scriptwriter - Shelly Gitonga (Act of Love) - Kenya.

Best Cinematographer - Andrew Bradford - Where the River Divides - Kenya.

Best Director - Omar Hamza - Rishai – Kenya.

Best Documentary - Kiswahili Kitukuzwe - Kenya.

Best Film by a Student - Kwani si Kesho? - Kenya (Short Film).

Best Animation Film - Earth's Children - Kenya.

More: https://www.mombasainternatonalfilmfestival.co.ke/

03). MASHARIKI African Film Festival

The MASHARIKI African Film Festival was launched in 2014, and is the largest Film Festival in Rwanda. The Festival was created to respond to a fast-growing film Audience and a much-needed film Connection through African countries, Filmmakers, the Diaspora and International Media Producers.

MASHARIKI is an annual cultural event that aims at bringing African Films to an African audience. It consists of Screenings, capacity building through Workshops & Masterclasses by International and African Filmmakers, plus rewarding the outstanding Films and Filmmakers in different Categories.

More: https://www.masharikifestival.org/the-festival/

04). Under Our Skin International Film Festival for Human Rights

Under Our Skin Film Festival is a platform that aims to entertain, inform and inspire through the medium of film. We motivate audiences and participants to question, debate and reflect on the state of human rights in Kenya and internationally. By actively embracing a cross-cultural exchange, the Festival invites audiences and stories from diverse backgrounds. It encourages individuals to think beyond their immediate surroundings and consider the interconnectedness of human rights issues worldwide, thus instilling a sense of understanding, empathy and global citizenship. We engender action and positive change for society and individuals through documentaries, fiction, conceptual films and animations - of all lengths.

More: https://www.underourskinkenya.org

05). MyMovies.Africa™, by YAKWETU™ Online Limited

Exclusive Distributor, and Non-Exclusive Retailer, of ACT OF LOVE, YAKWETU™ - meaning both "Of Us" and "For Us" in Kiswahili (the most popular African language), is an Online Home Entertainment & Edutainment System - of Africa, for Africa.

Using their proprietory Kenyan-made Applications, 2023 WIPO Global Award-winning YAKWETU™ is an online Retailer and Distributor of Digital Content, from Africa, to Africa and for Africa - through a Range of thoughtfully Curated branded Services, that supply Consumers with securely Encrypted original Titles, that fairly Pays the Creators, unlike Pirated alternatives.

Released on 26th September 2019, their Poof-of-Concept is MyMovies.Africa™, as a Mobile-first Digital Cinema Extension, offering securely Encrypted original Movies from Africa (i.e. New Releases, Classics, Features, Shorts, Animations, Documentaries, etc) on Smart Devices, including Phones, Tablets, Laptops, Smart TVs and Set Top Boxes, across Africa and to her Diaspora in 195 Countries.

Its core Products are a Premium Video On Demand – PVOD (#RentFor2Days) for New Releases, Transactional Video On Demand – TVOD (#RentFor7Days), Electronic Sell Through – EST (#OwnForLife) purchase and Watch Parties via ZOOM, all Accessed here: https://app.mymovies.africa.

More: https://www.yakwetu.africa

06). LightBox Africa

LBx Africa offers Impact Production services, for both in-house and external Projects, on a consultancy basis. As one of the few Companies in the Region, that combines Social Impact strategy and Filmmaking, we aim to create customized experiences for each Project we undertake. We recognise that Film Distribution is not limited to Theatrical Screenings and Streaming Platforms, but can also be used as a powerful Tool to drive sustainable Change in Communities.

More: https://lbxafrica.com

07). Blackwell Films

Producer of ‘Act of Love’, Blackwell Films is a production company based in Nairobi – Kenya, run by Shirleen Wangari - an Actress Writer and Producer. They provide Filmmaking services and are a licensed Film Agent. Blackwell also acquires Film Licenses, Immigration special Passes and clears Gear for foreign Productions.

More: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shirleen-wangari-0b16a237/

08). SOME FINE DAY Pix

Executive Producer of ‘Act of Love’, the SOME FINE DAY Pix programme is a continuation of the ONE FINE DAY FILMS Workshop series, which was founded by ONE FINE DAY FILMS, Ginger Ink Films Africa and DW Akademie in Nairobi, Kenya. SOME FINE DAY Pix provides digital state-of-the-art training opportunities for African filmmakers.

More: https://www.somefinedaypix.org/

09). Ripple Productions

Director of ‘Act of Love’, Eric M. Mwangi – a Cinematographer and Director with Filmmaking experience in the Eastern and Southern African region, is also Founder of Ripple Productions. An alumnus of the American Film Showcase documentary residency, at the University of Southern California., his goal is to bring an African perspective to the global pool of life-changing stories, thereby, contributing to the expansion of the African Cinema language. Passionate about Filmmaking, Eric has worked with
different Producers to execute Projects across multiple locations, meeting different needs with the overall goal of storytelling, achieved through efficiency and creative professionalism.

Mwangi's projects range from Documentaries, TV Commercials and Brand Films to Short Films, working through production houses such as Zero Point Zero Productions [America], Zeleman Productions [Ethiopia], YCF Productions [Zambia], DocuBox [Kenya], One Fine Day Films [Kenya] and Some Fine Day Pix [Kenya], amongst others.

Some of his career highlights include Cinematography for the National Geographic Explorer Series on the ongoing Rhino Resurrection episode with Ami Vitale, and Documentary Filmmaker - Taylor Rees Freesolo; Cinematography for the acclaimed Zambian TV drama ‘UBUNTU’ - which is a first from that country on Showmax; working on a Netflix sizzle reel by Academy Award-winning Director - Rodger Ross William; and Emmy Award-winning Documentary TV Show by Anthony Bourdain – ‘Parts Unknown’, amongst others.

More: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-mwangi-24ab734a/

10). DocuBox East Africa Fund

Supporter of ‘Act of Love’, DocuBox exists to enable talented, driven, focused and accountable East African artists to produce unique films that unearth new realities and cross trans-national boundaries. Through training, development and production grants and screenings for people who love documentary films, they promote East African filmmakers and share their unique stories with the world through creative documentary.

More: https://mydocubox.org/




ACT OF LOVE to Screen at The Alchemist in Nairobi, after winning Best Short Film and Best Scriptwriter at the Inaugural Mombasa International Film Festival!


<strong>25th February 2024, Nairobi: </strong> With an astounding 16 Festival Selections, 13 Nominations and 7 Awards, within just 4 Months from its Premiere, ACT OF LOVE has also won the Nile Grand Prize for Best Short Film, at the 13th Luxor African Film Festival in Egypt! And is only the 2nd Short Film from Kenya to win an Award there, after TITHES & OFFERINGS in 2019; and the 6th Film overall from Kenya.

This comes just 2 Weeks after winning Best Short Film and Best Scriptwriter at the inaugural Mombasa International Film Festival.

And to Celebrate, the Cast & Crew shall be joining the 2nd #WeWatchKenyan Watch Party by MyMovies.Africa™, on Friday 29th March 2024 (6.00pm-10.00pm), at OUT Reality in The Mall (Basement), Westlands.

On-hand in Egypt to receive the Award was the Director – Eric Mwangi, who said: “Winning at Luxor has been incredibly affirming as a Creative. Even though the Film was screened with Arabic subtitles, its power was unchanged. It's a blessing to see people who don’t speak your language, resonate with the same measure as my people in Kenya. I believe that's a testament to the universality of our Film.”

Inspired by the Writer – Shelly Gitonga’s true story, ACT OF LOVE (16+) is a moving Short Film, set in Nairobi, about Juliana (Mwixx Mutinda) - a young Mother, who holds on to sanity by a thread, as her world is turned upside down in search of a livelihood.

“ACT OF LOVE is a Film that makes society acknowledge the ugly side of Motherhood”, says Ms. Shelly Gitonga – the now Award-winning Scriptwriter. “Statistics show that Post-Partum Depression (PPD) affects 10-20% of Women globally; but in Africa, the situation is worse, with 10-32% of Women suffering from PPD.”

ACT OF LOVE also won Best Short Film at the 9th MASHARIKI African Film Festival in Kigali – Rwanda, during November 2023; following Runner-up for Best Kenyan Short at the Under Our Skin International Film Festival for Human Rights in Kenya in Nairobi, during November 2023; following-on from winning the People’s Choice Award at the inaugural Sauti Zetu Film Festival in Dar-es-Salaam – Tanzania, during October 2023.

And on International Women’s Day, three Cast & Crew from the Film are Nominated for 5th Women In Film Awards (WIFA), in Nairobi; namely: Shirleen Wangari (Best Newcomer Producer in Film), Mwixx Mutinda (Best Actress in Film) and Vivian Njeri (Best Costume Designer).

“In Kenya, the prevalence of this Maternal Mental Health challenge is reported as 11-13%, affecting the well-being of Mothers, Newborns, Families and Communities”, says Ms. Shirleen Wangari, the now Award-winning Producer, at Blackwell Films. “The condition can impair a Mother’s ability to care for her Child and, in extreme cases, can lead to post-partum Psychosis, Suicide and/or Infanticide.”

To-date ACT OF LOVE, has also been Selected for the prestigious 2023 Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF) in Tanzania, 2023 Swahili International Film Festival & Awards in Kenya, 2023 Fragments Festival in the United Kingdom, 2023 Kugoma Film Forum in Mozambique, 2023 Fankeenna Film Festival in Somaliland, 2023 Hollywood African Cinema Connection (HACC) Film Festival in America, 2023 Global Film Exhibition in America, 2023 Botswana International Film Festival, 2023 Mombasa International Film Festival in Kenya, Kenya Film Commission’s Reel County Film Festival 2024 and 2024 Kitale Film Week pin Kenya!

“We are so Proud of the Cast & Crew of this beautiful Film”, says Ms. Trushna Buddhdev-Patel, Co-Founder, Chief Executive Officer & Content Director of YAKWETU™ - the Distributor. “As well as having ACT OF LOVE worldwide on our own MyMovies.Africa™”, the Film is also now Available for Licensing to other Video On Demand (VOD) services, Television and Non-Theatrical opportunities like Airlines, so that as many Africans and Diasporans as possible, can watch this important Title.”

“We have begun special Screenings to underserved Communities of Women and Healthcare Workers around the Kenya and Africa, to raise further Awareness and spark Conversations for supportive Action on Post-Partum Depression, Maternal Health and Mental Health”, says Ms. Chloe Genga, Impact Producer at LightBox Africa. “And we’re open to Collaborating with any Partners who share our Vision”.

ACT OF LOVE was Produced by Blackwell Films, in conjunction with Ripple Productions, through Funding by Some Fine Day Pix, GIZ, Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation & Development of Germany and DocuBox East Africa Fund; with Support Naomi Mburuh Films, Film Studios and Jenga Leo.

Notes to Editors:

01). ACT OF LOVE

After losing her job at a restaurant, Juliana downsizes to a one-roomed house in an informal neighbourhood.
Her luck turns when she is shortlisted for an interview, by a top accounting firm! However, before she can leave her house, the landlord - Mr. Mutisya (Dennis Musyoka), gives her a final notice to pay her rent arrears the same morning. Then, her neighbour - Mama Mukami (Veronica Gatuguta) - who had promised to watch her 2-month-old baby, has a campaign engagement for a local politician. Sister Magdalene (Julisa Rowe), despite being sympathetic to Juliana, cannot allow her to leave the baby at the church, due to a ‘pandemic’ of mothers abandoning their children in the compound. Undeterred, Juliana beats the clock and makes it for the interview - her upset baby in her arms. A sequence of events, triggered by her baby's cries, makes Juliana lose her promising interview. Broken, frustrated, and holding onto sanity by a thread, she questions her love for her baby.

More: https://app.mymovies.africa/view/f23879c9f04ad9b0
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt27393708/

The making of ACT OF LOVE:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ETIMPIziILNuBK8P1T4zNUMdYlHu5at9

Behind the Scenes photos:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1sLHVJPZOOx891A3YvMTr31lotejc0hWi?usp=sharing

02). Luxor African Film Festival

Now in its 13th year, the Luxor African Film Festival (LAFF) is one of Not-For-Profit - Independent Shabab Foundation’s projects. It was the Writer - Sayed Fouad’s, and Director - Azza Elhosseiny's idea, as the African films are almost not screened in Egypt. Furthermore, Luxor hardly has any cultural or artistic events, so was therefore selected to decentralise cultural or artistic events always organised in Cairo and Alexandria. More: http://www.luxorafricanfilmfestival.com/

03). Women In Film Awards (WIFA)

Now in its 5th year, the Women in Film Awards (WIFA) aims at bringing women filmmakers in Kenya together and providing a space where diversity of women voices, stories and creativity is equally recognised and celebrated. More: https://beyondthefilm.org/wifawardskenya/

04). MyMovies.Africa™, by YAKWETU™ Online Limited

Exclusive Distributor, and Non-Exclusive Retailer, of ACT OF LOVE, YAKWETU™ - meaning both "Of Us" and "For Us" in Kiswahili (the most popular African language), is an Online Home Entertainment & Edutainment System - of Africa, for Africa.

Using their proprietory Kenyan-made Applications, 2023 WIPO Global Award-winning YAKWETU™ is an online Retailer and Distributor of Digital Content, from Africa, to Africa and for Africa - through a Range of thoughtfully Curated branded Services, that supply Consumers with securely Encrypted original Titles, that fairly Pays the Creators, unlike Pirated alternatives.

Released on 26th September 2019, their Poof-of-Concept is MyMovies.Africa™, as a Mobile-first Digital Cinema Extension, offering securely Encrypted original Movies from Africa (i.e. New Releases, Classics, Features, Shorts, Animations, Documentaries, etc) on Smart Devices, including Phones, Tablets, Laptops and Smart TVs, across Africa and to her Diaspora in 195 Countries.

Its core Products are a Premium Video On Demand – PVOD (#RentFor2Days) for New Releases, Transactional Video On Demand – TVOD (#RentFor7Days), Electronic Sell Through – EST (#OwnForLife) purchase and Watch Parties via ZOOM, all Accessed here: https://app.mymovies.africa. More: https://www.yakwetu.africa


05). LightBox Africa

LBx Africa offers Impact Production services, for both in-house and external Projects, on a consultancy basis. As one of the few Companies in the Region, that combines Social Impact strategy and Filmmaking, we aim to create customized experiences for each Project we undertake. We recognise that Film Distribution is not limited to Theatrical Screenings and Streaming Platforms, but can also be used as a powerful Tool to drive sustainable Change in Communities. More: https://lbxafrica.com

06). Blackwell Films

Producer of ACT OF LOVE, Blackwell Films is a production company based in Nairobi – Kenya, run by Shirleen Wangari - an Actress Writer and Producer. They provide Filmmaking services and are a licensed Film Agent.
Blackwell also acquires Film Licenses, Immigration special Passes and clears Gear for foreign Productions. More: http://www.blackwellfilms.com/

07). SOME FINE DAY Pix

Executive Producer of ACT OF LOVE, the SOME FINE DAY Pix programme is a continuation of the ONE FINE DAY FILMS Workshop series, which was founded by ONE FINE DAY FILMS, Ginger Ink Films Africa and DW Akademie in Nairobi, Kenya. SOME FINE DAY Pix provides digital state-of-the-art training opportunities for African filmmakers. More: https://www.somefinedaypix.org/

08). Ripple Productions

Director of ACT OF LOVE, Eric M. Mwangi – a Cinematographer and Director with Filmmaking experience in the Eastern and Southern African region, is also Founder of Ripple Productions. An alumnus of the American Film Showcase documentary residency, at the University of Southern California., his goal is to bring an African perspective to the global pool of life-changing stories, thereby, contributing to the expansion of the African Cinema language. Passionate about Filmmaking, Eric has worked with different Producers to execute Projects across multiple locations, meeting different needs with the overall goal of storytelling, achieved through efficiency and creative professionalism.

Mwangi's projects range from Documentaries, TV Commercials and Brand Films to Short Films, working through production houses such as Zero Point Zero Productions [America], Zeleman Productions [Ethiopia], YCF Productions [Zambia], DocuBox [Kenya], One Fine Day Films [Kenya] and Some Fine Day Pix [Kenya], amongst others.

Some of his career highlights include Cinematography for the National Geographic Explorer Series on the ongoing Rhino Resurrection episode with Ami Vitale, and Documentary Filmmaker - Taylor Rees Freesolo; Cinematography for the acclaimed Zambian TV drama ‘UBUNTU’ - which is a first from that country on Showmax; working on a Netflix sizzle reel by Academy Award-winning Director - Rodger Ross William; and Emmy Award-winning Documentary TV Show by Anthony Bourdain – ‘Parts Unknown’, amongst others.

More: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-mwangi-24ab734a/

09). DocuBox East Africa Fund

Supporter of ACT OF LOVE, DocuBox exists to enable talented, driven, focused and accountable East African artists to produce unique films that unearth new realities and cross trans-national boundaries. Through training, development and production grants and screenings for people who love documentary films, they promote East African filmmakers and share their unique stories with the world through creative documentary. More: https://mydocubox.org/


ACT OF LOVE wins at the prestigious 13th Luxor African Film Festival,and has 3 Nominations for the 5th Women In Film Awards (WIFA) being held on 08th March 2024



<strong>06th December 2023, Nairobi: </strong> With an astounding 10 Festival Selections, 9 Nominations and 2 Awards, within just 6 Weeks from its Premiere, ACT OF LOVE has also just won Best Short Film at the 9th MASHARIKI African Film Festival in Kigali last Weekend!

“We had 2,192 Applications, from 143 Countries, for the 5 Categories of best Feature Film, Documentary, Short Film, TV Series and Iziwachu (Rwandan Short Film)”, says Mr. Fabrizio Colombo, Artistic Director.
“ACT OF LOVE emerged as the Best Short Film from 28 Nominees from across Africa”.

This was after the Film came Runner-up for Best Kenyan Short at the Under Our Skin International Film Festival for Human Rights in Kenya, earlier in November 2023; following-on from winning the People’s Choice Award at the inaugural Sauti Zetu Film Festival, held in Dar-es-Salaam – Tanzania, during October 2023.

To-date ACT OF LOVE, has also been Selected for the prestigious 2023 Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF) in Tanzania, 2023 Swahili International Film Festival & Awards in Kenya, 2023 Fragments Festival in the United Kingdom, 2023 Kugoma Film Forum in Mozambique, 2023 Fankeenna Film Festival in Somaliland, the 2023 Hollywood African Cinema Connection (HACC) Film Festival in America, 2023 Global Film Exhibition in America, 2023 Botswana International Film Festival and Kenya Film Commission’s Reel County Film Festival 2024.

Furthermore, this Film about Post-Partum Depression, has received six Nominations (the Highest amongst the Short Films) at the inaugural Mombasa International Film Festival this Week, as Best Short Film, Best Scriptwriter - Shelly Gitonga, Best Director - Eric Mwangi, Best Actress - Mwixx Mutinda, Best Editor - Koome Mwirebua, Owino Owano & Cidi M, and Best Sound Designer - Patrick Mbaru (Saint P).

Inspired by the Writer’s true story, ACT OF LOVE (16+) is a moving Short Film set in Nairobi, about Juliana (Mwixx Mutinda) - a young mother, who holds on to sanity by a thread, as her world is turned upside down in search of a livelihood.

“ACT OF LOVE is a Film that makes society acknowledge the ugly side of Motherhood”, says Ms. Shelly Gitonga – the Writer. “Statistics show that Post-Partum Depression (PPD) affects 10-20% of Women globally; but in Africa, the situation is worse, with 10-32% of Women suffering from PPD.”

“In Kenya, the prevalence of this Maternal Mental Health challenge is reported as 11-13%, affecting the well-being of Mothers, Newborns, Families and Communities”, says Ms. Shirleen Wangari, the Producer, at Blackwell Films. “The condition can impair a Mother’s ability to care for her Child and, in extreme cases, can lead to post-partum Psychosis, Suicide and/or Infanticide.”

“As well as having ACT OF LOVE worldwide on MyMovies.Africa™”, says Ms. Trushna Buddhdev-Patel, Co-Founder, Chief Executive Officer & Content Director of YAKWETU™ - the Distributor, “the Film is also now Available for Licensing to other Video On Demand (VOD) services, Television and Non-Theatrical opportunities like Airlines, so that as many Africans and Diasporans as possible, can watch this important Film.”

“We have also begun special Screenings to underserved Communities of Women and Healthcare Workers around the Kenya and Africa, to raise further Awareness and spark Conversations for supportive Action on Post-Partum Depression, Maternal Health and Mental Health”, says Ms. Chloe Genga, Impact Producer at LightBox Africa. “And we’re open to Collaborating with any Partners who share our Vision”.

ACT OF LOVE was Produced by Blackwell Films, in conjunction with Ripple Productions, through Funding by Some Fine Day Pix, GIZ, Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation & Development of Germany and DocuBox East Africa Fund; with Support Naomi Mburuh Films, Film Studios and Jenga Leo.


Notes to Editors:

01. ACT OF LOVE

After losing her job at a restaurant, Juliana downsizes to a one-roomed house in an informal neighbourhood. Her luck turns when she is shortlisted for an interview, by a top accounting firm!
However, before she can leave her house, the landlord - Mr. Mutisya (Dennis Musyoka), gives her a final notice to pay her rent arrears the same morning. Then, her neighbour - Mama Mukami (Veronica Gatuguta) - who had promised to watch her 2-month-old baby, has a campaign engagement for a local politician. Sister Magdalene (Julisa Rowe), despite being sympathetic to Juliana, cannot allow her to leave the baby at the church, due to a ‘pandemic’ of mothers abandoning their children in the compound. Undeterred, Juliana beats the clock and makes it for the interview - her upset baby in her arms. A sequence of events, triggered by her baby's cries, makes Juliana lose her promising interview. Broken, frustrated, and holding onto sanity by a thread, she questions her love for her baby.

More: https://app.mymovies.africa/view/f23879c9f04ad9b0
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt27393708/

The making of ACT OF LOVE:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ETIMPIziILNuBK8P1T4zNUMdYlHu5at9

Behind the Scenes photos:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1sLHVJPZOOx891A3YvMTr31lotejc0hWi?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1RgogAE2v3IgO1bAh34vzqoYirXwijzb3?usp=drive_link

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Epf1AOVZ6zz1rmma1T3TLQwjO1L-l6gq?usp=sharing

02. MASHARIKI African Film Festival

The MASHARIKI African Film Festival was launched in 2014, and is the largest Film Festival in Rwanda. The Festival was created to respond to a fast-growing film Audience and a much-needed film Connection through African countries, Filmmakers, the Diaspora and International Media Producers. MASHARIKI is an annual cultural event that aims at bringing African Films to an African audience. It consists of Screenings, capacity building through Workshops & Masterclasses by International and African Filmmakers, plus rewarding the outstanding Films and Filmmakers in different Categories.

More: https://www.masharikifestival.org/the-festival/

03. Under Our Skin International Film Festival for Human Rights

Under Our Skin Film Festival is a platform that aims to entertain, inform and inspire through the medium of film. We motivate audiences and participants to question, debate and reflect on the state of human rights in Kenya and internationally. By actively embracing a cross-cultural exchange, the Festival invites audiences and stories from diverse backgrounds. It encourages individuals to think beyond their immediate surroundings and consider the interconnectedness of human rights issues worldwide, thus instilling a sense of understanding, empathy and global citizenship. We engender action and positive
change for society and individuals through documentaries, fiction, conceptual films and animations - of
all lengths.

More: https://www.underourskinkenya.org

04. Mombasa International Film Festival

The Mombasa International Film Festival is a celebration of local and international Cinema, offering a diverse selection of Films from talented Filmmakers; organised by Mombasa County Government, Swahilipot Hub and Alliance Française.

More: https://www.mombasainternatonalfilmfestival.co.ke/

05. MyMovies.Africa™, by YAKWETU™ Online Limited

Exclusive Distributor, and Non-Exclusive Retailer, of ACT OF LOVE, YAKWETU™ - meaning both "Of Us" and "For Us" in Kiswahili (the most popular African language), is an Online Home Entertainment & Edutainment System - of Africa, for Africa.

Using their proprietory Kenyan-made Applications, 2023 WIPO Global Award-winning YAKWETU™ is an online Retailer and Distributor of Digital Content, from Africa, to Africa and for Africa - through a Range of thoughtfully Curated branded Services, that supply Consumers with securely Encrypted original Titles, that fairly Pays the Creators, unlike Pirated alternatives.

Released on 26th September 2019, their Poof-of-Concept is MyMovies.Africa™, as a Mobile-first Digital Cinema Extension, offering securely Encrypted original Movies from Africa (i.e. New Releases, Classics, Features, Shorts, Animations, Documentaries, etc) on Smart Devices, including Phones, Tablets, Laptops, Smart TVs and Set Top Boxes, across Africa and to her Diaspora in 195 Countries.

Its core Products are a Premium Video On Demand – PVOD (#RentFor2Days) for New Releases, Transactional Video On Demand – TVOD (#RentFor7Days), Electronic Sell Through – EST (#OwnForLife) purchase and Watch Parties via ZOOM, all Accessed here: https://app.mymovies.africa.

More: https://www.yakwetu.africa

06. LightBox Africa

LBx Africa offers Impact Production services, for both in-house and external Projects, on a consultancy basis. As one of the few Companies in the Region, that combines Social Impact strategy and Filmmaking, we aim to create customized experiences for each Project we undertake. We recognise that Film Distribution is not limited to Theatrical Screenings and Streaming Platforms, but can also be used as a powerful Tool to drive sustainable Change in Communities.

More: https://lbxafrica.com

07. Blackwell Films

Producer of ‘Act of Love’, Blackwell Films is a production company based in Nairobi – Kenya, run by Shirleen Wangari - an Actress Writer and Producer. They provide Filmmaking services and are a licensed Film Agent. Blackwell also acquires Film Licenses, Immigration special Passes and clears Gear for foreign Productions.

More: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shirleen-wangari-0b16a237/

08. SOME FINE DAY Pix

Executive Producer of ‘Act of Love’, the SOME FINE DAY Pix programme is a continuation of the ONE FINE DAY FILMS Workshop series, which was founded by ONE FINE DAY FILMS, Ginger Ink Films Africa and DW Akademie in Nairobi, Kenya. SOME FINE DAY Pix provides digital state-of-the-art training opportunities for African filmmakers.

More: https://www.somefinedaypix.org/

09. Ripple Productions

Director of ‘Act of Love’, Eric M. Mwangi – a Cinematographer and Director with Filmmaking experience in the Eastern and Southern African region, is also Founder of Ripple Productions. An alumnus of the American Film Showcase documentary residency, at the University of Southern California., his goal is to bring an African perspective to the global pool of life-changing stories, thereby, contributing to the expansion of the African Cinema language. Passionate about Filmmaking, Eric has worked with different Producers to execute Projects across multiple locations, meeting different needs with the overall goal of storytelling, achieved through efficiency and creative professionalism.

Mwangi's projects range from Documentaries, TV Commercials and Brand Films to Short Films, working through production houses such as Zero Point Zero Productions [America], Zeleman Productions [Ethiopia], YCF Productions [Zambia], DocuBox [Kenya], One Fine Day Films [Kenya] and Some Fine Day Pix [Kenya], amongst others.

Some of his career highlights include Cinematography for the National Geographic Explorer Series on the ongoing Rhino Resurrection episode with Ami Vitale, and Documentary Filmmaker - Taylor Rees Freesolo; Cinematography for the acclaimed Zambian TV drama ‘UBUNTU’ - which is a first from that country on Showmax; working on a Netflix sizzle reel by Academy Award-winning Director - Rodger Ross William; and Emmy Award-winning Documentary TV Show by Anthony Bourdain – ‘Parts Unknown’,
amongst others.

More: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-mwangi-24ab734a/

10. DocuBox East Africa Fund

Supporter of ‘Act of Love’, DocuBox exists to enable talented, driven, focused and accountable East African artists to produce unique films that unearth new realities and cross trans-national boundaries. Through training, development and production grants and screenings for people who love documentary films, they promote East African filmmakers and share their unique stories with the world through creative documentary.

More: https://mydocubox.org/


ACT OF LOVE wins Best Short Film at 9th MASHARIKI African Film Festival in Rwanda, after securing 6 Nominations for this week’s Mombasa International Film Festival!



Act of Love is a story about a young mother who is pushed on the edge by the daily struggles of life in Nairobi

In Summary:
<ul>
    <li>Baby Anna one of the main character cries from start to the end of the film </li>
    <li>Act of love, which premiered in Nairobi last week on Friday, has already received invitations to prestigious
    festivals </li>
</ul>

<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/3t21YKeVFlQ3fZNLiqp7ThunE6uUogVQ20FGByf6rvBKJcdcVVTmdi1G-Xh6slbUOG5fjOyrZeyVUtvADT_jZci_EZW8qw584isQmt2G=s561"/>


A short film about a young mother's journey with postpartum depression continues to gain traction among film enthusiasts worldwide.

Act of love, which premiered in Nairobi last week on Friday, has already received invitations to prestigious festivals such as the Zanzibar International Film Festival in Tanzania and Swahili International Film Festival and Awards in Kenya.

This is in addition to Fragments Festival in the United Kingdom, and Hollywood African Cinema Connection Film Festival in the United States.

The film, written by Shelly Gitonga is based on a true story of a mother going through Postpartum depression.

Gitonga tells how a young mother is pushed to the edge by the daily struggles of life in Nairobi.

When her support system crumbles over the course of one day, she must decide whether she is able to care for her young child.

Postpartum depression, which is the onset of depressive episodes after childbirth, develops at a critical moment in a woman’s life and can continue for long periods.

Online research shows that likelihood of depressive episodes can be twice as high as during other periods of a woman’s life.

Some common signs of PPD include desperation, sadness, nausea and even thoughts of hurting self or the infant.

These symptoms often go undetected and untreated, wreaking havoc on partners and growth of infants .

“This movie was too loud from start to finish,” a gentleman who attended the premier said.

The man's reaction was in response to Baby Anna's cries from start to the end of the film.

Talia Jasmine, who was one of the main actors played the role Baby Anna.

Mugambi Nthiga, who moderated a panel of discussion at the end of the film said the film changed him.

“I think I have a change of heart. I came here expecting to see a film with a mentality of getting entertained but now I see things differently,” he said.

During the panel discussion, the film’s producer Shirleen Wangari and associate producer Naomi Mburuh spoke of how they struggled to pick and work on the film with Gitonga.

“When I saw the script, I was like, uhhhh… no. This is crazy. We are killing a baby here and I do not know how I feel about it,” Mburuh said.

“When Shelly approached me to work on the film together, the script was good but I was already working on another film. In the end, I thought why not give it a shot.”

“Producing this film was hard,” Wangari said.

Film director Eric Mwangi spoke of how he found it challenging to direct the film.

“I remember the first day we were on set, I went back home and sat quietly,” he said.

“My wife kept on wondering what was wrong with me and when she asked. I broke down into tears. What I experienced on day one of shooting this film is something I have never experienced.”

“I am glad to have been working together with a team of strong women,” Mburu said.

The co-star of the film, Mwixx Mutinda who played the role of the mother, Juliana, said she had to do a lot of research when she was picked for the role and handed the script.

“I talked to a number of mothers on how they cope with PPD and most of them ended up asking me, “Does the mother in the movie kill her baby?” and I was like wow, this is how mothers actually feel,” she said.

Mental health experts who were part of the panel discussion, said mothers need support and rest to get through this stage in their lives.

The film producers had mental health experts who were readily available for the cast and crew during filming.

The film received the People’s Choice award at the Sauti Zetu Film Festival in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

The short film is live and available for watching on My Movies Africa platform, where one can rent it for two or seven days for Sh249 or own the movie for life for Sh599.

<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/WekUadPf-lBXAMFxVMoKDZ7hBf4OaWE3s2PFImlU_Dn1Iyzvim55wtImDiaYnfquqShFbvYGTXqMvI1tJUjRWlcBChzsCglECG1ifeNgTg=s750"/>

Source: https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2023-10-25-kenyan-film-on-postpartum-depression-gains-global-recognition/


 Kenyan film on postpartum depression gains global recognition


<strong>‘ACT OF LOVE’ FILM PREMIERES IN NAIROBI AND WORLDWIDE </strong>

<strong> 12th October 2023, Nairobi: </strong> Inspired by the Writer’s true story, ‘Act of Love’ (16+) is a moving Short Film set in Nairobi, about Juliana (Mwixx Mutinda) - a young mother, who holds on to sanity by a thread, as her world is turned upside down in search of a livelihood.

After losing her job at a restaurant, Juliana downsizes to a one-roomed house in an informal neighbourhood. Her luck turns when she is shortlisted for an interview, by a top accounting firm! However, before she can leave her house, the landlord - Mr. Mutisya (Dennis Musyoka), gives her a final notice to pay her rent arrears the same morning. Then, her neighbour - Mama Mukami (Veronica Gatuguta) - who had promised to watch her 2-month-old baby, has a campaign engagement for a local politician. Sister Magdalene (Julisa Rowe), despite being sympathetic to Juliana, cannot allow her to leave the baby at the church, due to a ‘pandemic’ of mothers abandoning their children in the compound. Undeterred, Juliana beats the clock and makes it for the interview - her upset baby in her arms. A sequence of events, triggered by her baby's cries, makes Juliana lose her promising interview. Broken, frustrated, and holding onto sanity by a thread, she questions her love for her baby.

“’Act of Love’ is a Film that makes society acknowledge the ugly side of Motherhood”, says Ms. Shelly Gitonga – the Writer. “Statistics show that Post-Partum Depression (PPD) affects 10-20% of Women globally; but in Africa, the situation is worse, with 10-32% of Women suffering from PPD.”

“In Kenya, the prevalence of this Maternal Mental Health challenge is reported as 11-13%, affecting the well-being of Mothers, Newborns, Families and Communities”, says Ms. Shirleen Wangari, the Producer, at Blackwell Films. “The condition can impair a Mother’s ability to care for her Child and, in extreme cases, can lead to post-partum Psychosis, Suicide and/or Infanticide.”

“Emotional, Educational and Triggering! This film speaks to the core of your Humanity”, says Ms. Naomi Mburuh – the Associate Producer.

Ms. Kalekye Mumo concurs: “’Act of Love’ is gripping, real and thought provoking!”

Screening Manager at DocuBox - Ms. Wambui Gathee, concludes: “‘Act of Love’ is an extraordinary Film, that effortlessly transports viewers into a realm of awe, through its powerful visuals, profound performances, and gripping narrative. This film will create impact on different audiences, particularly on Parents from diverse backgrounds”.

After already being Selected for the prestigious Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF) and Sauti Zetu Film Festival in Tanzania, Swahili International Film Festival & Awards in Kenya, Fragments Festival in the United Kingdom and the Hollywood African Cinema Connection (HACC) Film Festival in America, the official Premiere for ‘Act of Love’ is on Friday 20th October 2023, at Anga Cinema, Diamond Plaza 2 in Parklands. Red Carpet begins at 5.30pm, followed by a Cocktail before the Screening at 7.00pm; then a Panel Discussion with Cast & Crew, moderated by Mugambi Nthiga, from 7.30pm. Tickets are available, at https://app.mymovies.africa/view/f23879c9f04ad9b0

“We are intentionally premiering ‘Act of Love’ on Mashujaa Day”, says Ms. Trushna Buddhdev-Patel, CEO
of YAKWETU™ - the Distributor, “to Stand with all the Heroes living with, either themselves or via those
they support, Post-Partum Depression. Film has tremendous Power in effectively Communicating this
Issue, and being a Catalyst for Conversation - which very often Leads to various Life-changing supportive Actions.”

‘Act of Love’ shall simultaneously Premiere online, and be available in all 195 countries & territories
globally, exclusively via Digital Cinema Extension - MyMovies.Africa™, here: https://app.mymovies.africa/view/f23879c9f04ad9b0

Thereafter, there shall be Screenings in February (the Month of Love) and March (the Month of Women) 2024, to underserved Communities of Women and Healthcare Workers around the Kenya and Africa, to raise further Awareness and spark Conversations for supportive Action on Post-Partum Depression.

Notes to Editors:

1. ‘Act of Love’

In the search of a livelihood, Juliana - a young mother, holds on to sanity by a thread, as her world is
turned upside down.
More: https://app.mymovies.africa/view/f23879c9f04ad9b0

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt27393708/

The making of ‘Act of Love’:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ETIMPIziILNuBK8P1T4zNUMdYlHu5at9

2. Blackwell Films

Producer of ‘Act of Love’, Blackwell Films is a production company based in Nairobi – Kenya, run by Shirleen Wangari - an Actress Writer and Producer. They provide Filmmaking services and are a licensed Film Agent. Blackwell also acquires Film Licenses, Immigration special Passes and clears Gear for foreign Productions.

More: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shirleen-wangari-0b16a237/

3. SOME FINE DAY Pix

Executive Producer of ‘Act of Love’, the SOME FINE DAY Pix programme is a continuation of the ONE FINE DAY FILMS Workshop series, which was founded by ONE FINE DAY FILMS, Ginger Ink Films Africa and DW Akademie in Nairobi, Kenya. SOME FINE DAY Pix provides digital state-of-the-art training opportunities for African filmmakers.

More: https://www.somefinedaypix.org/

4. Ripple Productions

Director of ‘Act of Love’, Eric M. Mwangi – a Cinematographer and Director with Filmmaking experience in the Eastern and Southern African region, is also Founder of Ripple Productions. An alumnus of the American Film Showcase documentary residency, at the University of Southern California., his goal is to bring an African perspective to the global pool of life-changing stories, thereby, contributing to the expansion of the African Cinema language. Passionate about Filmmaking, Eric has worked with different Producers to execute Projects across multiple locations, meeting different needs with the overall goal of storytelling, achieved through efficiency and creative professionalism.

Mwangi's projects range from Documentaries, TV Commercials and Brand Films to Short Films, working through production houses such as Zero Point Zero Productions [America], Zeleman Productions [Ethiopia], YCF Productions [Zambia], DocuBox [Kenya], One Fine Day Films [Kenya] and Some Fine Day Pix [Kenya], amongst others.

Some of his career highlights include Cinematography for the National Geographic Explorer Series on the ongoing Rhino Resurrection episode with Ami Vitale, and Documentary Filmmaker - Taylor Rees Freesolo; Cinematography for the acclaimed Zambian TV drama ‘UBUNTU’ - which is a first from that country on Showmax; working on a Netflix sizzle reel by Academy Award-winning Director - Rodger Ross William; and Emmy Award-winning Documentary TV Show by Anthony Bourdain – ‘Parts Unknown’, amongst others.

More: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-mwangi-24ab734a/

5. DocuBox East Africa Fund

Supporter of ‘Act of Love’, DocuBox exists to enable talented, driven, focused and accountable East African artists to produce unique films that unearth new realities and cross trans-national boundaries. Through training, development and production grants and screenings for people who love documentary films, they promote East African filmmakers and share their unique stories with the world through creative documentary.

More: https://mydocubox.org/

6. MyMovies.Africa™, by YAKWETU™ Online Limited

Exclusive Distributor, and Non-Exclusive Retailer, of ‘Act of Love’, YAKWETU™ - meaning both "Of Us" and "For Us" in Kiswahili (the most popular African language), is an Online Home Entertainment & Edutainment System - of Africa, for Africa.

Using their proprietory Kenyan-made Applications, 2023 WIPO Global Award-winning YAKWETU™ is an online Retailer of Digital Content, from Africa, to Africa and for Africa - through a Range of thoughtfully Curated branded Services, that supply Consumers with securely Encrypted original Titles, that fairly Pays the Creators, unlike Pirated alternatives.

Released on 26th September 2019, our Poof-of-Concept is MyMovies.Africa™, as a Mobile-first Digital Cinema Extension, offering securely Encrypted original Movies from Africa (i.e. New Releases, Classics, Features, Shorts, Animations, Documentaries, etc) on Smart Devices, including Phones, Tablets, Laptops, Smart TVs and Set Top Boxes, across Africa and to her Diaspora in 195 Countries.

Its core Products are a Premium Video On Demand – PVOD (#RentFor2Days) for New Releases, Transactional Video On Demand – TVOD (#RentFor7Days), Electronic Sell Through – EST (#OwnForLife) purchase and Watch Parties via ZOOM, all Accessed here: https://app.mymovies.africa.

More: https://www.yakwetu.africa

7. Supporters of the Premiere

PHAT! Productions: https://linkedin.com/in/phat-productions-a684431b5

Xpose: https://xpose.co.ke/

Mental 360: https://mental360.or.ke/

Kenya Film Commission: https://kenyafilmcommission.go.ke/

Anga Cinema: https://cinema.angacinemas.com/

Pyypl: https://www.pyypl.com/


‘ACT OF LOVE’ FILM PREMIERES IN NAIROBI AND WORLDWIDE


06th December 2023, Nairobi:  With an astounding 10 Festival Selections, 9 Nominations and 2 Awards, within just 6 Weeks from its Premiere, ACT OF LOVE has also just won Best Short Film at the 9th MASHARIKI African Film Festival in Kigali last Weekend!


“We had 2,192 Applications, from 143 Countries, for the 5 Categories of best Feature Film, Documentary, Short Film, TV Series and Iziwachu (Rwandan Short Film)”, says Mr. Fabrizio Colombo, Artistic Director. “ACT OF LOVE emerged as the Best Short Film from 28 Nominees from across Africa”.


This was after the Film came Runner-up for Best Kenyan Short at the Under Our Skin International Film Festival for Human Rights in Kenya, earlier in November 2023; following-on from winning the People’s Choice Award at the inaugural Sauti Zetu Film Festival, held in Dar-es-Salaam – Tanzania, during October 2023.


To-date ACT OF LOVE, has also been Selected for the prestigious 2023 Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF) in Tanzania, 2023 Swahili International Film Festival & Awards in Kenya, 2023 Fragments Festival in the United Kingdom, 2023 Kugoma Film Forum in Mozambique, 2023 Fankeenna Film Festival in Somaliland, the 2023 Hollywood African Cinema Connection (HACC) Film Festival in America, 2023 Global Film Exhibition in America, 2023 Botswana International Film Festival and Kenya Film Commission’s Reel County Film Festival 2024.


Furthermore, this Film about Post-Partum Depression, has received six Nominations (the Highest amongst the Short Films) at the inaugural Mombasa International Film Festival this Week, as Best Short Film, Best Scriptwriter - Shelly Gitonga, Best Director - Eric Mwangi, Best Actress - Mwixx Mutinda, Best Editor - Koome Mwirebua, Owino Owano & Cidi M, and Best Sound Designer - Patrick Mbaru (Saint P).


Inspired by the Writer’s true story, ACT OF LOVE (16+) is a moving Short Film set in Nairobi, about Juliana (Mwixx Mutinda) - a young mother, who holds on to sanity by a thread, as her world is turned upside down in search of a livelihood.


“ACT OF LOVE is a Film that makes society acknowledge the ugly side of Motherhood”, says Ms. Shelly Gitonga – the Writer.  “Statistics show that Post-Partum Depression (PPD) affects 10-20% of Women globally; but in Africa, the situation is worse, with 10-32% of Women suffering from PPD.”


“In Kenya, the prevalence of this Maternal Mental Health challenge is reported as 11-13%, affecting the well-being of Mothers, Newborns, Families and Communities”, says Ms. Shirleen Wangari, the Producer, at Blackwell Films.  “The condition can impair a Mother’s ability to care for her Child and, in extreme cases, can lead to post-partum Psychosis, Suicide and/or Infanticide.”


“As well as having ACT OF LOVE worldwide on MyMovies.Africa™”, says Ms. Trushna Buddhdev-Patel, Co-Founder, Chief Executive Officer & Content Director of YAKWETU™ - the Distributor, “the Film is also now Available for Licensing to other Video On Demand (VOD) services, Television and Non-Theatrical opportunities like Airlines, so that as many Africans and Diasporans as possible, can watch this important Film.”


“We have also begun special Screenings to underserved Communities of Women and Healthcare Workers around the Kenya and Africa, to raise further Awareness and spark Conversations for supportive Action on Post-Partum Depression, Maternal Health and Mental Health”, says Ms. Chloe Genga, Impact Producer at LightBox Africa.  “And we’re open to Collaborating with any Partners who share our Vision”.


ACT OF LOVE was Produced by Blackwell Films, in conjunction with Ripple Productions, through Funding by Some Fine Day Pix, GIZ, Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation & Development of Germany and DocuBox East Africa Fund; with Support Naomi Mburuh Films, Film Studios and Jenga Leo.


<strong>Notes to Editors: </strong>


01. ACT OF LOVE

After losing her job at a restaurant, Juliana downsizes to a one-roomed house in an informal neighbourhood.  Her luck turns when she is shortlisted for an interview, by a top accounting firm!  However, before she can leave her house, the landlord - Mr. Mutisya (Dennis Musyoka), gives her a final notice to pay her rent arrears the same morning.  Then, her neighbour - Mama Mukami (Veronica Gatuguta) - who had promised to watch her 2-month-old baby, has a campaign engagement for a local politician.  Sister Magdalene (Julisa Rowe), despite being sympathetic to Juliana, cannot allow her to leave the baby at the church, due to a ‘pandemic’ of mothers abandoning their children in the compound.  Undeterred, Juliana beats the clock and makes it for the interview - her upset baby in her arms.  A sequence of events, triggered by her baby's cries, makes Juliana lose her promising interview.  Broken, frustrated, and holding onto sanity by a thread, she questions her love for her baby.


More:    https://app.mymovies.africa/view/f23879c9f04ad9b0

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt27393708/



The making of ACT OF LOVE:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ETIMPIziILNuBK8P1T4zNUMdYlHu5at9



Behind the Scenes photos: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1sLHVJPZOOx891A3YvMTr31lotejc0hWi?usp=sharing https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1RgogAE2v3IgO1bAh34vzqoYirXwijzb3?usp=drive_link https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Epf1AOVZ6zz1rmma1T3TLQwjO1L-l6gq?usp=sharing


02. MASHARIKI African Film Festival

The MASHARIKI African Film Festival was launched in 2014, and is the largest Film Festival in Rwanda.  The Festival was created to respond to a fast-growing film Audience and a much-needed film Connection through African countries, Filmmakers, the Diaspora and International Media Producers.  MASHARIKI is an annual cultural event that aims at bringing African Films to an African audience.  It consists of Screenings, capacity building through Workshops & Masterclasses by International and African Filmmakers, plus rewarding the outstanding Films and Filmmakers in different Categories.


More: https://www.masharikifestival.org/the-festival/


03. Under Our Skin International Film Festival for Human Rights

Under Our Skin Film Festival is a platform that aims to entertain, inform and inspire through the medium of film.  We motivate audiences and participants to question, debate and reflect on the state of human rights in Kenya and internationally.  By actively embracing a cross-cultural exchange, the Festival invites audiences and stories from diverse backgrounds.  It encourages individuals to think beyond their immediate surroundings and consider the interconnectedness of human rights issues worldwide, thus instilling a sense of understanding, empathy and global citizenship.  We engender action and positive change for society and individuals through documentaries, fiction, conceptual films and animations - of all lengths.


More: https://www.underourskinkenya.org


04. Mombasa International Film Festival

The Mombasa International Film Festival is a celebration of local and international Cinema, offering a diverse selection of Films from talented Filmmakers; organised by Mombasa County Government, Swahilipot Hub and Alliance Française.


More: https://www.mombasainternatonalfilmfestival.co.ke/


05. MyMovies.Africa™, by YAKWETU™ Online Limited

Exclusive Distributor, and Non-Exclusive Retailer, of ACT OF LOVE, YAKWETU™ - meaning both "Of Us" and "For Us" in Kiswahili (the most popular African language), is an Online Home Entertainment & Edutainment System - of Africa, for Africa.


Using their proprietory Kenyan-made Applications, 2023 WIPO Global Award-winning YAKWETU™ is an online Retailer and Distributor of Digital Content, from Africa, to Africa and for Africa - through a Range of thoughtfully Curated branded Services, that supply Consumers with securely Encrypted original Titles, that fairly Pays the Creators, unlike Pirated alternatives.


Released on 26th September 2019, their Poof-of-Concept is MyMovies.Africa™, as a Mobile-first Digital

Cinema Extension, offering securely Encrypted original Movies from Africa (i.e. New Releases, Classics, Features, Shorts, Animations, Documentaries, etc) on Smart Devices, including Phones, Tablets, Laptops, Smart TVs and Set Top Boxes, across Africa and to her Diaspora in 195 Countries.


Its core Products are a Premium Video On Demand – PVOD (#RentFor2Days) for New Releases, Transactional Video On Demand – TVOD (#RentFor7Days), Electronic Sell Through – EST (#OwnForLife) purchase and Watch Parties via ZOOM, all Accessed here: https://app.mymovies.africa.



More: https://www.yakwetu.africa



06. LightBox Africa


LBx Africa offers Impact Production services, for both in-house and external Projects, on a consultancy basis.  As one of the few Companies in the Region, that combines Social Impact strategy and Filmmaking, we aim to create customized experiences for each Project we undertake.  We recognise that Film Distribution is not limited to Theatrical Screenings and Streaming Platforms, but can also be used as a powerful Tool to drive sustainable Change in Communities.


More: https://lbxafrica.com



07. Blackwell Films

Producer of ‘Act of Love’, Blackwell Films is a production company based in Nairobi – Kenya, run by Shirleen Wangari - an Actress Writer and Producer.  They provide Filmmaking services and are a licensed Film Agent.  Blackwell also acquires Film Licenses, Immigration special Passes and clears Gear for foreign Productions.

More: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shirleen-wangari-0b16a237/



08. SOME FINE DAY Pix

Executive Producer of ‘Act of Love’, the SOME FINE DAY Pix programme is a continuation of the ONE FINE DAY FILMS Workshop series, which was founded by ONE FINE DAY FILMS, Ginger Ink Films Africa and DW Akademie in Nairobi, Kenya.  SOME FINE DAY Pix provides digital state-of-the-art training opportunities for African filmmakers.

More: https://www.somefinedaypix.org/



09. Ripple Productions

Director of ‘Act of Love’, Eric M. Mwangi – a Cinematographer and Director with Filmmaking experience in the Eastern and Southern African region, is also Founder of Ripple Productions.  An alumnus of the American Film Showcase documentary residency, at the University of Southern California., his goal is to bring an African perspective to the global pool of life-changing stories, thereby, contributing to the expansion of the African Cinema language.  Passionate about Filmmaking, Eric has worked with different Producers to execute Projects across multiple locations, meeting different needs with the overall goal of storytelling, achieved through efficiency and creative professionalism.

Mwangi's projects range from Documentaries, TV Commercials and Brand Films to Short Films, working through production houses such as Zero Point Zero Productions [America], Zeleman Productions [Ethiopia], YCF Productions [Zambia], DocuBox [Kenya], One Fine Day Films [Kenya] and Some Fine Day Pix [Kenya], amongst others.

Some of his career highlights include Cinematography for the National Geographic Explorer Series on the ongoing Rhino Resurrection episode with Ami Vitale, and Documentary Filmmaker - Taylor Rees Freesolo; Cinematography for the acclaimed Zambian TV drama ‘UBUNTU’ - which is a first from that country on Showmax; working on a Netflix sizzle reel by Academy Award-winning Director - Rodger Ross William; and Emmy Award-winning Documentary TV Show by Anthony Bourdain – ‘Parts Unknown’, amongst others.

More: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-mwangi-24ab734a/



10. DocuBox East Africa Fund

Supporter of ‘Act of Love’, DocuBox exists to enable talented, driven, focused and accountable East African artists to produce unique films that unearth new realities and cross trans-national boundaries.  Through training, development and production grants and screenings for people who love documentary films, they promote East African filmmakers and share their unique stories with the world through creative documentary.

More: https://mydocubox.org/


ACT OF LOVE wins Best Short Film at 9th Mashariki African Film Festival in Rwanda!

ACT OF LOVE wins Best Short Film at 9th MASHARIKI African Film Festival in Rwanda!


Inspired by the writer's true story, Act of Love is a moving short film set in Nairobi about a young mother who barely holds on to sanity.
After losing her job at a restaurant, Juliana downsizes to a one-roomed house in an informal neighbourhood.
Her luck turns when she is shortlisted for an interview by a top accounting firm. However, before she can leave her house, the landlord - Mutisya - gives her a final notice to pay her rent arrears the same morning. Then, her neighbour - Mama Mukami - who had promised to watch her two-month-old baby has a campaign engagement for a local politician.

Sister Magdalene, despite being sympathetic to Juliuana, cannot allow her to leave the baby at the church due to a 'pandemic' of mothers abandoning their children in the compound.

Undeterred, Juliana beats the clock and makes it for the interview, her upset baby in her arms.
A sequence of events, triggered by her baby's cries, makes Juliana lose her promising interview. Broken and frustrated, she questions her love for her baby. Act of Love premiered at the Anga Cinema, Diamond Plaza 2 in Parklands, Nairobi, on October 20. It also simultaneously premiered online, and is available in all 195 countries and territorries globally, exclusively via Digital Cinema Extension - MyMovies.Africa (https://app.mymovies.africa).

"Act of Love is a film that makes society acknowledge the ugly side of motherhood," says Shelly Gitonga, the writer. "Statistics show that postpartum depression (PPD) affects 10 to 20 percent of women globally; but in Africa, the situation is worse, with 10-32 percent of women suffering from PPD."

"In Kenya, prevalence of this maternal mental health challenge is reported as anywhere between 11 and 13 percent, affecting the wellbeing of mothers, newborns, families and communities," says Shirleen Wangari, the producer, at Blackwell Films. "The condition can impair a mother's ability to care for her child and, in extreme cases, can lead to postpartum psychosis, suicide and/or infanticide."

Screening manager at DocuBox, Wambui Gathee, concludes: "Act of Love is an extraordinary film that effortlessly transports viewers into a realm of awe, through its powerful visuals, profound performances and gripping narrative. This film will create an impact on different audiences, particularly on parents from diverse backgrounds."
The film won the People's Choice Award at the inaugural Sauti Zetu Film Festival (SZFF), held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, last month.


Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/stigma-of-being-a-teenage-mum-4430266


Stigma of being a teenage mum


<strong> 'ACT OF LOVE’ WINS PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD AT SAUTI ZETU FILM FESTIVAL IN TANZANIA! </strong>

18th October 2023, Nairobi: Inspired by the Writer’s true story, ‘Act of Love’ (16+) is a moving Short Film set in Nairobi, about Juliana (Mwixx Mutinda) - a young mother, who holds on to sanity by a thread, as her world is turned upside down in search of a livelihood.

After already being Selected for the prestigious Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF) in Tanzania, Swahili International Film Festival & Awards in Kenya, Fragments Festival in the United Kingdom and the Hollywood African Cinema Connection (HACC) Film Festival in America, ‘Act of Love’ has just won the People’s Choice Award at the inaugural Sauti Zetu Film Festival, held in Dar-es-Salaam – Tanzania, on 13th & 14th October 2023!

One of only three Awards at the Festival, of 117 Entries from Kenya, Tanzania and South Africa as the
name suggests, the People’s Choice Award is determined by the audience, which allows attendees to
vote for their favourite Film; thereby recognising the Film that resonates most with the viewers, and
effectively engages them in discussions about Human Rights and Social Issues.

“’Act of Love’ is a Film that makes society acknowledge the ugly side of Motherhood”, says Ms. Shelly Gitonga – the Writer. “Statistics show that Post-Partum Depression (PPD) affects 10-20% of Women globally; but in Africa, the situation is worse, with 10-32% of Women suffering from PPD."

“In Kenya, the prevalence of this Maternal Mental Health challenge is reported as 11-13%, affecting the well-being of Mothers, Newborns, Families and Communities”, says Ms. Shirleen Wangari, the Producer, at Blackwell Films. “The condition can impair a Mother’s ability to care for her Child and, in extreme cases, can lead to post-partum Psychosis, Suicide and/or Infanticide.”

On-hand to receive the Award in Tanzania, was the Lead Actress – Mwixx Mutinda, who says: “We had people who had watched ‘Act of Love’ at ZIFF, and they had come to watch it for the second time!
During the during the Q & A session, multiple people referred to the Film as an example of how our stories should be told professionally. From their reactions when the movie was screening, they loved the story (or rather felt the pain of Juliana) all the way; from the writing, to the performance to the technical work, and generally how the whole project was executed.”

The official Premiere for ‘Act of Love’ is this Friday 20th October 2023, at Anga Cinema, Diamond Plaza 2 in Parklands. Red Carpet begins at 5.30pm, followed by a Cocktail before the Screening at 7.00pm; then a Panel Discussion with Cast & Crew, moderated by Mugambi Nthiga, from 7.30pm. Tickets are available, at https://app.mymovies.africa/view/f23879c9f04ad9b0

“We are intentionally premiering ‘Act of Love’ on Mashujaa Day”, says Ms. Trushna Buddhdev-Patel, Co- Founder, Chief Executive Officer & Content Director at YAKWETU™ - the Distributor, “to Stand with all the Heroes living with, either themselves or via those they support, Post-Partum Depression. Film has tremendous Power in effectively Communicating this Issue, and being a Catalyst for Conversation - which very often Leads to various Life-changing supportive Actions.”

‘Act of Love’ shall simultaneously Premiere online, and be available in all 195 countries & territories globally, exclusively via Digital Cinema Extension - MyMovies.Africa™, here:
https://app.mymovies.africa/view/f23879c9f04ad9b0

Thereafter, there shall be Screenings in February (the Month of Love) and March (the Month of Women) 2024, to underserved Communities of Women and Healthcare Workers around the Kenya and Africa, to raise further Awareness and spark Conversations for supportive Action on Post-Partum Depression.

<strong> Notes to Editors: </strong>

01. ‘Act of Love’

After losing her job at a restaurant, Juliana downsizes to a one-roomed house in an informal neighbourhood. Her luck turns when she is shortlisted for an interview, by a top accounting firm!
However, before she can leave her house, the landlord - Mr. Mutisya (Dennis Musyoka), gives her a final notice to pay her rent arrears the same morning. Then, her neighbour - Mama Mukami (Veronica Gatuguta) - who had promised to watch her 2-month-old baby, has a campaign engagement for a local politician. Sister Magdalene (Julisa Rowe), despite being sympathetic to Juliana, cannot allow her to leave the baby at the church, due to a ‘pandemic’ of mothers abandoning their children in the compound. Undeterred, Juliana beats the clock and makes it for the interview - her upset baby in her arms. A sequence of events, triggered by her baby's cries, makes Juliana lose her promising interview. Broken, frustrated, and holding onto sanity by a thread, she questions her love for her baby.

More: https://app.mymovies.africa/view/f23879c9f04ad9b0
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt27393708/

The making of ‘Act of Love’:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ETIMPIziILNuBK8P1T4zNUMdYlHu5at9

Behind the Scenes photos:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1sLHVJPZOOx891A3YvMTr31lotejc0hWi?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1RgogAE2v3IgO1bAh34vzqoYirXwijzb3?usp=drive_link

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Epf1AOVZ6zz1rmma1T3TLQwjO1L-l6gq?usp=sharing

02. Sauti Zetu Film Festival

The Sauti Zetu Film Festival is the first event of its kind to take place on the mainland of Tanzania. Sauti Zetu is Kiswahili for “Our Voices,” so the Festival’s main goal is to elevate the voices of ordinary citizens, through Films made from a Human Rights standpoint, to ignite dialogues about Civic Space issues, particularly Freedom of Expression and Youth Involvement in Governance & Policy-making, as well as Gender Equality - where the emphasis will be on promoting Equal access to Social and Political opportunities for all.

The inaugural edition took place in Dar-es-Salaam, on 13th & 14th October 2023, soon after the commemoration of the International Day of the Girl Child.
More: https://medeaafrica.org/sauti-fest/

03. Mwixx Mutinda

From the Airwaves to the Silver-screen, Mwixx Mutinda wears many Hats, and she wears them all with Grace and Passion. Mwixx is not just an Artist, Journalist and Philanthropist, she is also a true Embodiment of Versatility. Fluent in Kamba, Kiswahili, English and French, she uses her Linguistic prowess to bridge Cultures and tell compelling Stories. As the driving Force behind the @Care2Share254 Foundation, Mwixx is a Mentor and Beacon of Hope for Children in need. Her dedication to this Cause is nothing short of Inspirational.

More: https://www.instagram.com/mwikilisha/?hl=en
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mwixx-mutinda-1b9158263?utm_source=shareutm_campaign=share_viautm_content=profileutm_medium=android_app


04. Blackwell Films

Producer of ‘Act of Love’, Blackwell Films is a production company based in Nairobi – Kenya, run by Shirleen Wangari - an Actress Writer and Producer. They provide Filmmaking services and are a licensed Film Agent. Blackwell also acquires Film Licenses, Immigration special Passes and clears Gear for foreign Productions.

More: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shirleen-wangari-0b16a237/


05. SOME FINE DAY Pix

Executive Producer of ‘Act of Love’, the SOME FINE DAY Pix programme is a continuation of the ONE FINE DAY FILMS Workshop series, which was founded by ONE FINE DAY FILMS, Ginger Ink Films Africa and DW Akademie in Nairobi, Kenya. SOME FINE DAY Pix provides digital state-of-the-art training opportunities for African filmmakers.

More: https://www.somefinedaypix.org/


06. Ripple Productions

Director of ‘Act of Love’, Eric M. Mwangi – a Cinematographer and Director with Filmmaking experience in the Eastern and Southern African region, is also Founder of Ripple Productions. An alumnus of the American Film Showcase documentary residency, at the University of Southern California., his goal is to bring an African perspective to the global pool of life-changing stories, thereby, contributing to the expansion of the African Cinema language. Passionate about Filmmaking, Eric has worked with
different Producers to execute Projects across multiple locations, meeting different needs with the overall goal of storytelling, achieved through efficiency and creative professionalism.

Mwangi's projects range from Documentaries, TV Commercials and Brand Films to Short Films, working through production houses such as Zero Point Zero Productions [America], Zeleman Productions [Ethiopia], YCF Productions [Zambia], DocuBox [Kenya], One Fine Day Films [Kenya] and Some Fine Day Pix [Kenya], amongst others.

Some of his career highlights include Cinematography for the National Geographic Explorer Series on the ongoing Rhino Resurrection episode with Ami Vitale, and Documentary Filmmaker - Taylor Rees Freesolo; Cinematography for the acclaimed Zambian TV drama ‘UBUNTU’ - which is a first from that country on Showmax; working on a Netflix sizzle reel by Academy Award-winning Director - Rodger Ross William; and Emmy Award-winning Documentary TV Show by Anthony Bourdain – ‘Parts Unknown’, amongst others.

More: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-mwangi-24ab734a/


07. DocuBox East Africa Fund

Supporter of ‘Act of Love’, DocuBox exists to enable talented, driven, focused and accountable East African artists to produce unique films that unearth new realities and cross trans-national boundaries. Through training, development and production grants and screenings for people who love documentary films, they promote East African filmmakers and share their unique stories with the world through creative documentary.

More: https://mydocubox.org/


08. MyMovies.Africa™, by YAKWETU™ Online Limited

Exclusive Distributor, and Non-Exclusive Retailer, of ‘Act of Love’, YAKWETU™ - meaning both "Of Us" and "For Us" in Kiswahili (the most popular African language), is an Online Home Entertainment & Edutainment System - of Africa, for Africa.

Using their proprietory Kenyan-made Applications, 2023 WIPO Global Award-winning YAKWETU™ is an online Retailer and Distributor of Digital Content, from Africa, to Africa and for Africa - through a Range of thoughtfully Curated branded Services, that supply Consumers with securely Encrypted original Titles, that fairly Pays the Creators, unlike Pirated alternatives.
Released on 26th September 2019, their Poof-of-Concept is MyMovies.Africa™, as a Mobile-first Digital Cinema Extension, offering securely Encrypted original Movies from Africa (i.e. New Releases, Classics, Features, Shorts, Animations, Documentaries, etc) on Smart Devices, including Phones, Tablets, Laptops, Smart TVs and Set Top Boxes, across Africa and to her Diaspora in 195 Countries.

Its core Products are a Premium Video On Demand – PVOD (#RentFor2Days) for New Releases, Transactional Video On Demand – TVOD (#RentFor7Days), Electronic Sell Through – EST (#OwnForLife) purchase and Watch Parties via ZOOM, all Accessed here: https://app.mymovies.africa.

More: https://www.yakwetu.africa

09. Supporters of the Premiere

PHAT! Productions: https://linkedin.com/in/phat-productions-a684431b5

Xpose: https://xpose.co.ke/

Mental 360: https://mental360.or.ke/

Kenya Film Commission: https://kenyafilmcommission.go.ke/

Anga Cinema: https://cinema.angacinemas.com/

Pyypl: https://www.pyypl.com/

10. Captioned Photos

<img src="https://expression.africa/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/SZFF_Award_ACT-OF-LOVE_141023-696x463.jpg"/>

<figcaption> SZFF_Award_ACT OF LOVE_141023: Actor - Ms. Mwixx Mutinda receives the People’s Choice Award, on behalf of ‘Act of Love’, at the Sauti Zetu Film Festival, held in Dar-es-Salaam – Tanzania, on 13th to 15th October 2023. Presenting the Award is Mr. Emmanuel Ndumukwa - Director of Film Industry Development at Tanzania Film Board. </figcaption>

SZFF_Panel_ACT OF LOVE_141023: Panel Discussion, following the ‘Act of Love’ Screening at Sauti Zetu Film Festival, facilitated by Ms. Justina Onguto from Media for Development & Advocacy Tanzania, joined by Lead Actor – Ms. Mwixx Mutinda, and Mr. Juma Saada - Film Producer & Director working in Bongo Cinema.

SZFF_Red Carpet_ACT OF LOVE_141023: Lead Actor - Ms. Mwixx Mutinda on the Red Carpet at the inaugural Sauti Zetu Film Festival, held in Dar-es-Salaam – Tanzania, on 13th to 15th October 2023.


'ACT OF LOVE’ WINS PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD AT SAUTI ZETU FILM FESTIVAL IN TANZANIA


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

<strong> ‘ACT OF LOVE’ HAS NOW PREMIERED IN KENYA AND WORLDWIDE! </strong>

25th October 2023, Nairobi: Inspired by the Writer’s true story, ‘Act of Love’ (16+) is a moving Short Film set in Nairobi, about Juliana (Mwixx Mutinda) - a young mother, who holds on to sanity by a thread, as her world is turned upside down in search of a livelihood.

And it Premiered in style on Mashujaa Day (Friday 20th October 2023), at Anga Cinema, Diamond Plaza 2 in Parklands. Hosted by Mugambi Nthiga, packed Screens showed the Short Film, followed by a very engaging Panel Discussion about Post-Partum Depression, Maternal Health and Mental Health.

“Seeing so many Kenyans - Filmmakers and Non-Filmmakers, show up for our Premiere like they did, ignited a fire in me to create more entertainment that share impactful messages with the people”, says Ms. Shirleen Wangari, the Producer, at Blackwell Films. “A great team, working with great co-ordination, has made our Film, and our Premiere, a success. I feel so fortunate, and I thank God for each and every one of them.”

And the success of the Film is only just beginning, with ‘Act of Love’ just Selected for Under Our Skin Film Festival Kenya in Nairobi, on 09th-16th November 2023; as well as Fankeenna Film Fest in Somalia, on 27th October 2023. This is after being Selected for the prestigious Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF) and Sauti Zetu Film Festival (where it won the People’s Choice Award) in Tanzania, Swahili International Film Festival & Awards in Kenya, Fragments Festival in the United Kingdom, and the Hollywood African Cinema Connection (HACC) Film Festival in America.

Furthermore, the Film is now available Worldwide, in all 195 Countries & Territories, to #RentFor2Days or #OwnForLife, via MyMovies.Africa™, here: https://app.mymovies.africa/view/f23879c9f04ad9b0

“As well as having ‘Act of Love’ on our own Service”, says Ms. Trushna Buddhdev-Patel, Chief Executive Officer & Content Director of YAKWETU™ - the Distributor, “the Film is also now Available for Licensing to other Video On Demand (VOD) services, Television and Non-Theatrical opportunities like Airlines, so that as many Africans and Diasporans as possible, can watch this important Film.”

“We have also planned special Screenings to underserved Communities of Women and Healthcare Workers around the Kenya and Africa, to raise further Awareness and spark Conversations for supportive Action on Post-Partum Depression, Maternal Health and Mental Health”, says Ms. Chloe Genga, Impact Producer at LightBox Africa. “And we’re open to Collaborating with any Partners who share our Vision”.

The ‘Act of Love’ Film was produced by Blackwell Films, in conjunction with Ripple Productions, through
Funding by Some Fine Day Pix, GIZ, Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation & Development of Germany and DocuBox East Africa Fund; with Support Naomi Mburuh Films, Film Studios and Jenga Leo.


The ‘Act of Love’ Premiere was Sponsored by PHAT! Productions, YAKWETU™, MyMovies.Africa™, SASA Mziki, Xpose, Xtreme, Mental 360, LightBox Africa and Kenya Film Commission; with Support from National Bank of Kenya, Pyypl Virtual Mastercard, SkillsHub and Anga Cinemas.

Here are Photos from the Premiere: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-Jpt53RgEPL5kSYV965D6yY2hALFW6co?usp=drive_link

For more Information, please Email distribution@yakwetu.africa


Notes to Editors:

1. ‘Act of Love’

After losing her job at a restaurant, Juliana (Mwixx Mutinda) downsizes to a one-roomed house in an informal neighbourhood. Her luck turns when she is shortlisted for an interview, by a top accounting firm! However, before she can leave her house, the landlord - Mr. Mutisya (Dennis Musyoka), gives her a final notice to pay her rent arrears the same morning. Then, her neighbour - Mama Mukami (Veronica Gatuguta) - who had promised to watch her 2-month-old baby, has a campaign engagement for a local politician. Sister Magdalene (Julisa Rowe), despite being sympathetic to Juliana, cannot allow her to leave the baby at the church, due to a ‘pandemic’ of mothers abandoning their children in the compound. Undeterred, Juliana beats the clock and makes it for the interview - her upset baby in her arms. A sequence of events, triggered by her baby's cries, makes Juliana lose her promising interview. Broken, frustrated, and holding onto sanity by a thread, she questions her love for her baby.

More: https://app.mymovies.africa/view/f23879c9f04ad9b0

The making of ‘Act of Love’: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ETIMPIziILNuBK8P1T4zNUMdYlHu5at9

2. Blackwell Films

Producer of ‘Act of Love’, Blackwell Films is a production company based in Nairobi – Kenya, run by Shirleen Wangari - an Actress Writer and Producer. They provide Filmmaking services and are a licensed Film Agent. Blackwell also acquires Film Licenses, Immigration special Passes and clears Gear for foreign Productions.

More: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shirleen-wangari-0b16a237/

3. SOME FINE DAY Pix

Executive Producer of ‘Act of Love’, the SOME FINE DAY Pix programme is a continuation of the ONE FINE DAY FILMS Workshop series, which was founded by ONE FINE DAY FILMS, Ginger Ink Films Africa and DW Akademie in Nairobi, Kenya. SOME FINE DAY Pix provides digital state-of-the-art training opportunities for African filmmakers.

More: https://www.somefinedaypix.org/

4. Ripple Productions

Director of ‘Act of Love’, Eric M. Mwangi – a Cinematographer and Director with Filmmaking experience in the Eastern and Southern African region, is also Founder of Ripple Productions. An alumnus of the American Film Showcase documentary residency, at the University of Southern California., his goal is to bring an African perspective to the global pool of life-changing stories, thereby, contributing to the expansion of the African Cinema language. Passionate about Filmmaking, Eric has worked with
different Producers to execute Projects across multiple locations, meeting different needs with the overall goal of storytelling, achieved through efficiency and creative professionalism.

Mwangi's projects range from Documentaries, TV Commercials and Brand Films to Short Films, working through production houses such as Zero Point Zero Productions [America], Zeleman Productions [Ethiopia], YCF Productions [Zambia], DocuBox [Kenya], One Fine Day Films [Kenya] and Some Fine Day Pix [Kenya], amongst others.

Some of his career highlights include Cinematography for the National Geographic Explorer Series on the ongoing Rhino Resurrection episode with Ami Vitale, and Documentary Filmmaker - Taylor Rees Freesolo; Cinematography for the acclaimed Zambian TV drama ‘UBUNTU’ - which is a first from that country on Showmax; working on a Netflix sizzle reel by Academy Award-winning Director - Rodger Ross William; and Emmy Award-winning Documentary TV Show by Anthony Bourdain – ‘Parts Unknown’, amongst others.

More: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-mwangi-24ab734a/

5. DocuBox East Africa Fund

Supporter of ‘Act of Love’, DocuBox exists to enable talented, driven, focused and accountable East African artists to produce unique films that unearth new realities and cross trans-national boundaries. Through training, development and production grants and screenings for people who love documentary films, they promote East African filmmakers and share their unique stories with the world through creative documentary.

More: https://mydocubox.org/

6. MyMovies.Africa™, by YAKWETU™ Online Limited

Exclusive Distributor, and Non-Exclusive Retailer, of ‘Act of Love’, YAKWETU™ - meaning both "Of Us" and "For Us" in Kiswahili (the most popular African language), is an Online Home Entertainment & Edutainment System - of Africa, for Africa.

Using their proprietory Kenyan-made Applications, 2023 WIPO Global Award-winning YAKWETU™ is an online Retailer and Distributor of Digital Content, from Africa, to Africa and for Africa - through a Range of thoughtfully Curated branded Services, that supply Consumers with securely Encrypted original Titles, that fairly Pays the Creators, unlike Pirated alternatives.

Released on 26th September 2019, their Poof-of-Concept is MyMovies.Africa™, as a Mobile-first Digital Cinema Extension, offering securely Encrypted original Movies from Africa (i.e. New Releases, Classics, Features, Shorts, Animations, Documentaries, etc) on Smart Devices, including Phones, Tablets, Laptops, Smart TVs and Set Top Boxes, across Africa and to her Diaspora in 195 Countries.

Its core Products are a Premium Video On Demand – PVOD (#RentFor2Days) for New Releases, Transactional Video On Demand – TVOD (#RentFor7Days), Electronic Sell Through – EST (#OwnForLife) purchase and Watch Parties via ZOOM, all Accessed here: https://app.mymovies.africa.

More: https://www.yakwetu.africa

7. Supporters of the Premiere

PHAT! Productions: https://linkedin.com/in/phat-productions-a684431b5

Xpose: https://xpose.co.ke/

Mental 360: https://mental360.or.ke/

Kenya Film Commission: https://kenyafilmcommission.go.ke/

Anga Cinema: https://cinema.angacinemas.com/

Pyypl: https://www.pyypl.com/


‘ACT OF LOVE’ HAS NOW PREMIERED IN KENYA AND WORLDWIDE!


The short film “Act of Love” has captured the attention of film enthusiasts worldwide as it continues to be selected for esteemed film festivals.

This impactful narrative, inspired by a true story, unfolds in the heart of Nairobi, providing a moving portrayal of a young mother’s challenging journey in pursuit of a livelihood.

The film, featuring the talented Mwixx Mutinda, has received invitations to prestigious festivals such as the Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF) in Tanzania, the Swahili International Film Festival and Awards in Kenya, the Fragments Festival in the United Kingdom, and the Hollywood African Cinema Connection (HACC) Film Festival in the United States.

One of the recent additions to its impressive list of achievements is the coveted People’s Choice Award at the inaugural Sauti Zetu Film Festival, which took place in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania, on the 13th and 14th of October, 2023.

This award is a testament to the film’s ability to connect deeply with audiences and spark meaningful discussions on critical topics such as human rights and social issues.

“Act of Love” stands as one of only three films to be recognized out of 117 entries from Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa. The People’s Choice Award, determined by festival attendees, acknowledges the film that resonates most profoundly with viewers.

Ms Shelly Gitonga, the writer of the film, explains, “‘Act of Love’ is a film that compels society to confront the darker aspects of motherhood. Statistics reveal that Post-Partum Depression (PPD) affects 10-20% of women globally, but in Africa, the situation is even more dire, with 10-32% of women experiencing PPD.”

Ms Shirleen Wangari, the producer at Blackwell Films, adds, “In Kenya, the prevalence of this maternal mental health challenge is reported at 11-13%, impacting the well-being of mothers, newborns, families, and communities. PPD can impair a mother’s ability to care for her child and, in extreme cases, lead to post-partum psychosis, suicide, and/or infanticide.”

The film’s lead actress, Mwixx Mutinda, personally accepted the award in Tanzania and shared her thoughts.

“We had people who had watched ‘Act of Love’ at ZIFF, and they had come to watch it for the second time! During the Q & A session, multiple people referred to the film as an example of how our stories should be told professionally. From their reactions when the movie was screening, they loved the story (or rather felt the pain of Juliana) all the way; from the writing, to the performance, to the technical work, and generally how the whole project was executed.”

The official premiere of “Act of Love” is scheduled for Friday, October 20, 2023, at Anga Cinema, Diamond Plaza 2 in Parklands, Nairobi.

The event will commence with a red carpet affair at 5:30 PM, followed by a cocktail reception and the screening at 7:00 PM.

A panel discussion featuring the cast and crew, moderated by Mugambi Nthiga, will take place at 7:30 PM.

“We intentionally chose to premiere ‘Act of Love’ on Mashujaa Day,” says Ms Trushna Buddhdev-Patel, Co-Founder, Chief Executive Officer & Content Director at YAKWETU™, the distributor.

“This is to stand with all the heroes, either personally or as supporters, who are dealing with Post-Partum Depression. Film possesses the extraordinary power to effectively communicate this issue and be a catalyst for conversation, which often leads to various life-changing supportive actions.”

Source: https://nairobinews.nation.africa/act-of-love-short-film-garners-international-recognition-for-its-powerful-message/


“Act of Love” short film garners international recognition for its powerful message


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

#WeWatchKenyan with MyMovies.Africa™ marks Halloween, at a new Location, this Saturday 02nd November 2024, with four Local short Psychological Thrillers!

NAIROBI, 30th October 2024:  It is Halloween again, and MyMovies.Africa™ has curated a Selection of four short Locally produced Psychological Thrillers for its next Edition of #WeWatchKenyan, happening this coming Saturday 02nd November, from 06.00pm, for a 07.00pm Screening and a 08.00pm-09.30pm Question & Answer with the Cast & Crew.

The 7th Watch Party for the Year, #WeWatchKenyan with MyMovies.Africa™ also has a new Home, at HMP Lounge, 08th Floor, Westlands Business Park, off Chiromo Lane, Nairobi.

Created by YAKWETU™, #WeWatchKenyan with MyMovies.Africa™ is a monthly Watch Party aimed at Promoting local Film and Content, as well as building a Community of Kenyan Creatives who actually watch Kenyan Content!

The four Short Films this Month, are:

1). 87TH VICTIM:  James (Dantez Mwendwa) thinks he's found the perfect Connection, with a mysterious Beauty (Tamara Mercy); but as their worlds collide, the Line between Reality and Fantasy starts to Blur.  Is his Mind playing Tricks, or is something Darker at play?  Dive into this psychological Thriller, officially Selected for top Film Festivals worldwide!

2). SOMEWHERE TO STAY:  George (George Mo) is desperate for Shelter, but when Vaishali (Vaishali Morjaria) shuts her door, his simple Request turns into a dangerous Game of Survival.  As desperation mounts, so does the Tension, leading to a shocking Confrontation that will leave you Breathless. 

3). THE COLLECTOR:  Lisa (Abbey Ambani) is thrilled by her latest find – a rare and ancient Doll.  But her Excitement quickly turns to Terror, as eerie unexplainable Events begin to Haunt her Home.  What sinister Force has she Unleashed?  Get ready for a Spine-chilling night of Suspense!

4). WHEN IT RAINS:  Ethan (Tevin Kitau) is caught in a personal Storm, with his Demons threatening to Tear apart the Love he shares with Emma (Gloria Maguithi).  As secrets are laid Bare and Trust is Broken, can their love Survive the Darkest of times?  Brace yourself for an emotional Rollercoaster that Explores the raw depths of Love, Betrayal and Redemption.

“Psychological Thrillers are a rare Genre for Films from Kenya, so #WeWatchKenyan with MyMovies.Africa™ is Proud to provide them a Platform”, says Mr. Mike Strano, Co-Founder, Chief Operations Officer of YAKWETU™.  “On our Panel are some Writers, Directors, Actors and Producers pioneering this Genre in Kenya.  They are generously Sharing their Secrets for Success, with our Audience of Students, Professionals and Fans.”


Meet the brilliant Minds behind these Films:

* Dantez Mwendwa – Writer, Director, Actor and Executive Producer of 87TH VICTIM.

* Vaishali Morjaria - Actress of SOMEWHERE TO STAY.

* Andrew Evans Odera – Writer, Director and Executive Producer of THE COLLECTOR.

* Calvin Oyula - Writer and Director of WHEN IT RAINS.

Get your Tickets (only 70 Seats available), from just KES 349; and Discounts are Available for Duos, Trios, Squads & Groups, here: https://app.mymovies.africa/playback/9574267ff7054144

Tickets include: 

* Screening of the four Short Films (07.00pm – 08.00pm).

* An engaging post-screening Question & Answer, with the talented Cast and Crew (08.00pm – 09.30pm).

* Networking with the Cast & Crew, as well as other Professionals and Students from the Kenya Creative Industry (09.30pm – 11.00pm).

* A FREE 7-day Rental of all four Short Films, exclusively on MyMovies.Africa™ to Rewatch with Family & Friends at Home!

 
Notes to Editors: 

1). About #WeWatchKenyan by MyMovies.Africa™, from YAKWETU™ Online Limited

Created by YAKWETU™, #WeWatchKenyan with MyMovies.Africa™ is a monthly Watch Party aimed at Promoting local Film and Content, as well as building a Community of Kenyan Creatives who actually watch Kenyan Content!

Launched in July 2022, the #WeWatchKenyan Screened & Discussed two Films from Students of Kenyatta University – 'Why U Hate' in July and 'Broken Mirror' in September, as well as Celebrated the 10th Anniversary of Nairobi Half Life in August.  On Mashujaa Day Eve in October, the courageous and Internationally-acclaimed 'Bangarang' was Screened & Discussed; followed by 'Medicine Man' in November and the Kalasha Award-winning 'Christmas Love' in December.

Meaning both "Of Us" and "For Us" in Kiswahili (the most popular African language), YAKWETU™ is an Online Home Entertainment & Edutainment System - of Africa, for Africa.

Using their proprietary Kenyan-made Applications, 2023 WIPO Global Award-winning YAKWETU™ is an online Retailer of Digital Content, from Africa, to Africa and for Africa - through a Range of thoughtfully Curated branded Services, that supply Consumers with securely Encrypted original Titles, that fairly Pays the Creators, unlike Pirated alternatives.

Released on 26th September 2019, our Proof-of-Concept is MyMovies.Africa™, as a Mobile-first Digital Cinema Extension, offering securely Encrypted original Movies from Africa (i.e. New Releases, Classics, Features, Shorts, Animations, Documentaries, etc) on Smart Devices, including Phones, Tablets, Laptops and Smart TVs, across Africa and to her Diaspora in 195 Countries.

Its core Products are a Premium Video On Demand – PVOD (#RentFor2Days) for New Releases, Transactional Video On Demand – TVOD (#RentFor7Days), Electronic Sell Through – EST (#OwnForLife) purchase and Watch Parties, all Accessed here: https://app.mymovies.africa

More: https://www.yakwetu.africa
 

2). About 87TH VICTIM (2023)

James (Dantez Mwendwa) thinks he's found the perfect Connection, with a mysterious Beauty (Tamara Mercy); but as their worlds collide, the Line between Reality and Fantasy starts to Blur.  Is his Mind playing Tricks, or is something Darker at play?  Dive into this psychological Thriller, officially Selected for top Film Festivals worldwide!

More: https://app.mymovies.africa/playback/6c7ffbdf8f9f0482?title=87TH%20VICTIM
 

3). About SOMEWHERE TO STAY (2023)

George (George Mo) is desperate for Shelter, but when Vaishali (Vaishali Morjaria) shuts her door, his simple Request turns into a dangerous Game of Survival.  As desperation mounts, so does the Tension, leading to a shocking Confrontation that will leave you Breathless.
 

More: https://app.mymovies.africa/playback/942f70fd508b0f85?title=SOMEWHERE%20TO%20STAY
 

4). THE COLLECTOR (2023)

Lisa (Abbey Ambani) is thrilled by her latest find – a rare and ancient Doll.  But her Excitement quickly turns to Terror, as eerie unexplainable Events begin to Haunt her Home.  What sinister Force has she Unleashed?  Get ready for a Spine-chilling night of Suspense!

More: https://app.mymovies.africa/playback/0355348d5ea25fe6?title=THE%20COLLECTOR
 

5). WHEN IT RAINS (2023)

Ethan (Tevin Kitau) is caught in a personal Storm, with his Demons threatening to Tear apart the Love he shares with Emma (Gloria Maguithi).  As secrets are laid Bare and Trust is Broken, can their love Survive the Darkest of times?  Brace yourself for an emotional Rollercoaster that Explores the raw depths of Love, Betrayal and Redemption.

More: https://app.mymovies.africa/playback/cce2082bf4fc136d?title=WHEN%20IT%20RAINS


6). About HMP Lounge

At HMP Lounge, we understand the evolving needs of modern professionals and entrepreneurs.  Our mission is to provide a flexible, high-quality space where you can work efficiently, network effectively, and host memorable events.  Located in the heart of Nairobi, HMP Lounge combines comfort, convenience, and top-notch amenities to support your business and social endeavours.

More: https://lounge.hmp.agency/

#WeWatchKenyan with MyMovies.Africa™ marks Halloween, at a new Location, this Saturday 02nd November 2024, with four Local short Psychological Thrillers!


An anti-piracy task force descended in the Githunguri and Kasarani areas, busting two Internet streaming sites.

In a decisive move against the illegal distribution of pirated content, a joint operation led by the Partners Against Piracy (PAP) Association of Kenya, with the support of the National Police and the Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO), successfully conducted the raid.

The operation resulted in the arrest of two suspects who were involved in the illegal distribution and sale of login credentials to access premium content.

Key equipment seized included two phones, two laptops and 65 unauthorised login accounts.

Mike Strano, chairman of PAP and co-founder of MyMovies.Africa, said the raid underscored Partners Against Piracy’s ongoing efforts to combat piracy and protect the rights of content creators in Kenya.

“The distribution of pirated content by the suspects not only undermines the Kenyan economy, but also harms the entertainment industry and content creators. This illegal activity deprives the rightful owners of their due revenues and affects overall investment in quality content creation.”

Frederick Saramba, Head of Detection & Enforcement at PAP and Anti-Piracy Manager at MultiChoice Kenya, adds:

“Pirates continue to profit from content they have not invested in. They are stealing high quality finished products that represent significant investment in terms of money, time and talent, posing a significant threat to the local creative industry”.

According to Saramba, illegal streaming operators promise unlimited access to premium content at extremely low subscription fees, compounding the challenges of shutting them down.

“A major challenge we face is the low price of this premium content on pirate websites. At this rate, it would be difficult for the industry to sustain legitimate content businesses and support the growth of film crews, artists and other associated professionals,” added Bernard Kioko, Deputy Head of Detection & Enforcement at PAP and founder of Bernsoft.

“As an association that continuously protects the content of our creators, we remain committed to the fight against piracy and we call on Kenyans to help us combat this menace by sharing tips on such activities, even as we prepare for the upcoming Euro 2024. We believe that together we can develop and grow a robust local creative economy,” said Kioko.

PAP – a multi-sectoral association formed to combat piracy – remains steadfast in upholding the law and protecting intellectual property.

PAP estimates that piracy costs the country’s creative economy approximately KES 92 billion annually, or KES 252 million daily in gross losses.

For example, the report shows that piracy deprives the music industry of KES 15 billion and TV stations of KES 8 billion annually.

An Irdeto survey has shown that piracy is gaining traction, with users in five major African territories, including Kenya, making 17.4 million visits to the top 10 identified piracy sites on the Internet in a three-month period.




Source: https://nairobinews.nation.africa/authorities-nab-pirated-content-distribution-in-sting-operation-in-kasarani/

Authorities nab pirated content distribution in sting operation in Kasarani


28th August 2024, Nairobi: With an astounding 18 Festival Selections, 24 Nominations and 10 Awards, within just 11 Months from its Premiere, ACT OF LOVE shall Screened & Discussed at Alliance Francaise de Nairobi, this Friday 30th August 2024 from 5.30pm, for Free; courtesy of LBx, via their BENEATH THE TIDES initiative, supported by the Hii Stage Performance & Touring Grant from HEVA Fund and the French Government through the Creation Africa programme.

Inspired by the Writer – Shelly Gitonga’s true story, ACT OF LOVE (16+) is a moving Short Film, set in Nairobi, about Juliana (Mwixx Mutinda) - a young Mother, who holds on to Sanity by a thread, as her world is turned Upside-down in search of a Livelihood.

“ACT OF LOVE is a Film that makes society acknowledge the ugly side of Motherhood”, says Ms. Shelly Gitonga – the Award-winning Scriptwriter. “Statistics show that Post-Partum Depression affects 10-20% of Women globally; but in Africa, the situation is worse, with upto 32% of Women suffering from PPD.”

“Since June, we have screened ACT OF LOVE to full houses, in Kisumu and Mombasa, as part of BENEATH THE TIDES”, says Ms. Chloe Genga, Impact Producer at LightBox Africa. “Friday shall be our final Screening in this Series, where we look forward to raising further Awareness and sparking Conversations for supportive Action on Post-Partum Depression, Maternal Health and Mental Health”.

“In Kenya, the prevalence of the Maternal Mental Health challenge of PPD is reported as 11-13%, affecting the well-being of Mothers, Newborns, Families and Communities”, says Mr. Erick Mwangi, the Award-winning Director of ACT OF LOVE, at Ripple Productions, who shall be on the Discussion Panel at BENEATH THE TIDES. “This condition can impair a Mother’s ability to Care for her Child and, in extreme cases, can Lead to post-partum Psychosis, Suicide and/or Infanticide. As such, ACT OF LOVE is such
important Film, that is currently Breaking the Silence on Post-Partum Depression in Kenya and Africa.”

Since its Premiere in October 2023, ACT OF LOVE has Won Best Lighting, Best Editing and Best Sound Design at the 13th KALASHA International Film & TV Awards in Kenya, during March 2024; the Nile Grand Prize for Best Short Film , at the 13th Luxor African Film Festival in Egypt, during February 2024; Best Short Film and Best Scriptwriter at the 1st Mombasa International Film Festival in Kenya, during January 2024; Best Short Film at the 9th MASHARIKI African Film Festival in Kigali – Rwanda, during November 2023; Runner-up for Best Kenyan Short at the Under Our Skin International Film Festival for Human Rights in Kenya, during November 2023; and the People’s Choice Award at the inaugural Sauti Zetu Film Festival in Dar-es-Salaam – Tanzania, during October 2023.

To-date ACT OF LOVE, has also been Selected for the prestigious 2023 Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF) in Tanzania, 2023 Swahili International Film Festival & Awards in Kenya, 2023 Fragments Festival in the United Kingdom, 2023 Kugoma Film Forum in Mozambique, 2023 Fankeenna Film Festival in Somaliland, 2023 Hollywood African Cinema Connection (HACC) Film Festival in America, 2023 Global Film Exhibition in America, 2023 Botswana International Film Festival, Kenya Film Commission’s
Reel County Film Festival 2024, 2024 Kitale Film Week in Kenya, 2024 Bantu Film Festival in Botswana and 2024 FAME Shorts Festival in Cape Town – South Africa.

“We are so Proud of the Cast & Crew of this beautiful Film”, says Ms. Trushna Buddhdev-Patel, Co-Founder, Chief Executive Officer & Content Director of YAKWETU™ - the exclusive Distributor. “As well as having ACT OF LOVE worldwide on our own MyMovies.Africa™, the Film is also now Available for Licensing to other Video On Demand (VOD) services, Television and Non-Theatrical opportunities like Airlines, so that as many Africans and Diasporans as possible, can watch this important Title.”

ACT OF LOVE was Produced by Blackwell Films, in conjunction with Ripple Productions, through Funding by Some Fine Day Pix, GIZ, Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation & Development of Germany and DocuBox East Africa Fund; with Support from Naomi Mburuh Films, Film Studios and Jenga Leo.


<h3> Notes to Editors: </h3>

<h4> 01). ACT OF LOVE </h4>

After losing her job at a restaurant, Juliana downsizes to a one-roomed house in an informal neighbourhood. Her luck turns when she is shortlisted for an interview, by a top accounting firm! However, before she can leave her house, the landlord - Mr. Mutisya (Dennis Musyoka), gives her a final notice to pay her rent arrears the same morning. Then, her neighbour - Mama Mukami (Veronica Gatuguta) - who had promised to watch her 2-month-old baby, has a campaign engagement for a local politician. Sister Magdalene (Julisa Rowe), despite being sympathetic to Juliana, cannot allow her to leave the baby at the church, due to a ‘pandemic’ of mothers abandoning their children in the compound. Undeterred, Juliana beats the clock and makes it for the interview - her upset baby in her arms. A sequence of events, triggered by her baby's cries, makes Juliana lose her promising interview. Broken, frustrated, and holding onto sanity by a thread, she questions her love for her baby.

More: https://app.mymovies.africa/view/f23879c9f04ad9b0

The making of ACT OF LOVE: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ETIMPIziILNuBK8P1T4zNUMdYlHu5at9

Behind the Scenes photos:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1sLHVJPZOOx891A3YvMTr31lotejc0hWi?usp=sharing


<h4> 02). BENEATH THE TIDES, by LBx Africa </h4>

LBx Africa offers Impact Production services, for both in-house and external Projects, on a consultancy basis. As one of the few Companies in the Region, that combines Social Impact strategy and Filmmaking, we aim to create customized experiences for each Project we undertake. We recognise that Film Distribution is not limited to Theatrical Screenings and Streaming Platforms, but can also be used as a powerful Tool to drive sustainable Change in Communities.

Their BENEATH THE TIDES is a Collection of six Kenyan short Films, that have Screened to Audiences for Free in Kisumu, Nakuru and Mombasa, from June to-date, with the Finale scheduled for Friday 30th August 2024, at Alliance Francaise de Nairobi.

The collection is Directed and Produced by a diverse array of talent from Kenya and Uganda, boasting an impressive Cast, including: Mbeki Mwalimu & Faith Kibathi in 'Baba’, Malik Lemuel & Hillary Namanje in 'Mawimbi', Lucarelli Onyango & Justin Mirichii in 'Stero', and Lydia Gitachu & Chris Kamau in 'Ziwa’.

This event on Friday, is not just a Film Screening, but an immersive experience under the theme “Youth Voices: Bridging Culture and the New Wave of African Cinema”. The Nairobi event aims to honour our rich cultural Heritage, while also embracing the fresh perspectives of young Filmmakers. The ultimate objective is to ignite creativity among youth, encouraging them to convey their unique narratives through the compelling medium of Storytelling.

The post-screening discussion will feature discussions with some of the Cast & Crew to provide the audience with a unique opportunity to engage with the creators and delve into their journeys and experiences in making these impactful films.

Thanks to the generous support of HEVA Fund, Alliance Française Nairobi, the French Embassy in Kenya, and the French Government’s Creation Africa programme, this event is FREE to the public.

More: https://www.lbxafrica.com and Official Tralier - Beneath The Tides (youtube.com)


<h4> 03). Hii Stage Performance & Touring Grant </h4>

During May 2024, the vibrant and diverse arts scene of Kenya received a significant boost with the launch of the Hii Stage Performance & Touring Grant. HEVA Fund partnered with the Alliance Française Nairobi to develop, launch and implement this grant fund, which is generously supported by the French Government, through the Creation Africa programme. The latter is aligned with the Kenyan Government’s Talanta Hela initiative, to boost the cultural and creative industries.

With a substantial grant of 120,000 Euros, this initiative aimed to elevate Kenyan artists in the Film and performance arts sectors, providing them with the resources to showcase their original works to Audiences across the country.

Having announced a Call for Applications in November 2023, the Hii Stage Performance & Touring Grant invited creative practitioners in the performing arts to apply for a chance to tour their original works across the Creative Arts Spaces in Kenya (CASiK) in five counties: Kisumu, Nakuru, Nairobi, Mombasa and Lamu.

A total of 177 Applications were received, and following a rigorous selection process, 11 exceptional Artists - from a diversity of art forms, including stand-up comedy, experimental theatre, multi-genre music and contemporary dance, were chosen to receive funding to realise their creative visions and contribute to the cultural landscape of our Country.

These included Juliet Onyach (Nile Dawta), Adam Chienjo, Sharon Ong’ayo Liboi, LBx Africa, Amandeep Jagde, Maina Munune, Kibanda Theatre, Harrison (Stom) Wabuko, Wanjiku Mwawuganga, Nairobi Performing Arts Studio and Katoi & the Mijikenda Jazz Band.

The grant has provided essential resources and funding to empower the awarded Artists to explore new ideas, push boundaries and engage audiences across the country in meaningful ways.

Hii Stage is a testament to the commitment of the program's financial and implementation partners to foster cultural exchange and support the flourishing arts community in Kenya.

All the 11 Projects awarded funding under the Hii Stage Performance & Touring Grant are original works that contain African social, cultural and/or political themes, and employ strategies that encourage local communities to access cultural spaces.

More: hevafund.com/hii-stage


<h4> 04). Ripple Productions </h4>

Director of ACT OF LOVE, Eric M. Mwangi – a Cinematographer and Director with Filmmaking experience in the Eastern and Southern African region, is also Founder of Ripple Productions. An alumnus of the American Film Showcase documentary residency, at the University of Southern California., his goal is to bring an African perspective to the global pool of life-changing stories, thereby, contributing to the expansion of the African Cinema language. Passionate about Filmmaking, Eric has worked with different Producers to execute Projects across multiple locations, meeting different needs with the overall goal of
storytelling, achieved through efficiency and creative professionalism.

Mwangi's projects range from Documentaries, TV Commercials and Brand Films to Short Films, working through production houses such as Zero Point Zero Productions [America], Zeleman Productions [Ethiopia], YCF Productions [Zambia], DocuBox [Kenya], One Fine Day Films [Kenya] and Some Fine Day Pix [Kenya], amongst others.

Some of his career highlights include Cinematography for the National Geographic Explorer Series on the ongoing Rhino Resurrection episode with Ami Vitale, and Documentary Filmmaker - Taylor Rees Freesolo; Cinematography for the acclaimed Zambian TV drama ‘UBUNTU’ - which is a first from that country on Showmax; working on a Netflix sizzle reel by Academy Award-winning Director - Rodger Ross William; and Emmy Award-winning Documentary TV Show by Anthony Bourdain – ‘Parts Unknown’, amongst others.

More: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-mwangi-24ab734a/

<h4> 05). Blackwell Films </h4>

Producer of ACT OF LOVE, Blackwell Films is a production company based in Nairobi – Kenya, run by Shirleen Wangari - an Award-winning Actress, Writer and Producer. They provide Filmmaking services and are a licensed Film Agent. Blackwell also acquires Film Licenses, Immigration special Passes and clears Gear for foreign Productions.

More: http://www.blackwellfilms.com

<h4> 06). SOME FINE DAY Pix </h4>

Executive Producer of ACT OF LOVE, the SOME FINE DAY Pix programme is a continuation of the ONE FINE DAY FILMS Workshop series, which was founded by ONE FINE DAY FILMS, Ginger Ink Films Africa and DW Akademie in Nairobi, Kenya. SOME FINE DAY Pix provides digital state-of-the-art training opportunities for African filmmakers.

More: https://www.somefinedaypix.org/

<h4> 07). DocuBox East Africa Fund </h4>
Supporter of ACT OF LOVE, DocuBox exists to enable talented, driven, focused and accountable East African artists to produce unique films that unearth new realities and cross trans-national boundaries.

Through training, development and production grants and screenings for people who love documentary films, they promote East African filmmakers and share their unique stories with the world through creative documentary.

More: https://mydocubox.org/

<h4> 08). MyMovies.Africa™, by YAKWETU™ Online Limited </h4>

Exclusive Distributor, and Non-Exclusive Retailer, of ACT OF LOVE, YAKWETU™ - meaning both "Of Us" and "For Us" in Kiswahili (the most popular African language), is an Online Home Entertainment & Edutainment System - of Africa, for Africa.

Using their proprietory Kenyan-made Applications, 2023 WIPO Global Award-winning YAKWETU™ is an online Retailer and Distributor of Digital Content, from Africa, to Africa and for Africa - through a Range of thoughtfully Curated branded Services, that supply Consumers with securely Encrypted original Titles, that fairly Pays the Creators, unlike Pirated alternatives.

Released on 26th September 2019, their Proof-of-Concept is MyMovies.Africa™, as a Mobile-first Digital Cinema Extension, offering securely Encrypted original Movies from Africa (i.e. New Releases, Classics, Features, Shorts, Animations, Documentaries, etc) on Smart Devices, including Phones, Tablets, Laptops and Smart TVs, across Africa and to her Diaspora in 195 Countries.

Its core Products are a Premium Video On Demand – PVOD (#RentFor2Days) for New Releases, Transactional Video On Demand – TVOD (#RentFor7Days), Electronic Sell Through – EST (#OwnForLife) purchase and Watch Parties (Group Screenings), all Accessed here: https://app.mymovies.africa.

More: https://www.yakwetu.africa

Award-winning ACT OF LOVE Screens at Alliance Francaise de Nairobi, courtesy of BENEATH THE TIDES!



New international Kenyan film Call Me Queen is set to premiere in Kenya on 17 October 2026 at the NBO Film Festival (Prestige Ngong Road from 6 PM), with members of the film’s Kenyan and international cast and crew expected to attend the special premiere. The film will then launch in cinemas across Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda from 30 October 2026. 

Tickets to the exclusive Africa red-carpet premiere are now available via YAKWETU at 2,500 KES which includes a welcome cocktail, exclusive screening, cast and crew Q&A and networking with filmmakers and industry guests.

Call Me Queen stars Eliane Umuhire (Rwandan-French), Denise Gough (Irish), Charlie Carrick (Canadian-British), Dominic West (British), Laurent Lafitte (French), Danny Sapani (British), alongside Kenya’s very own Michelle Tiren, Nice Githinji, Lwanda Jawar, Helen Keli, Peter Kawa and Eddie Kimani.

The film, directed by award-winning French-Iranian filmmaker Emily Atef, was filmed in Kenya with a largely local cast and production team. Inspired by true events, the screenplay, based on veteran foreign correspondent Lara Santoro’s novel ‘MERCY’, was written by Emily Atef, Hawa Essuman (Kenyan-Ghanaian author), Josune Hahnheiser (German filmmaker) and Jeannine Dominy (British writer).

Call Me Queen is set in Nairobi in 1999, against the backdrop of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The story follows Queen Achungo (Eliane Umuhire), a fiercely determined Rwandan refugee and single mother living in Korogocho slum and Anna (Denise Gough), an Irish / Italian international journalist newly arrived in Kenya and living in an affluent Nairobi suburb. 
<img src="https://expression.africa/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/CALL-ME-QUEEN-END-CARD-1024x531.jpg"/>

What begins as an unlikely employer–employee relationship develops into an extraordinary friendship between two women from different worlds. Ultimately, they join forces to fight against one of the greatest injustices of that era: unequal access to life-saving HIV medication. As their worlds collide, their encounter exposes the stark inequalities that shape access to healthcare, whose voices are heard and whose lives are valued, while confronting wider questions of race, global trade and political responsibility – issues whose consequences continue to resonate more than two decades later.

At the heart of the film is Queen, a woman whose strength, humour, intelligence and fearlessness have carried her through extraordinary hardship. Desperate to find work and provide for her children, she approaches Anna and becomes her housekeeper. What neither woman expects is how their lives will become intertwined. As their friendship develops, Queen opens Anna’s eyes to a reality far removed from her privileged life. Their very different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives repeatedly challenge their relationship, but also create a space in which both women begin to see the world and themselves differently.

When Queen discovers that she is HIV-positive, her personal fight for survival becomes a much larger struggle. At a time when life-saving HIV medication existed but remained inaccessible to millions because of its cost, Queen refused to accept that poverty, political inaction, pharmaceutical patents or geography should determine who gets to live.

Director Emily Atef says, “Queen is the undisputed heroine of the film, a woman whose resilience and natural leadership emerge as her personal struggle grows into a fight for her community. Her strength, humour and fearlessness and innate intelligence is what makes her a born leader. Queen and the people around her take control of their own struggle and fight for change on their own terms.” For the director, this perspective is central to the film, which uses the friendship between Queen and Anna to explore how two women from very different cultural, economic and social circumstances can challenge, influence and ultimately meet one another as equals.

The 17 October 2026 premiere at the NBO Film Festival will mark Call Me Queen’s official Kenyan launch, ahead of its theatrical release across Kenya and East Africa from 30 October 2026. The film has already earned selections at leading international festivals, including the Hamburg Film Festival in Germany. 

Call Me Queen offers a riveting look back at a defining period in the country’s history while asking urgent questions about equality, dignity and access to life, questions that remain relevant today. Join in  a powerful Kenyan story reaching audiences both at home and around the world.

Distributed by Crimson Multimedia and YAKWETU™, their joint CEO, Trushna Buddhdev-Patel, says, “We’re excited to bring this riveting film to cinemas across East Africa from 30th October; followed by online via YAKWETU™  We are also inviting Partnerships for Impact Screenings on the critical Issues raised of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Detection & Treatment (amidst its current Resurgence); Equal Access to Healthcare, Information & Medicine for all Diseases; Women Empowerment & Activism for Social Justice; and the Importance of Community and Friendship.”

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OskfiRobvos" title="Call Me Queen - In Cinemas Oct 30 - East Africa" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>

<strong>Editor’s notes:</strong>

Call Me Queen is an international production by Ringel Film, Les Films Pelléas, Cowboy Films and Streetcar Productions, in co-production with Zischlermann Filmproduktion, Construction Film and Ascent Films. The film’s creative team includes acclaimed cinematographer Hélène Louvart and editor Anne Fabini. Director Emily Atef’s previous films include ‘3 Days in Quiberon’ and ‘More Than Ever’, with her work receiving recognition at major international film festivals including Cannes and the Berlinale.  With CALL ME QUEEN, she brings an international filmmaking perspective to a story firmly rooted in Nairobi, combining an intimate story of friendship with a wider examination of power, inequality and self-determination.

In Memory of Appie Matere – a visionary Kenyan film and TV Producer whose lasting contribution to the industry continues to be felt. Before her passing, she collaborated with Ascent Films as a Producer on Call Me Queen.

Tickets to the exclusive Africa premiere, here: https://web.yakwetu.africa/view/116808fcbe1991a8

<strong> About Call Me Queen’s distributor in East Africa </strong>

Crimson Multimedia Limited is a leading film distribution company championing theatrical cinema across East and West Africa. With a strong focus on bringing the world’s most compelling films to African audiences, Crimson represents a prestigious portfolio of international studios and production houses, including Walt Disney, Warner Bros., AA Films, Zee Films, Marudhar, Dharma Productions and Moviegoers. Beyond international cinema, Crimson Multimedia has played a pivotal role in the growth and visibility of African filmmaking, supporting the theatrical distribution and successful cinema runs of acclaimed Kenyan productions, including Nairobi Half Life, Rafiki, Softie, Supa Modo and Kati Kati, amongst others. With a deep understanding of African audiences, cinema networks and the evolving theatrical landscape, Crimson Multimedia bridges international studios and local filmmakers with audiences across the continent. The company continues to champion theatrical storytelling, local filmmaking and the power of cinema to connect audiences across Africa and the world.

<strong> About Call Me Queen’s retailer in East Africa </strong>

Retailer of Digital Content from Africa, YAKWETU™ – meaning both “Of Us” and “For Us” in Kiswahili – is a Kenya-based Entertainment & Edutainment Platform that protects & monetises encrypted Movies, Television Programmes, Music Videos, Podcasts, AudioBooks and Games from Africa, to Africa and for Africa. First-ever Winner from Africa, and from the Global Creative Industry, of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) Awards in 2023 for their Innovation, YAKWETU™ has developed groundbreaking Applications to reform illegal Movie Shops (YAKWETU™ Plug & Play) and informal Cinemas (YAKWETU™ Sinema), throughout the Global South. And for their Android Mobile and TV Apps, YAKWETU™ (formerly MyMovies.Africa™) was named 3rd (Bronze) most popular Streaming & Distribution Platform in Kenya, at Click Awards, after Skiza by Safaricom (Silver) and Netflix (Gold), on 14th May 2026.




Source: https://expression.africa/call-me-queen-comes-home-to-kenya-for-nbo-film-festival/


Call Me Queen comes home to Kenya for NBO Film Festival


The Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative economy and Sports played host to the sixth edition of the Youth Connekt Africa Summit in Nairobi, bringing together over 20,000 young creatives, government officials and corporates with an aim into promoting collaboration, innovation, and leadership across the continent.
The five-day conference which ran between December 8 -13 is focused towards promoting growth and advancement of the African youth through use of technology in addressing issues of unemployment among youths in Kenya.

Through Conferences, masterclasses, and networking sessions, Kenya Film Commission shared valuable insights while enhancing partnerships with other African film stakeholders into creating a strong socio-economic front. The screening of the Mvera film by Daudi Anguka during the summit has fostered a culture of filming interactions and transactions with international filmmakers towards transforming this sector as a hub of creativity in Africa.

Such steps in creating a borderless Africa have helped promote Kenya’s economic growth through economic partnerships, trade engagements and cultural exchanges among the people of Africa.

<img src="https://mcusercontent.com/8674ec46ad6de558836a98539/images/de97f248-974d-0ac2-f0fc-75b98073f98c.jpg"/>

<h5><b>ACT OF LOVE SHINES AGAIN ON THE GLOBAL STAGE</b></h5>

The 9th Mashariki African Film Festival that was held on December 2023 has promoted Kenya’s global filming positioning through celebration of art in Kenyan filmmaking.

The Rwandan based film festival attracted a total of 2,192 film submissions in which 143 African nations competed under 5 different filming categories namely; Iziwacu category, Best Film Documentary category, Best Tv Series category, Best Short Film category and the Best Feature Film category.

Act of Love, Scriptwrited by Shelly Gitonga and directed by Eric Mwangi emerged as winners for the Best Short film Category in Africa in which 28 films participated under this category continentally.

The 16+ rated film highlights the plight of women into tackling challenges and struggles they face in raising newborns and young families during different stages of motherhood.

This film is famed for winning several selections and awards on various global competitions majorly being; the 2023 Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF), 2023 Fankeenna Film Festival (Somali), 2023 Botswana International Film Festival as well as winning selection for the 2024 Kenya Film Commission’s Reel County Film Festival.
Recognition of Kenyan films through award winnings and selections in global competitions is a key indicator that Kenya Film Commission is transforming lives of its citizens through talent promotion and global marketing of their creations.

<img src="https://mcusercontent.com/8674ec46ad6de558836a98539/images/3aaa119b-6fdd-99b4-6b2b-d3e863f56694.jpg"/>

<h5><b>  SKILL-BASED PROGRAMS DRIVE SURGE IN FILM PRODUCTION ACTIVITIES IN KENYA </b></h5>

The Commission’s nationwide capacity building program is empowering youths with basic filmmaking skills majorly on videography, cinematography, scriptwriting and video editing scopes necessary for the growth of filming production activities in our nation.

The recently released FISA Report, states that there has been a substantial growth in the filming industry, in which 42,823 jobs have been created in the year 2022 further translating to a total of Kshs.14.3 billion earnings to the country’s GDP.

The KFC’s film capacity building workshop conducted on 4th to 9th December, in Ng'iya VTC, Siaya has promoted growth of local based film talents through skill empowerment in which 130 aspiring filmmakers have benefitted. This exercise conducted in partnership with the area MCA, has promoted collaborations with the County government in building a grassroot talent hub towards the growth of the Kenyan creative industry.

The rapid technological advancements witnessed globally is a testament that film industry trainings are key to matching the skills of the Kenyan youth creative to those practiced on a global field.

<img src="https://mcusercontent.com/8674ec46ad6de558836a98539/images/0faf8bb7-7979-603a-fca5-ef76446025b4.jpg"/>

<h5><b> EMBRACING MODERN TECHNOLOGY USE INTO PRODUCTION OF QUALITY KENYAN FILMS </b></h5>

The Kenya Innovation Week that was held on 27th November to 1st December 2023, at the Edge Convention Centre, has helped unlock filming potentials and ideas through establishing gaps and opportunities therein in this modern digital space.

The event themed ‘Innovating to Unlock the Commonwealth’ aligns with the bottom-up economic transformation approach of the Kenya Kwanza Government which prioritizes technology as a key economic contributor towards our nation’s growth.
Present during the summit were; H. E Dr.William Samoei Ruto, President of Republic of Kenya, Hon.Ababu Namwamba, Cs Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative economy and Sports among other top government officials.

Panel discussions with industry professionals on modern film industry trends such as on the use of Virtual Realities and Augmented Realities have promoted production of quality cinematic contents amongst creatives.
The Kenya Innovation Week is not only promoting collaborations but has as well offered opportunities for start-ups, corporates and young innovators to showcase their innovations through exhibitions.

Film Commission’s participation to Summit events has built a culture of innovation, research and technology use which are key pillars towards the rapid transformation and growth of the Kenya’s filming industry.

<img src="https://mcusercontent.com/8674ec46ad6de558836a98539/images/9905cb46-2039-3ff5-ee2d-e015c0d8eb53.jpg"/>

<h5> UNLOCKING FILMING TALENTS THROUGH PROMOTION OF LOCAL BASED STORYTELLING </h5>

Over the years grassroot film screening has been used as a medium to promote cultural interactions and transactions amongst various Kenyan societies. Such screenings have not only impacted on our cultures but have as well enhanced the art of local storytelling among filmmakers in Kenya.

The Mombasa Reel County Film screening which was held on 13th December at the Swahili Pot Hub has promoted engagements amongst industry players which has further enhanced recognition of local based film stories and talents within Mombasa County.
Reel County is a nationwide program conducted in partnership with County governments in which various films are screened so as to publicize the creative works of grassroot based film talents.

This Year the Commission intends to showcase the creative works of 12 films through the Reel County Festival, an activity which will be conducted across different regions of our country.

Kenya Film Commission’s commitment in publicizing stories with local angles, is not only promoting the art of grassroot storytelling but has as well enhanced cross-cultural interactions among different Kenyan communities.

<img src="https://mcusercontent.com/8674ec46ad6de558836a98539/images/3c49c22f-0ec4-2367-797b-15538f7baeb4.jpg"/>

<h5>  FILM FESTIVALS COMMEND GRASSROOT ART OF STORYTELLING </h5>

Film festivals are positioning Kenya as a marketplace where film distributors and producers meet to discover new filming contents and ideas produced by Kenyan filmmakers.

Kenya Film Commission’s participation at the Eldoret Film Festival that was held on 13th December is promoting local based film talents through celebration of art in storytelling within Uasin Gishu County.

Some of the films that won awards during the 6th Edition of this competition were; Mizizi which won the Best Short Film Category, Scars - Best Student Film, Bilal Mwaura -Best Actor of the Year, Mr.125 -Best Film Documentary and Midnight Van for the Best Feature Film Category.

The Eldoret film festival attracted a total of 99 film submissions, an indication towards increase in production of film within Uasin Gishu County.

Through panel discussions, awards and global networking, local film festivals have helped publicize the unique art of Kenyan storytelling a significant step towards monetizing talents among youths in our nation.

<img src="https://mcusercontent.com/8674ec46ad6de558836a98539/images/0d680b1c-db90-5130-8cd9-fa2b31ebe1ca.jpg"/>

<h6> SAVE THE DATE! </h6>

Kalasha International Film & TV Market, Festival and Awards is here!

The Commission will undertake the event from 27th to 30th March 2024 at Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC).
This financial year, the event will be a three in one activity hosting the 7th Edition of Kalasha International Film & TV Market, 13th Edition of Kalasha International Film & TV Awards and for the first time Kalasha International Film and TV Festival.

See poster for more details.

<img src="https://mcusercontent.com/8674ec46ad6de558836a98539/images/b8e0b0db-cb26-4088-5870-a1bf1636f8d1.png"/>

Source: https://mailchi.mp/2c382074aba8/december-newsletter-8938109?e=f98e4c3dba




EMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATION FOR A BORDERLESS AFRICA THROUGH AFRICA YOUTH SUMMITS


It is common knowledge that the collective annals of Nigerian filmmaking history would be unforgivably devoid of substance if we neglect to celebrate the icons of quality filmmaking from the yesteryear. It is my candid belief that we are in this world to make a remarkable difference in some way.

At some point in our lives, filmmaking (or whatever calling or destiny we have) starts being more about the legacy instead of the money; quality instead of quantity; conscientiousness over compulsiveness; profound impact instead of broad coverage. These virtues are proudly heralded in the essence of the work profile of Carol King, Pat Oghre and Judith Audu. These remarkable Nigerian Queens of Legendary Filmmaking have garnered accolades through time, devotion, love of craft and painstaking hard work.

Carol King – Queen of screen goddesses

Even in centuries to come, previous, present and oncoming generations will never fail to appreciate the screen goddess Carol King’s portrayal of Mrs. Tomori in the classic TV series, “I NEED TO KNOW”. “Jumoke” is another exceptional character she played in “Everyday People”. She has also appeared in series like Tinsel, Edge of Paradise, Blaze of Glory, Skinny Girl In Transit, Far From Home and Wura. Carol King has been in films like, Pasito Dehinde, Dazzling Mirage, For Colored Girls, The Gods Are Still Not To Blame, Journey To Self, North East and A Naija Christmas. As our reputable enchantress, this gracious screen-goddess never fails to mesmerize and enchant the audience.

Born in Lagos on 24th July 1963 to Edo-born parents, Carol boasts of a diploma in Insurance from Ahmadu Bello University and a bachelor‘s degree in Christian Religious Studies from Lagos State University. She is married with two sons and a daughter.

Follow her social media to see her latest projects:

Pat Oghre Imobhio – The visionary director

Pat Oghre is a Nigerian film and television director who is often obsessed with the passionate ideal of showcasing humane characters. That is the reason any of Pat’s films, naturally become eternal classics. Her characters are always smart, lively and relatable. When they laugh, we laugh. When they cry, we cry. Their problems are our problems. Whenever I need inspiration for my work, I sometimes go to Pat Oghre’s direction of Opa Williams’s Three Wise Men. She is noteworthy for her directorial signature on films like Dominos, Spider and Household and classic TV series such as Dear Mother and Everyday People.

Pat Oghre Imobhio studied Theatre Arts in the University of Jos. In 2015, Pulse Magazine named her as one of “9 Nigerian female movie directors you should know” in the Nollywood film industry.

Follow her social media to see her latest projects:

Judith Audu – The legendary producer

This veteran film producer exemplifies the hallmark of quality filmmaking from acting, production and directing, just to name a few. Just like Enya has no bad songs, Judith Audu’s signature on any project is sure to leave a delicious taste in your mouth and colourfully gripping images in your mind. Without mincing words, this award-winning filmmaker is currently Nigeria‘s most sought-after young producer in Nollywood. Her first role on the small screen was in Tajudeen Adepetu’s TV Series, One Love. She has been part of TV shows like Tinsel, Emerald, Seekers, Burning Spear, Huzzel, 4 Walls, Comfort Zone, Rush, Funtime, Life is Beautiful, Case File, House Apart, and Queens Drive.

In 2016, she won the award for the best actress at the Best Of Nollywood Awards for the movie, “Just Not Married”. She has also won awards for films like “Alpha Mom”, “Unfinished Business”, “Obsession”, “Not Right“.

In February 2020, the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) named Audu as a “high profile supporter” for its “Telling the Real Story” (TRS) project.

Judith Audu is married to Morten Foght since July 2011.

Follow her social media to see her latest projects.

If we take a cursory look at the attributes of leading Edo heroines of the past – Idia, Iden, Adesuwa – we would notice these women epitomize the spirit found in every Edo woman. Judith Audu is from Auchi, Carol King is Esan, and Pat Oghre Imobhio is married to an Esan man who is also a filmpreneur and filmmaker, Osezua Imobhio. These women have carved their various paths in Nollywood with so much hard work, professionalism and diligence. They deserve nothing than a standing ovation.


Source: https://nigerianobservernews.com/2023/12/edo-hailed-leading-screen-ladies/



Edo-hailed leading screen ladies


In a celebration of Kenyan creativity and storytelling, the Kitale Film Week recently concluded with “Where the River Divides” emerging victorious, clinching the award for Best Short Film.

This gripping 1979 true story, set in Thimlich Ohinga, Migori County, Kenya, takes audiences on a journey of forgiveness, legacy, and purpose.

Directed by talented filmmaker Gadwill Odhiambo and starring Benjamin Onyango as Clan Elder Okoth, “Where the River Divides” follows the life-altering decision of Dennis, portrayed by Gadwill Odhiambo himself.

Returning home after his baptism, Dennis is confronted with the choice of either inheriting his father’s legacy or pursuing his newfound purpose, a decision that could endanger his life.

The film has captivated audiences worldwide, earning accolades for its powerful storytelling and emotional depth.

Available on MyMovies.Africa, “Where the River Divides” has garnered attention for its portrayal of Kenyan heritage and cultural values.

Reflecting on the talent showcased at the Kitale Film Week, Peter Kawa, a member of the jury committee, expressed optimism about the future of Kenya’s film industry.

He remarked: “Kenya has immense talent and potential. I got to watch many captivating products that genuinely require more publicity or distribution channels to help increase the local audience interest in these marvelous works. All in all, there’s hope in the sector.”

Channelle Kitonny, echoing Kawa’s sentiments, expressed pride and joy at the progress made by the creative community in Trans Nzoia over the past two years.

As the Chief Executive Committee Member, she commended the efforts of filmmakers in showcasing the richness of Kenyan storytelling.

In addition to “Where the River Divides,” other standout films honored at the Kitale Film Week include Victor Obok for Best Cinematography with “Mtaa Yangu,” Janet Wells and Mwaura Timothy received recognition for Best Documentary Film with “Sleeping Warrior.”

The Audience Choice Award went to Rey Egide Bulambo and Wanjira Wamaina Tabitha for “Food Security Champion.” Angela Wanjiku Wamai was honored for Best Screenplay with “Shimoni,” Wangechi Ngugi celebrated success for Best Feature Film with “Shimoni”.

Lastly, Rishai Omar Hamza Hassan was acknowledged for Best Editing.

Source: https://nairobinews.nation.africa/film-on-forgiveness-where-the-river-divides-triumphs-at-kitale-film-week/


Film on forgiveness “Where the River Divides” triumphs at Kitale film week


The AMVCA is implementing a new policy this year, where the winners of the Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Supporting Actress categories will be decided by a jury rather than through public votes. The 10th AMVCA ceremony is scheduled to be held in Lagos on May 10, 2024.
Full list of nominations for AMVCA 2024

This is a list of nominations as announced by the AMVCA.

<h3>Best Digital Content </h3>

National Treasure – Adebola Adeyela (Lizzy Jay)

Medical Negligence and Copyright Infringement – Isaac Ayomide Olayiwola (Layi Wasabi)

Hello Neighbour – Elozonam Ogbolu, Lina idoko and Jemima Osunde

The Boyfriend – Maryam Apaokagi-Greene

<h3>Best Indigenous Language Film (West Africa)</h3>

Mami Wata (CJ Fiery Obasi)

Jagun Jagun (Femi Adebayo)

Ijogbon (Kunle Afolayan)

Orisa (Odunlade Adekola)

Nana Akoto (Kwabena Gyansah)

<h3>Best Indigenous Language (East Africa) </h3>

Where The River Divides

Ormoilaa Ogol (The Strong One)

Wandongwa

Nakupenda

Itifaki

<h3>Best Indigenous Language (South Africa)</h3>

Service To Heart

Uncle Limbani

Motshameko O Kotsi

<h3>Best Multichoice Talent Factory Movie </h3>

Grown

Her Dark Past

Somewhere in Kole

Full Time Husband

The 11th Commandment

Mfumukazi

<h3>Best Scripted M-Net Original</h3>

Slum King

Half Open Window

Itura

The Passenger

Magic Room

<h3>Best Unscripted M-Net Original</h3>

What Will People Say

The Irabors’ Forever After

Nwuyee Bekee (Foreign Wives)

Date My Family Zambia

Royal Qlique (Season 2)

<h3>Best Indigenous M-Net Original</h3>

The Passenger

Nana Akoto

Apo

Irora Iya

Love Transfusion (Kiapo Cha Damu)

<h3>Best Short Film</h3>

T’egbon T’aburo

Broken Mask

Eighteenth Year

Man and Masquerades

A Place Called Forward

<h3>Best Supporting Actor</h3>

Alexx Ekubo (Afamefuna)

Demola Adedoyin (Breath of Life)

Itele d Icon (Jagun Jagun: The Warrior)

Gregory Ojefua (This is Life)

Timini Egbuson (A Tribe Called Judah)

Levi Chikere (Blood Vessel)

Ropo Ewenla (Over the Bridge)

<h3>Best Supporting Actress</h3>

Joke Silva (Over the Bridge)

Fathia Williams (Jagun Jagun – The Warrior)

Bimbo Akintola (The Black Book)

Genoveva Umeh (Breath of Life)

Eliane Umuhire (Omen)

Tana Adelana (Ijogbon – Chaos)

Ejiro Onojaife (The Origin: Madam Koi Koi)

<h3>Best Lead Actor</h3>

Wale Ojo (Breath of Life)

Stan Nze (Afamefuna)

Marc Zinga (Omen)

Gideon Okeke (Egun)

David Ezekiel (Blood Vessel)

Richard Mofe Damijo (The Black Book)

Adedimeji Lateef (Jagun Jagun – The Warrior)

Gabriel Afolayan (This is Lagos)

<h3>Best Lead Actress</h3>

Segi Lolaogidan (Over the Bridge)

Lucie Debay (Omen)

Omowunmi Dada (Asiri Ade)

Ireti Doyle (The Origin: Madam Koi Koi)

Adaobi L. Dibor (Blood Vessel)

Evelyne Ily (Mami Wata)

Kehinde Bankole (Adire)

Funke Akindele (A Tribe Called Judah)

<h3>Best Cinematography</h3>

MAMI WATA

Blood Vessel

Over The Bridge

Breath of Life

Jagun Jagun (The Warrior)

Ijogbon (Chaos)

Omen

<h3>Best Editing</h3>

Chuka Ejorh And Onyekachi Banjo

Holmes Awa

Alex Kamau And Victor Obok

Dayo Nathaniel

Antonio Ribeiro

Nathan Delannoy

<h3>Best Sound Design</h3>

Ava Momoh (Over the Bridge)

Daniel Pellerin and Amin Bhatia (Kipkemboi)

Grey Jones Ossai x2 (Breathe of Life and Blood Vessel)

Samy Bardet (Mami Wata)

<h3>Best Art Direction</h3>

Blood Vessel (Victor Akpan)

Over The Bridge (Abisola Omolade)

Breath of Life (Okechukwu Frost Nwankwo, Kelechi Odu)

The Black Book (Pat Nebo and Chima Temple)

Jagun Jagun: The Warrior (Tunji Afolayan)

Mami Wata (C.J Fiery Obasi)

Omen (Eve Martin)

<h3>Best Costume Design</h3>

Demola Adeyemi

Bolanle Austin Peters, Ituen Basi, Folake Coker and Clement Effanga

Lola Awe

Bunmi Demilola Fashina

Daniel Obasi


Source: https://businesselitesafrica.com/2024/03/24/full-2024-amvca-nomination-list/?v=518f4a738816

Full 2024 AMVCA Nomination List


Piracy is prevalent in Kenya, robbing content owners of valuable revenue. Now a new digital movie distribution platform is fighting back. Meaning “of us and for us” in Kiswahili, Yakwetu aims to support creators by interrupting the piracy value chain at its source: Kenya’s “movie shops”, where customers pay to have popular yet pirated content copied directly to their flash drives.
<figure>
<img src="https://www.wipo.int/export/sites/www/wipo_magazine/images/en/2024/2024_art_13_4_845.jpg"/>
<figcaption> Yakwetu team. (Photo: Albert Nyakundi) </figcaption>
</figure>

But with subscription services holding just 1‌ percent market share in Africa, how can Yakwetu convince customers to adopt its disruptive pay-as-you-go model? Co-founder and COO, Mike Strano, tells WIPO Magazine about its creative approach to streaming in Africa, its focus on local content, and how it’s “legitimizing piracy channels”.

<h4>What prompted you to set up Yakwetu?</h4>
In 2014, Safaricom, Kenya’s leading telecoms provider, made a public tender for content. At the time, in-home internet connectivity bundled with content was popular and Safaricom wanted to secure its position in that market. So my co-founder, Trushna Buddhdev Patel, and I put in a tender. I had been working in the entertainment sector since 1999 and Trushna is an experienced cinema distribution professional. We realized that streaming video on demand (VOD) was the way to go in Kenya – at the time, there were only about two million TV sets in Kenya versus 13 million smart devices. Our content streaming journey began in October 2014.

<h4> Tell us more about Yakwetu and its content. </h4>

Yakwetu is an online streaming platform for African content.

We launched our first streaming service, MyMovies.Africa, in September 2019 and have since been developing Yakwetu, which allows us to offer a broader range of content. We have seven verticals: movies, TV series, music, virtual reality, podcasts, audiobooks and games, all in one place. Each vertical has a slightly different revenue model. We plan to plug in ad-supported content soon, to deliver a hybrid model, where free content comes with ads but you pay for ad-free content. Customers can sign up for free on a pay-as-you-go basis and can buy or rent content from us. That’s a truly African model and it works.

At present, 90 percent of our content is Kenyan. It’s easy to access. But our ambition is to carry content from across Africa. We’re targeting Gen Z and Gen Y; these are the generations that are growing in Africa. We are also including edutainment in our catalogue. That’s important right now in Africa given the challenge of youth employment. Young people make up more than 60 percent of the African population. If they don’t have work, how are they going to support themselves and their families? The risk is that they turn to crime. That’s why it’s so important to empower them and help them find ways to earn a living. On top of that, it’s a massive market and something we can easily adapt our technology to.

    "Customers pay to have trending content copied onto their flash drive. The creators don’t get a penny."

<h4> What does Kenya’s movie market currently look like? </h4>

<img src="https://www.wipo.int/export/sites/www/wipo_magazine/images/en/2024/2024_art_13_2_845.jpg"/>

The movie market is dominated by the piracy retail chain, which in Kenya alone consists of an estimated 54,000 movie shops. Subscription-based streaming platforms in Africa hold just 1‌ percent of the market. Data costs are high and people use their data bundles to generate income, not to stream movies. Customers go to the shops and pay their “movie guy” to copy trending content onto their flash drive. They go home, watch it, delete it and go back for more. The creators don’t get a penny.

Under Kenyan law, movie shop owners can be arrested for carrying pirated content, whether local or international. If convicted, they face two years in jail and a USD 5,000 fine, which they can’t afford. The perception of shop owners is that major international studios may be unlikely to file a complaint against them with police; however, a local producer may have them arrested. So, almost all movie shops don’t carry local content - only international; meaning that everyone loses out.

    "Piracy takes up to 99 percent of the revenue of content owners in Africa. It’s crippling the creative industries."


<h4>How is Yakwetu tackling piracy in Kenya?</h4>

We see Yakwetu as a piracy intervention. Piracy takes up to 99 percent of the revenue of content owners in Africa and other developing nations. It’s crippling the creative industries.

With our new service launching in Q4/2024, customers still go to their movie shop but, when the shop downloads local content from our cloud, it’s legitimate and encrypted onto the client’s flash drive. When they plug their flash drive into their TV, our player is installed, allowing them to watch local movies on a legitimate pay-as-you-go basis, without drawing on their precious data bundle.

With our model, the shop owner, content owner and Yakwetu are paid in real time via our respective mobile wallets. Everyone wins. Once we demonstrate that we have a customer base that is consuming legitimately through the movie shops, we’ll tackle international film piracy in collaboration with the major studios.

<h4> What response are you getting from the movie shops? </h4>

We already have a list of movie shop owners that want to work with us. Things are getting tougher for them but they still dominate the market. The reality, though, is that these shops will never be in a position to meet the security requirements to set up a legitimate video library.

When we license our content to them, we do so on our terms. That means our content is encrypted (and can’t be copied) and only plays on our player. As we recruit movie shops as agents, we tell them up front that, in 10 years, their business (as distributors of pirated content) may no longer exist, especially as data costs fall and people become more comfortable with streaming. By working with us, we’ll help them transition to a legitimate business operation. We believe this is the most socially responsible way to deal with the situation, since these movie shops are usually operated by young people, so we must be careful not to contribute to the massive youth unemployment in Kenya and Africa.


<h4>What’s the commercial opportunity for streaming local content in your target markets?</h4>

It’s massive. PwC estimates the market to be worth USD 5.7 billion per year - in South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana and Tanzania alone. Even if we took a modest market share there, we would be a USD 100 million company.

When we started this journey, our aim was for the internationals to license their content to us. They are willing to do that, because we meet their technical requirements for content security; but they don’t move without a minimum guarantee of USD 100,000. That doesn’t work for us right now, so we’re focusing on local content. We see it as a great opportunity, given the rise of the creative industries of Africa in recent years.

    "We’re doing something different. What we bring to the table is local focus and local solutions."

<h4>Are you competing with the big streaming platforms?</h4>

No. It will take years for the big streaming platforms to match the penetration levels they enjoy in developed markets. There’s just too much free pirated content available and people don’t want to use their data bundles to stream movies.

We’re doing something different. We’re intervening in the piracy retail chain and legitimizing the piracy channels. No big streaming platform is going to do that. Theirs is a one-size-fits-all global model, where anything outside their main markets is a plus. What we bring to the table is local focus and local solutions.

    "Funding is a big challenge. To scale we need capital investment and that’s tough because entertainment is considered a luxury and not a frontline need."

<h4>How are you supporting African filmmakers and musicians? </h4>

<img src="https://www.wipo.int/export/sites/www/wipo_magazine/images/en/2024/2024_art_13_3_845.jpg"/>
At present, the big streamers in the African market are paying creators often less than 20 percent of the cost of <a href="https://www.wipo.int/copyright/en/creative_industries/how-to-make-a-living-from-movie-copyright.html" target="_blank"> producing a film </a>. They also want all rights for two years but don’t do anything with them. That means if you spend USD 50,000 to produce a movie, you get just USD 10,000 to stream it. How do you make up the difference when, after two years, your audience will have moved on?

That’s where Yakwetu comes in. We create income-yielding opportunities for our creators beyond our platform by sublicensing their work to VOD platforms, TV stations, airlines, festivals and more. We have different splits for different scenarios but we ensure each partner gets an equitable share. For example, when a film is distributed through our platform, we split 50–50 with the film producer; when working with an agent, we split the returns three ways between the agent, creator and ourselves. And when we secure deals with other platforms, it could be a flat free or a split. It depends. Everyone agrees in advance and contracts are set up. Creators who have an exclusive deal with us know the value we offer.

And, of course, we also pay royalties for the music in our content to CAPASSO (the Composers, Authors and Publishers Association) in South Africa.
    "It’s all about education. For us, content and its protection are king."

<h4> What are key challenges for Yakwetu? </h4>
Funding is a big challenge. To scale we need capital investment - and that’s tough, because entertainment is considered a luxury, versus a frontline need. We understand, but we also believe entertainment is a basic need. We want investors to understand that, by disrupting the piracy value chain, we’re helping Kenya’s creative industries to thrive in the long term.

<h4> How is Yakwetu building IP awareness? </h4>

It’s all about education. At Yakwetu, we have very strict content-management protocols, which we developed with international content in mind. For us, content and its protection are king.

We also educate our partners on how to protect their own content. For the education of consumers, we join forces with others, via Partners Against Piracy (PAP) Association of Kenya, for which I’m the inaugural chair.

    "Creators, take the time to find out how IP can protect your content, help you defend your rights and leverage the value of your work."

<h4> What’s your message to creators, consumers and governments? </h4>

Creators, treat your creativity like your most valuable asset. Take the time to find out how <a href="https://www.wipo.int/about-ip/en/" target="_blank"> intellectual property</a>(IP) can protect your content, help you defend your rights and leverage the value of your work. There are many free online courses that can help with this, including from the WIPO Academy.

Consumers, use platforms that give content creators a fair share of the revenue they generate. That way, we all benefit from a vibrant creative industry.

Governments, remember your role as enablers of the creative industries. Work closely with the sector to understand its needs in terms of legislation and to pass that legislation quickly. Today, everyone’s a creator. There’s no better time to raise IP awareness. The new generation respects creativity, they just need to learn how to use IP so they can reap its benefits.

<h4> How does Yakwetu’s WIPO Global Awards win support your business? </h4>

Our dedicated team are greatful that our hard work has been recognized! But this is just the beginning. Now we have a great responsibility, to live up to the award. It’s a validation of our business model, as well as an opportunity to explain to new investors what we are doing and attract the resources we need to scale. The award will take us to the next level. We’re ready for that.

Yakwetu won the WIPO Global Award for Entertainment Technology in 2023. The <a href="https://www.wipo.int/global-awards/en/" target="_blank">WIPO Global Awards </a> celebrates small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) for their excellence in commercializing IP-backed innovation and creativity in an effort to improve society. Yakwetu won the WIPO Global Award for Entertainment Technology 2023. This year’s winners were announced during the General Assembly of Member States in Geneva in July.



Source: https://www.wipo.int/wipo_magazine_digital/en/2024/article_0013.html

How Kenya’s new movie platform is tackling piracy – and putting African content first


A special screening and discussion of the Luo Film, Janam Otis, is scheduled to take place on Saturday, July 27

The event, hosted by #WeWatchKenyan at Out Reality, located at The Mall (basement), Westlands will begin with a screening from 6.00pm to 7.00pm and a question & answer slot with the cast & crew.

Created by Yakwetu, alongside MyMovies.Africa™, #WeWatchKenyan is a monthly watch party aimed at promoting local film and content, as well as building a community of Kenyan Creatives who watch Kenyan content!

“We are excited to meet our fans, and share the story behind the story,” says Dr. Zippy Okoth – Writer, Director & Executive Producer of Otia Janam.

The film has also officially been chosen to screen at The Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF).

“What a way to also Celebrate our recent Official Selection for ZIFF,” she added.

Otis Janam revolves around takes you on Janam (Nick Kwach) – a seemingly lazy fisherman, whose life takes a dramatic turn when he wins a boat-racing championship.

His victory leads him to an even greater Prize—the heart of Api (Sarah Masese), daughter of the wealthiest man in the village.

As their romance blossoms, Janam faces challenges that could redefine his destiny.

Will love prevail against all odds?

Tickets are on sale from just KSh 499.



Source: https://www.kbc.co.ke/janam-otis-to-screen-on-july-27/

Janam Otis to screen on July 27


In the heart of Kenya, a story unfolds that is as timeless as the Thimlich Ohinga ruins themselves. The recently concluded Kitale Film Week became a canvas for the nation's burgeoning film industry, with 'Where the River Divides' taking home the Best Short Film award. Directed by the talented Gadwill Odhiambo and featuring compelling performances by Benjamin Onyango and Odhiambo, the film invites us into the life of Dennis, a man torn by decisions upon his return home after baptism. Set against the backdrop of 1979 Thimlich Ohinga, Migori County, this true story delves into themes of forgiveness, legacy, and purpose, offering a vivid portrayal of Kenyan heritage.
The Spotlight on Kenyan Creativity

Kitale Film Week has long been a beacon for local talent, and this year was no exception. 'Where the River Divides' was not just a film; it was a testament to the rich storytelling tradition of Kenya. The jury, including Peter Kawa and Channelle Kitonny, lauded the film for its portrayal of universal themes through the lens of Kenyan culture. The festival also highlighted other notable films such as 'Mtaa Yangu' for its cinematography, 'Sleeping Warrior' for best documentary, and 'Shimoni', which won both Best Screenplay and Best Feature Film, showcasing the diverse talent within the Kenyan film sector.
A Call for Greater Visibility

Despite the success and critical acclaim of films like 'Where the River Divides', the Kenyan film industry faces the challenge of visibility and distribution. The Kitale Film Week serves as a critical platform for filmmakers to showcase their work, yet the journey does not end there. The need for increased publicity and distribution channels was a recurring theme during the event, highlighting the necessity for broader audience engagement within and beyond Kenya's borders. This call to action underscores the potential of the film industry as a cultural and economic powerhouse, capable of telling Kenya's stories to the world.
Hope for the Future

The accolades received by 'Where the River Divides' and other films at the Kitale Film Week are a beacon of hope for Kenyan cinema. With talents like Gadwill Odhiambo at the helm, the industry is poised for growth. The festival's recognition of films dealing with themes such as food security, heritage, and personal struggle reflects a maturing industry ready to tackle a broad spectrum of issues. As these stories find their way onto platforms like MyMovies.Africa, the dream of a thriving film sector in Kenya becomes ever more tangible, promising a future where Kenyan narratives are cherished both at home and abroad.

Source: https://bnnbreaking.com/world/africa/kenyas-where-the-river-divides-captivates-at-kitale-film-week-showcasing-the-power-of-forgiveness



Explore the success and challenges of the Kenyan film industry through the lens of Kitale Film Week. Discover how films like 'Where the River Divides' are paving the way for greater visibility and recognition of Kenyan storytelling.

Kenya's 'Where the River Divides' Captivates at Kitale Film Week, Showcasing the Power of Forgiveness


The Kenya Film Commission (KFC) revealed the highly anticipated 13th Kalasha Awards nominees. Scheduled to be the highlight of a week-long festival, the ceremony will occur on March 30th, 2024, at the prestigious Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC). This event promises to celebrate the crème de la crème of both Kenyan and international cinema and television.

<img src="https://www.kenyanvibe.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Kalasha-Awards-image.jpeg"/>

This year’s edition breaks all previous records with a staggering 1500 entries across 37 categories. The surge in submissions, particularly in the animation category, reflects the burgeoning growth of the Kenyan film industry. Notably, there has been a commendable increase in international category submissions, signaling Kenya’s rising prominence on the global film stage.

A panel of distinguished professionals from various backgrounds in film and television meticulously evaluated the submissions to select the 13th Kalasha Awards nominees. This jury, comprised of individuals such as Naftally Muriuki from the Association of Animation Artists of Kenya (A3K), Elias Nabutete from the Kenya Scriptwriters Guild (KSG), and Annabel Cheshiniwe from the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB), among others, ensured fairness and impartiality in the selection process.

<h2>13th Kalasha Awards, Celebrating Kenya Film Excellence</h2>

“The Kalasha Awards remain a cornerstone in recognizing and celebrating exceptional talent within our industry,” remarked Mr. Timothy Owase, the CEO of the Kenya Film Commission. He highlighted the record-breaking submissions and the jury’s insights as indicative of the remarkable development and diversification of Kenya’s film and TV landscape. Owase expressed confidence that this year’s ceremony would be an unforgettable event, showcasing Kenyan creativity to the world.

However, the involvement of the public is crucial in making the 13th Kalasha Awards nominees list truly representative of audience preferences. Voting for favorite films and television shows in select categories is <strong>now open</strong>, allowing the audience to participate actively in honoring outstanding talent.

<img src="https://www.kenyanvibe.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/13th-Kalasha-Awards.jpg"/>

As the countdown begins to the 13th Kalasha International Film & TV Awards, anticipation mounts among filmmakers, industry professionals, and audiences alike. With a stellar lineup of nominees and a commitment to celebrating excellence, this year’s ceremony promises to be a memorable extravaganza, reaffirming Kenya’s position as a powerhouse in the world of film and television.

<h2> 13th Kalasha Awards Nominees (Full List) </h2>
<h6>Best Lead Actor In A Film </h6>
<ul>
    <li>Dr. Edwin Nyutho as Libabu in ‘Half Open Window’ </li>
    <li>Patrick Owino as Mzee Thabiti in ‘Mvera’ </li>
    <li>Pascal Tokodi as Melita in ‘A Familiar Christmas’ </li>
    <li>Emmanuel Mugo as Makena in ‘Itifaki’ </li>
    <li>Godwill Odhiambo as Dennis in ‘Where the River Divides’ </li>
</ul>

<h6>Best Lead Actress In A Film </h6>
<ul>
    <li>Lina Sande in ‘Mvera’ </li>
    <li>Nice Githinji as Koki Mandla in ‘The Caller’ </li>
    <li>Maureen Kunga as Noni in ‘A Familiar Christmas’ </li>
    <li>Mwixx Mutinda as Juliana in ‘Act of Love’ </li>
    <li>Shandra Daisy Apondi as Mary in ‘Where the River Divides’ </li>
</ul>

<h6>Best Supporting Actor In A Film </h6>
<ul>
    <li>Samson Omondi as Adili in ‘Half Open Window’ </li>
    <li>Jack (Hulk Shira) Mutinda as Agent John in ‘Itifaki’ </li>
    <li>Benjamin Onyango as Okoth in ‘Where the River Divides’ </li>
    <li>Michael Oluoch as Jawinaam in ‘Agonda’ </li>
    <li>Frank Ogutu as Otile in ‘Tembe’ </li>
</ul>

<h6>Best Supporting Actress In A Film </h6>
<ul>
    <li>Wangui Muiruri as Imani in ‘Half Open Window’ </li>
    <li>Kibibi Salim as Saumu in ‘Mvera’ </li>
    <li>Brenda Mwai as Milly Chanya in ‘The Caller’ </li>
    <li>Ruth Kamanzi as Immaculate in ‘A Familiar Christmas’ </li>
    <li>Ann Muli as Koki in ‘Murder Camp’ </li>
</ul>

<h6>Best Editor </h6>
<ul>
    <li>Hannah Wangari for ‘A Familiar Christmas’ </li>
    <li>Koome Mwirebua for ‘Act of Love’ </li>
    <li>Omar Hamza for ‘Itifaki’ </li>
    <li>MD Neely– Derek Hammeke for ‘Where the River Divides’ </li>
    <li>Steve Biko for ‘Murdered for Love’ </li>
</ul>

<h6>Best Lighting Technician </h6>
<ul>
    <li>Jordan Danelz for ‘Where the River Divides’ </li>
    <li>Joseph Churu for ‘Act of Love’ </li>
    <li>Jethro Omusieni for ‘Half Open Window’ </li>
    <li>Gregory Kiwo for ‘A Familiar Christmas’ </li>
    <li>Abdallah Salim for ‘Mvera’ </li>
</ul>

<h6>Best Special Effects </h6>
<ul>
    <li>Jirongo Luyali for ‘The War Within’ </li>
    <li>Omar Hamza for ‘Itifaki’ </li>
    <li>David Jalenga for ‘Where the River Divides’ </li>
    <li>Gladys Njeri for ‘Bazenga’ </li>
    <li>B. Maina Wanjohi for ‘Mvera’ </li>
</ul>

<h6>Best Director Of Photography </h6>
<ul>
    <li>Daudi Anguka for ‘Mvera’ </li>
    <li>Andrew Bradford for ‘Where the River Divides’ </li>
    <li>Joel Ingo for ‘Venom – Beyond the Bite’ </li>
    <li>Elijah Kanyi for ‘Murdered for Love’ </li>
    <li>Jim Bishop for ‘Half Open Window’ </li>
</ul>

<h6>Best Short Film</h6>
<ul>
    <li>‘Hell or High Water’ by Njuguna Nganga </li>
    <li>‘Itifaki’ by June Wairego </li>
    <li>‘Where the River Divides’ by Matrid Nyaga </li>
    <li>‘Bazenga’ by Jacktone Munala </li>
    <li>‘Act of Love’ by Shirleen Wangari </li>
</ul>

<h6>Best Documentary Feature </h6>
<ul>
    <li>‘Limo on the Run’ by Njoki Muhoho </li>
    <li>‘The Heartbreak Documentary’ by Dennis Ochieng </li>
    <li>‘Murdered for Love’ by John Allan Namu </li>
    <li>‘Death of a Kenyan Heiress – The Last Door’ by John Allan Namu </li>
    <li>‘Rajo’ by Peter Nolon </li>
</ul>

<h6>Best Documentary Short </h6>
<ul>
    <li>‘Embracing Brilliance’ by Samuel Oduor </li>
    <li>‘Venom – Beyond the Bite’ by Maurice Oniango </li>
    <li>‘Kiw’u – Thirst for Survival’ by Michael Mulwa </li>
    <li>‘Coffee Production Documentary’ by DEKUT- KFC Film Hub </li>
    <li>‘The Pink Champions’ by Omar Kibulanga </li>
</ul>

<h6>Best Make-Up And Hair Stylist </h6>
<ul>
    <li>Eva Waitherero for ‘Act of Love’ </li>
    <li>Fatma Muhidin Kayla for ‘Mvera’ </li>
    <li>Classford Saul for ‘A Familiar Christmas’ </li>
    <li>Njeri Gatheru for ‘Where the River Divides’ </li>
    <li>Purity Makandi for ‘Half Open Window’ </li>
</ul>

<h6>Best Production Designer </h6>
<ul>
    <li>Horace Onyango for ‘Mvera’ </li>
    <li>Richie Mulama for ‘Act of Love’ </li>
    <li>Nancy Aluoch for ‘Where the River Divides’ </li>
    <li>June Ndinya for ‘A Familiar Christmas’ </li>
    <li>Catherine Muema for ‘Murdered for Love’ </li>
</ul>

<h6>Best Sound Designer </h6>
<ul>
    <li>Felix Mwema for ‘Instant Dad’ </li>
    <li>Mbaru Patrick for ‘Act of Love’ </li>
    <li>Omar Hamza for ‘Itifaki’ </li>
    <li>Zak DeVries for ‘Where the River Divides’ </li>
    <li>Mercy Adundo for ‘Venom – Beyond the Bite’ </li>
</ul>

<h6>Best Feature Film </h6>
<ul>
    <li>‘Half Open Window’ by Margaret Wacera </li>
    <li>‘Mvera’ by Daudi Anguka </li>
    <li>‘An Instant Dad’ by Jennifer Gatero </li>
    <li>‘A Familiar Christmas’ by Reuben Odang </li>
    <li>‘Mono’ by Joyce Gachanja </li>
</ul>

<h6>Best Original Screenplay </h6>
<ul>
    <li>Matt Black for ‘Where the River Divides’ </li>
    <li>Brian Munene for ‘The Caller’ </li>
    <li>Voline Ogutu for ‘Mvera’ </li>
    <li>Teddy Gitau for ‘Half Open Window’ </li>
    <li>Gathoni Kamau for ‘Murder Camp’ </li>
</ul>

<h6>Best Original Score </h6>
<ul>
    <li>Alex Mugenda for ‘Mvera’ </li>
    <li>Israel Brandon for ‘An Instant Dad’ </li>
    <li>Lucas McNally for ‘Act of Love’ </li>
    <li>Kyle McCuiston for ‘Where the River Divides’ </li>
    <li>Ladbi Ommes for ‘Agonda’ </li>
</ul>

<h6>Best Costume Designer </h6>
<ul>
    <li>Eddah Wakesho for ‘Where the River Divides’ </li>
    <li>Michael Nzioki Mbithi for ‘A Very Merry Xmass’ </li>
    <li>Joy Dena for ‘Mvera’ </li>
    <li>Vivian Njeri for ‘Act of Love’ </li>
    <li>Aisha Muthoni for ‘Bazenga’ </li>
</ul>

<h6>Best Director </h6>
<ul>
    <li>Omar Hamza for ‘Half Open Window’ </li>
    <li>Daudi Anguka for ‘Mvera’ </li>
    <li>MD Neely for ‘Where the River Divides’ </li>
    <li>Elijah Kanyi for ‘Death of a Kenyan Heiress’ </li>
    <li>Eric M. Mwangi for ‘Act of Love’ </li>
</ul>

<h6>Best Regional Film </h6>
<ul>
    <li>‘Wife for Hire’ by Robin Odongo </li>
    <li>‘The Whole Nine Yards’ by Victor ‘Viboks’ Omondi </li>
    <li>‘Barua la Uhamisho’ by Rodgers Maithya Mulatya </li>
    <li>‘Two Let’ by Nduruka Njoroge </li>
    <li>‘5 Jane and the Fried Chicken’ by Peterson Kariuki </li>
</ul>

<h6>Best Lead Actor In A TV Drama</h6>
<ul>
    <li>Blessing Lunga’ho as Dominic in ‘Igiza’ </li>
    <li>Jimmi Gathu as Tandala in ‘Kina’ </li>
    <li>Charles Ouda as Melchizedek Karani in ‘Salem’ </li>
    <li>Isaboke Nyakundi as Elijah in ‘Shamba la Wanyama’ </li>
    <li>Sele Mzamil as Kisasi in ‘Sanura’ </li>
</ul>

<h6> Best Lead Actress In A TV Drama </h6>
<ul>
    <li>Serah Ndanu Teshna as Linda/Nicole in ‘Igiza’ </li>
    <li>Sanaipei Tande as Nana Tandala in ‘Kina’ </li>
    <li>Faith Kibathi as Rebecca in ‘Single Kiasi’ </li>
    <li>Ivy Wanjiku as Sanura in ‘Sanura’ </li>
    <li>Sarah Hassan as Nina in ‘Zari’ </li>
</ul>

<h6>Best Supporting Actress In A TV Drama </h6>
<ul>
    <li>Sophie Reuben as Safira in ‘Pete’ </li>
    <li>Aisha Said as Nyashee in ‘Sanura’ </li>
    <li>Brenda Wairimu as Lola in ‘Zari’ </li>
    <li>JulieBrenda Nyambura as Bella Mwakazi in ‘Kina’ </li>
    <li>Caroline Muhugu as Wanja in ‘Kasiri’ </li>
</ul>

<h6>Best TV Advertisement </h6>
<ul>
    <li>‘Melano CC’ by Amit Ramrakha </li>
    <li>‘Nip Nap TVC’ by Caroline Wambui </li>
    <li>‘APA Moments of Past Disasters’ by Abu Melita </li>
</ul>

<h6>Best Performance In A TV Comedy </h6>
<ul>
    <li>Ruth Nyambura in ‘Comedy Riot’ </li>
    <li>Abel Mutua in ‘Roast House’ </li>
    <li>Kevin Kasyoki in ‘Kam u Stay’ </li>
</ul>

<h6>Best TV Show</h6>
<ul>
    <li>‘#Twende Modogashe’ by Margaret Wanjiku </li>
    <li>‘This Love+1’ by Eugene Mbugua </li>
    <li>‘Our Perfect Wedding S16 Show’ by Eugene Mbugua </li>
    <li>‘Best of Show’ by Eugene Mbugua </li>
    <li>‘The Real Housewives of Nairobi – S1’ by Eugene Mbugua </li>
</ul>

<h6>Best Supporting Actor In A TV Drama </h6>
<ul>
    <li>Ojiambo Ainea as Musa in ‘Igiza’ </li>
    <li>Ndungi Githuku as Serro in ‘Kina’ </li>
    <li>Michael Munyoki as Eric in ‘Single Kiasi’ </li>
    <li>Mike Makori as Lwanda in ‘Zari’ </li>
    <li>Jeff Omondi Opondo as Sanchez in ‘Becky’ </li>
</ul>

<h6>Best TV Drama </h6>
<ul>
    <li>‘Igiza’ by Abdulkadir Abdullahi </li>
    <li>‘Pepeta’ by James Kombo </li>
    <li>‘Single Kiasi’ by Grace Kahaki </li>
    <li>‘Zari’ by Khadija Hassan </li>
    <li>‘Kina Season 4’ by Appie Matere </li>
</ul>

<h6>Best TV Comedy</h6>
<ul>
    <li>‘Kam u Stay’ by Damaris Irungu </li>
    <li>‘Roast House’ by Caroline Wambui </li>
    <li>‘Comedy Riot’ by Caroline Wambui </li>
</ul>

<h6>Best Animation </h6>
<ul>
    <li>‘Kito and Chacha’ by Ebby Productions </li>
    <li>‘Death Valley’ by Stephen Kennedy Kyalo </li>
    <li>‘Blood Thirst’ by Luigi Sanya Ososo </li>
    <li>‘Mara Cry for Rain’ by John Irimu </li>
    <li>‘The Shepherd’ by Maureen Mureithi </li>
</ul>

<h6>Best Student Film</h6>
<ul>
    <li>‘Full Time Husband’ by MultiChoice Talent Factory </li>
    <li>‘Somewhere in Kole’ by MultiChoice Talent Factory </li>
    <li>‘Hex Appeal’ by USIU Africa </li>
    <li>‘God Forbid’ by Africa Digital Media Institute Film Aid Kenya </li>
    <li>‘Untold’ </li>
</ul>

<h6>Best Kids Production</h6>
<ul>
    <li>‘Ndemwa M’ by Michael Mutahi </li>
    <li>‘Preschool Kids’ Learning’ by Ruth Muriithi </li>
    <li>‘Lets Dance’ by Luigi Sanya Ososo </li>
    <li>‘Storytime with Zuri, Jasiri and Toto’ by Brian Apanja </li>
    <li>‘Sikicho’s Long Day’ by Darren Collins </li>
</ul>

<h6>Best Viewers Choice (Feature) </h6>
<ul>
    <li>‘Half Open Window’ by Margaret Wacera </li>
    <li>‘Mvera’ by Daudi Anguka </li>
    <li>‘An Instant Dad’ by Jennifer Gatero </li>
    <li>‘A Familiar Christmas’ by Reuben Odanga </li>
    <li>‘Mono’ by Joyce Gachanja </li>
</ul>

<h6>Best International Award </h6>
<ul>
    <li>‘Heroic Bodies’ by Sara Suliman- Sudan </li>
    <li>‘The Midnight Bride’ by Doreen R. Kilimbe- Tanzania </li>
    <li>‘Unheard’ by Polly Kamukala- Uganda </li>
    <li>‘Love Transfusion (Kiapo Cha Damu)’ by Kefa Hussein Igilo- Tanzania </li>
    <li>‘My Woman’ by Brenda Malemba- Tanzania </li>
</ul>

<h6>Best Documentary By A Student </h6>
<ul>
    <li>‘Art on the Skin’ by Kenya Film School </li>
    <li>‘Treasure Beneath the Mangrove’ by Kenya Film School </li>
    <li>‘In the Language of Our Mothers’ by Film Aid Kenya </li>
    <li>‘Echoes of Home’ by Film Aid Kenya </li>
    <li>‘Is It Because I’m a Girl’ by Film Aid Kenya </li>
</ul>

<h6> Best Viewers Choice (TV Drama) </h6>
<ul>
    <li>‘Igiza’ by Abdulkadir Abdullahi </li>
    <li>‘Pepeta’ by James Kombo </li>
    <li>‘Single Kiasi’ by Grace Kahaki </li>
    <li>‘Zari’ by Khadija Hassan </li>
    <li>‘Kina Season 4’ by Appie Matere </li>
</ul>

<h6> Best Viewers Choice (Feature) </h6>
<ul>
    <li>‘Half Open Window’ by Margaret Wacera</li>
    <li>‘Mvera’ by Daudi Anguka </li>
    <li>‘An Instant Dad’ by Jennifer Gatero</li>
    <li>‘A Familiar Christmas’ by Reuben Odanga </li>
    <li>‘Mono’ by Joyce Gachanja </li>
</ul>


Source: https://www.kenyanvibe.com/kenya-film-commission-unveils-the-13th-kalasha-awards-nominees/


Kenya Film Commission unveils Kalasha award nominees


The Kenya Film Commission has unveiled the nominees for the 13th Kalasha Awards.

The award ceremony is scheduled to take place on March 30, with a myriad of week-long festival activities leading up to the gala dinner at the Kenya International Conference Centre (KICC).

At the announcement, KFC CEO Timothy Owase said, “The Kalasha Awards remain a cornerstone in recognizing and celebrating exceptional talent within our industry.”

Here is the full list of 2024 nominees.

<h6>Best Lead Actor In A Film </h6>
<ul>
    <li>Dr. Edwin Nyutho as Libabu in ‘Half Open Window’ </li>
    <li>Patrick Owino as Mzee Thabiti in ‘Mvera’ </li>
    <li>Pascal Tokodi as Melita in ‘A Familiar Christmas’ </li>
    <li>Emmanuel Mugo as Makena in ‘Itifaki’ </li>
    <li>Godwill Odhiambo as Dennis in ‘Where the River Divides’ </li>
</ul>

<h6>Best Lead Actress In A Film </h6>
<ul>
    <li>Lina Sande in ‘Mvera’ </li>
    <li>Nice Githinji as Koki Mandla in ‘The Caller’ </li>
    <li>Maureen Kunga as Noni in ‘A Familiar Christmas’ </li>
    <li>Mwixx Mutinda as Juliana in ‘Act of Love’ </li>
    <li>Shandra Daisy Apondi as Mary in ‘Where the River Divides’ </li>
</ul>

<h6>Best Supporting Actor In A Film </h6>
<ul>
    <li>Samson Omondi as Adili in ‘Half Open Window’ </li>
    <li>Jack (Hulk Shira) Mutinda as Agent John in ‘Itifaki’ </li>
    <li>Benjamin Onyango as Okoth in ‘Where the River Divides’ </li>
    <li>Michael Oluoch as Jawinaam in ‘Agonda’ </li>
    <li>Frank Ogutu as Otile in ‘Tembe’ </li>
</ul>

<h6>Best Supporting Actress In A Film </h6>
<ul>
    <li>Wangui Muiruri as Imani in ‘Half Open Window’ </li>
    <li>Kibibi Salim as Saumu in ‘Mvera’ </li>
    <li>Brenda Mwai as Milly Chanya in ‘The Caller’ </li>
    <li>Ruth Kamanzi as Immaculate in ‘A Familiar Christmas’ </li>
    <li>Ann Muli as Koki in ‘Murder Camp’ </li>
</ul>

<h6>Best Editor </h6>
<ul>
    <li>Hannah Wangari for ‘A Familiar Christmas’ </li>
    <li>Koome Mwirebua for ‘Act of Love’ </li>
    <li>Omar Hamza for ‘Itifaki’ </li>
    <li>MD Neely– Derek Hammeke for ‘Where the River Divides’ </li>
    <li>Steve Biko for ‘Murdered for Love’ </li>
</ul>

<h6>Best Lighting Technician </h6>
<ul>
    <li>Jordan Danelz for ‘Where the River Divides’ </li>
    <li>Joseph Churu for ‘Act of Love’ </li>
    <li>Jethro Omusieni for ‘Half Open Window’ </li>
    <li>Gregory Kiwo for ‘A Familiar Christmas’ </li>
    <li>Abdallah Salim for ‘Mvera’ </li>
</ul>

<h6>Best Special Effects </h6>
<ul>
    <li>Jirongo Luyali for ‘The War Within’ </li>
    <li>Omar Hamza for ‘Itifaki’ </li>
    <li>David Jalenga for ‘Where the River Divides’ </li>
    <li>Gladys Njeri for ‘Bazenga’ </li>
    <li>B. Maina Wanjohi for ‘Mvera’ </li>
</ul>

<h6>Best Director Of Photography </h6>
<ul>
    <li>Daudi Anguka for ‘Mvera’ </li>
    <li>Andrew Bradford for ‘Where the River Divides’ </li>
    <li>Joel Ingo for ‘Venom – Beyond the Bite’ </li>
    <li>Elijah Kanyi for ‘Murdered for Love’ </li>
    <li>Jim Bishop for ‘Half Open Window’ </li>
</ul>

<h6>Best Short Film</h6>
<ul>
    <li>‘Hell or High Water’ by Njuguna Nganga </li>
    <li>‘Itifaki’ by June Wairego </li>
    <li>‘Where the River Divides’ by Matrid Nyaga </li>
    <li>‘Bazenga’ by Jacktone Munala </li>
    <li>‘Act of Love’ by Shirleen Wangari </li>
</ul>

<h6>Best Documentary Feature </h6>
<ul>
    <li>‘Limo on the Run’ by Njoki Muhoho </li>
    <li>‘The Heartbreak Documentary’ by Dennis Ochieng </li>
    <li>‘Murdered for Love’ by John Allan Namu </li>
    <li>‘Death of a Kenyan Heiress – The Last Door’ by John Allan Namu </li>
    <li>‘Rajo’ by Peter Nolon </li>
</ul>

<h6>Best Documentary Short </h6>
<ul>
    <li>‘Embracing Brilliance’ by Samuel Oduor </li>
    <li>‘Venom – Beyond the Bite’ by Maurice Oniango </li>
    <li>‘Kiw’u – Thirst for Survival’ by Michael Mulwa </li>
    <li>‘Coffee Production Documentary’ by DEKUT- KFC Film Hub </li>
    <li>‘The Pink Champions’ by Omar Kibulanga </li>
</ul>

<h6>Best Make-Up And Hair Stylist </h6>
<ul>
    <li>Eva Waitherero for ‘Act of Love’ </li>
    <li>Fatma Muhidin Kayla for ‘Mvera’ </li>
    <li>Classford Saul for ‘A Familiar Christmas’ </li>
    <li>Njeri Gatheru for ‘Where the River Divides’ </li>
    <li>Purity Makandi for ‘Half Open Window’ </li>
</ul>

<h6>Best Production Designer </h6>
<ul>
    <li>Horace Onyango for ‘Mvera’ </li>
    <li>Richie Mulama for ‘Act of Love’ </li>
    <li>Nancy Aluoch for ‘Where the River Divides’ </li>
    <li>June Ndinya for ‘A Familiar Christmas’ </li>
    <li>Catherine Muema for ‘Murdered for Love’ </li>
</ul>

<h6>Best Sound Designer </h6>
<ul>
    <li>Felix Mwema for ‘Instant Dad’ </li>
    <li>Mbaru Patrick for ‘Act of Love’ </li>
    <li>Omar Hamza for ‘Itifaki’ </li>
    <li>Zak DeVries for ‘Where the River Divides’ </li>
    <li>Mercy Adundo for ‘Venom – Beyond the Bite’ </li>
</ul>

<h6>Best Feature Film </h6>
<ul>
    <li>‘Half Open Window’ by Margaret Wacera </li>
    <li>‘Mvera’ by Daudi Anguka </li>
    <li>‘An Instant Dad’ by Jennifer Gatero </li>
    <li>‘A Familiar Christmas’ by Reuben Odang </li>
    <li>‘Mono’ by Joyce Gachanja </li>
</ul>

<h6>Best Original Screenplay </h6>
<ul>
    <li>Matt Black for ‘Where the River Divides’ </li>
    <li>Brian Munene for ‘The Caller’ </li>
    <li>Voline Ogutu for ‘Mvera’ </li>
    <li>Teddy Gitau for ‘Half Open Window’ </li>
    <li>Gathoni Kamau for ‘Murder Camp’ </li>
</ul>

<h6>Best Original Score </h6>
<ul>
    <li>Alex Mugenda for ‘Mvera’ </li>
    <li>Israel Brandon for ‘An Instant Dad’ </li>
    <li>Lucas McNally for ‘Act of Love’ </li>
    <li>Kyle McCuiston for ‘Where the River Divides’ </li>
    <li>Ladbi Ommes for ‘Agonda’ </li>
</ul>

<h6>Best Costume Designer </h6>
<ul>
    <li>Eddah Wakesho for ‘Where the River Divides’ </li>
    <li>Michael Nzioki Mbithi for ‘A Very Merry Xmass’ </li>
    <li>Joy Dena for ‘Mvera’ </li>
    <li>Vivian Njeri for ‘Act of Love’ </li>
    <li>Aisha Muthoni for ‘Bazenga’ </li>
</ul>

<h6>Best Director </h6>
<ul>
    <li>Omar Hamza for ‘Half Open Window’ </li>
    <li>Daudi Anguka for ‘Mvera’ </li>
    <li>MD Neely for ‘Where the River Divides’ </li>
    <li>Elijah Kanyi for ‘Death of a Kenyan Heiress’ </li>
    <li>Eric M. Mwangi for ‘Act of Love’ </li>
</ul>

<h6>Best Regional Film </h6>
<ul>
    <li>‘Wife for Hire’ by Robin Odongo </li>
    <li>‘The Whole Nine Yards’ by Victor ‘Viboks’ Omondi </li>
    <li>‘Barua la Uhamisho’ by Rodgers Maithya Mulatya </li>
    <li>‘Two Let’ by Nduruka Njoroge </li>
    <li>‘5 Jane and the Fried Chicken’ by Peterson Kariuki </li>
</ul>

<h6>Best Lead Actor In A TV Drama</h6>
<ul>
    <li>Blessing Lunga’ho as Dominic in ‘Igiza’ </li>
    <li>Jimmi Gathu as Tandala in ‘Kina’ </li>
    <li>Charles Ouda as Melchizedek Karani in ‘Salem’ </li>
    <li>Isaboke Nyakundi as Elijah in ‘Shamba la Wanyama’ </li>
    <li>Sele Mzamil as Kisasi in ‘Sanura’ </li>
</ul>

<h6> Best Lead Actress In A TV Drama </h6>
<ul>
    <li>Serah Ndanu Teshna as Linda/Nicole in ‘Igiza’ </li>
    <li>Sanaipei Tande as Nana Tandala in ‘Kina’ </li>
    <li>Faith Kibathi as Rebecca in ‘Single Kiasi’ </li>
    <li>Ivy Wanjiku as Sanura in ‘Sanura’ </li>
    <li>Sarah Hassan as Nina in ‘Zari’ </li>
</ul>

<h6>Best Supporting Actress In A TV Drama </h6>
<ul>
    <li>Sophie Reuben as Safira in ‘Pete’ </li>
    <li>Aisha Said as Nyashee in ‘Sanura’ </li>
    <li>Brenda Wairimu as Lola in ‘Zari’ </li>
    <li>JulieBrenda Nyambura as Bella Mwakazi in ‘Kina’ </li>
    <li>Caroline Muhugu as Wanja in ‘Kasiri’ </li>
</ul>

<h6>Best TV Advertisement </h6>
<ul>
    <li>‘Melano CC’ by Amit Ramrakha </li>
    <li>‘Nip Nap TVC’ by Caroline Wambui </li>
    <li>‘APA Moments of Past Disasters’ by Abu Melita </li>
</ul>

<h6>Best Performance In A TV Comedy </h6>
<ul>
    <li>Ruth Nyambura in ‘Comedy Riot’ </li>
    <li>Abel Mutua in ‘Roast House’ </li>
    <li>Kevin Kasyoki in ‘Kam u Stay’ </li>
</ul>

<h6>Best TV Show</h6>
<ul>
    <li>‘#Twende Modogashe’ by Margaret Wanjiku </li>
    <li>‘This Love+1’ by Eugene Mbugua </li>
    <li>‘Our Perfect Wedding S16 Show’ by Eugene Mbugua </li>
    <li>‘Best of Show’ by Eugene Mbugua </li>
    <li>‘The Real Housewives of Nairobi – S1’ by Eugene Mbugua </li>
</ul>

<h6>Best Supporting Actor In A TV Drama </h6>
<ul>
    <li>Ojiambo Ainea as Musa in ‘Igiza’ </li>
    <li>Ndungi Githuku as Serro in ‘Kina’ </li>
    <li>Michael Munyoki as Eric in ‘Single Kiasi’ </li>
    <li>Mike Makori as Lwanda in ‘Zari’ </li>
    <li>Jeff Omondi Opondo as Sanchez in ‘Becky’ </li>
</ul>

<h6>Best TV Drama </h6>
<ul>
    <li>‘Igiza’ by Abdulkadir Abdullahi </li>
    <li>‘Pepeta’ by James Kombo </li>
    <li>‘Single Kiasi’ by Grace Kahaki </li>
    <li>‘Zari’ by Khadija Hassan </li>
    <li>‘Kina Season 4’ by Appie Matere </li>
</ul>

<h6>Best TV Comedy</h6>
<ul>
    <li>‘Kam u Stay’ by Damaris Irungu </li>
    <li>‘Roast House’ by Caroline Wambui </li>
    <li>‘Comedy Riot’ by Caroline Wambui </li>
</ul>

<h6>Best Animation </h6>
<ul>
    <li>‘Kito and Chacha’ by Ebby Productions </li>
    <li>‘Death Valley’ by Stephen Kennedy Kyalo </li>
    <li>‘Blood Thirst’ by Luigi Sanya Ososo </li>
    <li>‘Mara Cry for Rain’ by John Irimu </li>
    <li>‘The Shepherd’ by Maureen Mureithi </li>
</ul>

<h6>Best Student Film</h6>
<ul>
    <li>‘Full Time Husband’ by MultiChoice Talent Factory </li>
    <li>‘Somewhere in Kole’ by MultiChoice Talent Factory </li>
    <li>‘Hex Appeal’ by USIU Africa </li>
    <li>‘God Forbid’ by Africa Digital Media Institute Film Aid Kenya </li>
    <li>‘Untold’ </li>
</ul>

<h6>Best Kids Production</h6>
<ul>
    <li>‘Ndemwa M’ by Michael Mutahi </li>
    <li>‘Preschool Kids’ Learning’ by Ruth Muriithi </li>
    <li>‘Lets Dance’ by Luigi Sanya Ososo </li>
    <li>‘Storytime with Zuri, Jasiri and Toto’ by Brian Apanja </li>
    <li>‘Sikicho’s Long Day’ by Darren Collins </li>
</ul>

<h6>Best Viewers Choice (Feature) </h6>
<ul>
    <li>‘Half Open Window’ by Margaret Wacera </li>
    <li>‘Mvera’ by Daudi Anguka </li>
    <li>‘An Instant Dad’ by Jennifer Gatero </li>
    <li>‘A Familiar Christmas’ by Reuben Odanga </li>
    <li>‘Mono’ by Joyce Gachanja </li>
</ul>

<h6>Best International Award </h6>
<ul>
    <li>‘Heroic Bodies’ by Sara Suliman- Sudan </li>
    <li>‘The Midnight Bride’ by Doreen R. Kilimbe- Tanzania </li>
    <li>‘Unheard’ by Polly Kamukala- Uganda </li>
    <li>‘Love Transfusion (Kiapo Cha Damu)’ by Kefa Hussein Igilo- Tanzania </li>
    <li>‘My Woman’ by Brenda Malemba- Tanzania </li>
</ul>

<h6>Best Documentary By A Student </h6>
<ul>
    <li>‘Art on the Skin’ by Kenya Film School </li>
    <li>‘Treasure Beneath the Mangrove’ by Kenya Film School </li>
    <li>‘In the Language of Our Mothers’ by Film Aid Kenya </li>
    <li>‘Echoes of Home’ by Film Aid Kenya </li>
    <li>‘Is It Because I’m a Girl’ by Film Aid Kenya </li>
</ul>

<h6> Best Viewers Choice (TV Drama) </h6>
<ul>
    <li>‘Igiza’ by Abdulkadir Abdullahi </li>
    <li>‘Pepeta’ by James Kombo </li>
    <li>‘Single Kiasi’ by Grace Kahaki </li>
    <li>‘Zari’ by Khadija Hassan </li>
    <li>‘Kina Season 4’ by Appie Matere </li>
</ul>

<h6> Best Viewers Choice (Feature) </h6>
<ul>
    <li>‘Half Open Window’ by Margaret Wacera</li>
    <li>‘Mvera’ by Daudi Anguka </li>
    <li>‘An Instant Dad’ by Jennifer Gatero</li>
    <li>‘A Familiar Christmas’ by Reuben Odanga </li>
    <li>‘Mono’ by Joyce Gachanja </li>
</ul>


Source: https://www.kbc.co.ke/kenya-film-commission-unveils-kalasha-award-nominees/





An operation spearheaded by the Partners Against Piracy (PAP) association in Kenya with the support of the police and the Kenya Copyright Board has resulted in the shutdown of two illegal internet streaming sites in Nairobi.

The operation, which was conducted in Githunguri and Kasarani recently, also saw the arrest of two suspects involved in the illegal distribution of premium content and the confiscation of equipment including two cellphones and two laptops.

“The distribution of pirated content by the suspects not only undermines the Kenyan economy but also harms the entertainment industry and content creators,” PAP chairperson and MyMovies.Africa co-founder Mike Strano said. “This illicit activity deprives rightful owners of their due revenue and impacts the overall investment in quality content creation.”

MultiChoice Kenya anti-piracy manager Fredrick Saramba said: “Pirate operations continue to profit from content that they have not invested in. They steal high-quality finished products that involve significant investment in terms of money, time and talent, posing a significant threat to the local creative industry.”

Saramba, who is also the head of detection and enforcement at PAP, added: “The illegal streaming operators promise unlimited access to premium content at extremely low subscription fees, exacerbating the challenges of bringing them down.” 

The raid underscores PAP’s ongoing efforts to combat piracy and protect the rights of content creators in Kenya. PAP estimates that piracy costs Kenya’s creative economy approximately Ksh92bn ($700m) annually, or Ksh252m daily, in gross losses. It says piracy deprives the music industry of Ksh15bn and TV stations of Ksh8bn annually. 

An Irdeto survey indicates that piracy is gaining momentum, with users in five major African territories, including Kenya, making 17.4 million visits to the top 10 identified piracy sites on the internet in three months. 

Bernsoft founder and PAP deputy head of detection and enforcement Bernard Kioko said: “A major challenge we face is compounded by the lower price offerings of this premium content on pirate websites. At this rate, it would be difficult for the industry to sustain legitimate content businesses and support the growth of film crews, artists and other affiliated professionals.

“As an association that continuously protects content from our creatives, we remain committed to fighting piracy, and we call upon Kenyans to help us crack down on this menace by sharing tips on such activities, even as we prepare for the upcoming Euro 2024. We believe that together we can develop and grow a robust local creative economy,” he said.


Source: https://www.musicinafrica.net/magazine/kenya-two-illegal-streaming-sites-shut-down

Kenya: Two illegal streaming sites shut down



<figcaption>The Kenyan film “Act of Love” poster. The film has scoped the Best Short Film and Best Scriptwriter awards at the Inaugural Mombasa International Film Festival. PHOTO | POOL </figcaption>

The Kenyan film Act of Love has scooped the Best Short Film and Best Scriptwriter awards at the inaugural Mombasa International Film Festival.

Inspired by the writer’s true story, Act of Love is a moving short film set in Nairobi, about Juliana (Mwixx Mutinda), a young mother who holds on to sanity by a thread as her world is turned upside down in search of a livelihood.

After losing her job at a restaurant, Juliana downgrades to a one-roomed house in an informal neighbourhood. Her luck turns when she is shortlisted for an interview, by a top accounting firm.

But, before she can leave her house, the landlord gives her a final notice to pay her rent arrears the same morning. Then, her neighbour, who had promised to watch her two-month-old baby, has a campaign engagement for a local politician.

Sister Magdalene (Julisa Rowe), despite being sympathetic to Juliana, cannot allow her to leave the baby at church, due to a pandemic of mothers abandoning their children in the compound. Undeterred, Juliana beats the clock and makes it for the interview, her baby in her arms.

A sequence of events, triggered by her baby's cries, makes Juliana lose her promising interview. Broken, frustrated, and holding onto sanity by a thread, she questions her love for her baby.

Asked what this award means to the film and crew, the producer, Shirleen Wangari said: “It means a whole lot; a great team came together and worked the film to the best of their ability, telling this important story that's timeless, inspiring, and really well executed.”

As to what inspired this film, the writer, Shelly Gitonga, said: “It is largely based on my real-life story with my own motherhood journey. The fact that during my struggle with postpartum depression, I was really clinging onto any semblance of a narrative that was similar to mine but as I searched there was none and hence the inspiration to embark on scripting a story that is close to my truth.”

Act of Love was produced by Blackwell Films, in conjunction with Ripple Productions, through funding by Some Fine Day Pix, GIZ, Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development of Germany and DocuBox East Africa Fund; with support Naomi Mburuh Films, Film Studios and Jenga Leo.

The Mombasa International Film Festival, which was held at Fort Jesus from January 23 to 27,, is a celebration of local and international cinema, offering a diverse selection of films from talented filmmakers; organised by Mombasa County government, Swahilipot Hub and Alliance Française.

The full list of winners;

Best Feature Film - Rishai - Kenya.

Best Coastal Film - Eastzuu - Kenya.

Best Short Film - Act of Love - Kenya.

Best International Short Film - Malaika - South Africa.

Best International Feature Film - Heroes of Africa - Ghana.

Best Editor - Derek Hammeke and MD Neely - Where the River Divides - Kenya.

Best Sound Designer - Monicah Mugo (Mzuka) - Kenya.

Best Child Performer - Kabuye Close (Crystal) - Uganda.

Best Actress - Grace Ngaracu (Eastzuu) – Kenya.

Best Actor - Keith Chuaga - Visasi - Kenya.

Best Scriptwriter - Shelly Gitonga (Act of Love) - Kenya.

Best Cinematographer - Andrew Bradford - Where the River Divides - Kenya.

Best Director - Omar Hamza - Rishai – Kenya.

Best Documentary - Kiswahili Kitukuzwe - Kenya.

Best Film by a Student - Kwani si Kesho? - Kenya (Short Film).

Best Animation Film – Earth’s Children - Kenya.


Source: https://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/tea/magazine/kenyan-movie-wins-inaugural-mombasa-film-fest-4512530


Award-Winning Short Film 'Act of Love' Hosts Free Screening - How to Register

Kenyan movie wins inaugural Mombasa film fest


The short film Act Of Love has garnered an impressive 15 festival selections, 9 nominations, and 5 awards within just 13 weeks since its premiere.

The latest accolades include Best Short Film and Best Scriptwriter at the inaugural Mombasa International Film Festival.

To celebrate this achievement, the cast and crew are set to host a free screening at The Alchemist in Westlands on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, from 8pm to 10pm.

In collaboration with MyMovies.Africa™, the event aims to bring the impactful narrative to a wider audience.

With only 100 seats available, interested individuals can register for the screening here.

Act Of Love is inspired by a true story, that unfolds in Nairobi, focusing on the life of Juliana (Mwixx Mutinda), a young mother grappling with the challenges of motherhood amidst the quest for a livelihood. The film explores the harsh realities faced by women, shedding light on the prevalence of Post-Partum Depression (PPD) in Africa.

Ms Shelly Gitonga, the award-winning scriptwriter, remarks, “Act Of Love is a film that makes society acknowledge the ugly side of Motherhood.”

She highlights the alarming statistics surrounding PPD, affecting 10-20% of women globally and an even more severe 10-32% in Africa.

The film has not only resonated with audiences but has also received critical acclaim and recognition at various international film festivals.

Previously, Act Of Love secured the Best Short Film award at the 9th Mashariki African Film Festival in Kigali, Rwanda, and the People’s Choice Award at the inaugural Sauti Zetu Film Festival in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania.

Ms Shirleen Wangari, the award-winning producer at Blackwell Films, underlines the significance of addressing maternal mental health challenges. With a reported prevalence of 11-13% in Kenya, PPD can severely impact the well-being of mothers, newborns, families, and communities.

The film’s success extends beyond the festival circuit, with selections at prestigious events like the Zanzibar International Film Festival, Swahili International Film Festival & Awards, Fragments Festival in the UK, and the Hollywood African Cinema Connection (HACC) Film Festival in America, among others.

Ms Trushna Buddhdev-Patel, Co-Founder, CEO & Content Director of YAKWETU™ – the distributor, expresses pride in the cast and crew. In addition to being available on MyMovies.Africa™, the film is open for licensing to various platforms to reach a broader African and Diasporan audience.

Ms Chloe Genga, Impact Producer at LightBox Africa, invites collaboration with partners who share their vision for raising awareness about Post-Partum Depression, maternal health, and mental health.

The film is produced by Blackwell Films in collaboration with Ripple Productions and funded by Some Fine Day Pix, GIZ, Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation & Development of Germany, and DocuBox East Africa Fund.

Source: https://nairobinews.nation.africa/kenyan-film-on-post-partum-depression-triumphs-with-awards-and-screenings/


Kenyan film on post-partum depression triumphs with awards and screenings


Where The River Divides, made its cinema debut in the US at the 2nd Sunday Cinema.

2nd Sunday Cinema is a monthly event showcasing top award-winning films from local filmmakers in Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Kansas.

The film is a gripping 1979 True Story about the son – Dennis (Gadwill Odhiambo), of a clan elder – Okoth (Benjamin Onyango), returning home to his village in Thimlich Ohinga, Migori county in Kenya, following his baptism.  

Dennis must choose whether to Inherit his father’s legacy or fulfil his newfound purpose at the risk of his life.

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6bMIh3rMwLo" target="_blank">Watch KBC’s review of the film. </a>

The short film’s director and editor – M.D. Neely from Missouri, was in attendance for the Screening. 

“For me, Where The River Divides is ultimately about Sacrifice”, he says.  

“What am I willing to sacrifice to follow the call that God has placed on my life?  

“Dennis’ story has challenged and inspired me.  Also, I am so humbled and proud to work with such an incredibly talented and passionate group of artists from Kenya and America, to tell this story.”

In addition to securing 14 Nominations from the Kalasha awards, three members of the film’s crew were nominated for the Women in Film Awards on International Women’s Day. 

The nominees are  Lola Kanazi (Best Production Manager), Eddah Wakesho (Best Costume Designer) and Matrid Nyagah (Best Producer).

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zZGckJtH24U" title="WHERE THE RIVER DIVIDES Teaser 2023 (WTRD Trailer)" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>


Source: https://www.kbc.co.ke/kenyan-film-screens-at-us-cinema-festival/

Kenyan film screens at US cinema festival


Kenyan film Act of Love has won the Nile Grand Prize for Best Short Film, at the 13th Luxor African Film Festival in Egypt.

It is the second Short Film from Kenya to win an Award there, after Tithes & Offerings in 2019. It was the sixth film overall from Kenya.

This comes two weeks after the film won the Best Short Film and Best Scriptwriter awards at the inaugural Mombasa International Film Festival.

Act of Love’s director, Eric Mwangi, called the win incredibly affirming.

“Winning at Luxor has been incredibly affirming as a creative.  Even though the Film was screened with Arabic subtitles, its power was unchanged.

“It’s a blessing to see people who don’t speak your language, resonate with the same measure as my people in Kenya.  I believe that’s a testament to the universality of our film,” he said.

Inspired by writer Shelly Gitonga’s personal story, Act of Love is a short film, set in Nairobi, that follows Juliana (Mwixx Mutinda) – a young Mother, as she tries to juggle motherhood and survival.

“Act of Love is a Film that makes society acknowledge the ugly side of Motherhood”, says Ms Shelly Gitonga – the now Award-winning Scriptwriter.

“Statistics show that Post-Partum Depression (PPD) affects 10-20% of Women globally; but in Africa, the situation is worse, with 10-32% of Women suffering from PPD.”

Act of Love has won several awards including Best Short Film at the 9th MASHARIKI African Film Festival in Kigali – Rwanda, Runner-up for Best Kenyan Short at the Under Our Skin International Film Festival for Human Rights in Nairobi and the People’s Choice Award at the inaugural Sauti Zetu Film Festival in Dar-es-Salaam – Tanzania, during October 2023.

Shirleen Wangari, the producer of the film says it delves into an important topic.

“In Kenya, the prevalence of this Maternal Mental Health challenge is reported as 11-13%, affecting the well-being of Mothers, Newborns, Families and Communities.

“The condition can impair a Mother’s ability to care for her Child and, in extreme cases, can lead to post-partum Psychosis, Suicide and/or Infanticide.”

Congratulating the film’s crew on its win, Trushna Buddhdev-Patel, Co-Founder, Chief Executive Officer & Content Director of YAKWETU™, the film’s distributor, said that the company hoped to make it widely available.

“We are so Proud of the Cast & Crew of this beautiful Film.

“Act of Love is available worldwide on our own MyMovies.Africa™” and now Available for Licensing to other Video On Demand (VOD) services, Television and Non-Theatrical opportunities like Airlines, so that as many Africans and diasporans as possible, can watch this important title.”

Chloe Genga, Impact Producer at LightBox Africa, said they were hosting special screenings to create awareness.

“We have begun special Screenings to underserved Communities of Women and Healthcare Workers around Kenya and Africa, to raise further awareness and spark Conversations for supportive Action on Post-Partum Depression, Maternal Health and Mental Health.

“And we’re open to Collaborating with any Partners who share our Vision.”

Source: https://www.kbc.co.ke/kenyan-film-wins-top-prize-at-egypt-festival/



Poignant Kenyan short film Act of Love, screened in Nairobi this week, is on a mission to raise awareness about maternal mental health in Africa – with a special focus on postpartum depression. Inspired by a true story, the film has spent the past year touring film festivals across the continent and is now reaching an even broader audience. 

By: <a href="https://www.rfi.fr/en/author/melissa-chemam/"> Melissa Chemam </a>

Penned by Shelly Gitonga and set in Nairobi, Act of Love tells the heart-wrenching story of Juliana, a young mother struggling to keep her sanity as she faces the challenges of motherhood and the harsh realities of life.

After losing her job at a restaurant, Juliana, portrayed by Mwixx Mutinda, is forced to downsize to a single-room home in an informal settlement, where she desperately searches for new work to support herself and her two-month-old baby.

However, her situation rapidly deteriorates. A series of unfortunate events, sparked by her baby’s cries, causes Juliana to lose a promising job interview. Overwhelmed by frustration and despair, she begins to question her love for her child.

"What inspired me was my own experience with postpartum depression," Gitonga told RFI.

"It's pretty much me feeling alone in the dark, trying to clasp on any straws of relatability with anyone going through the same thing I'm going through," she said.

Online searches failed to find stories story that related with what Gitonga was going through, leading her to write the story.

"After every community screening, there's always a mum who comes up to thank me for giving a voice to what they went through," Gitonga added.

Directed by Eric M. Mwangi, Act of Love is the result of a close collaboration between the director, the scriptwriter and the film’s producers.

Since its premiere in October 2023, it's been met with critical acclaim, earning 18 festival selections, 24 nominations, and 10 awards within just 11 months.

This week the film was screened at the Unseen Nairobi venue in Kilimani, as part of the build-up to the 2024 Cradle Arts Festival, with support from the mental health charity Mental 360.

<h4>Raising awareness on motherhood and mental illness</h4>

“We are pleased to be able to screen the powerful Act of Love to raise awareness about postpartum depression (PPD),” said Bright Shitemi, the executive director of Mental 360.

The Cradle Arts Festival, where the film was featured, is an annual event that celebrates art and creativity in Kenya, with a particular focus on raising awareness about mental health and wellness.

Shirleen Wangari, the producer of the film at Blackwell Films, emphasised the importance of addressing this often-overlooked issue.

“In Kenya, the prevalence of postpartum depression is reported to be between 11-13 percent, impacting the well-being of mothers, newborns, families, and communities.

“In Kenya, the prevalence of the maternal mental health challenge of PPD is reported as 11-13 percent, affecting the well-being of mothers, newborns, families and communities,” she said. 

"Act of Love is breaking the silence on postpartum depression in Kenya and Africa.”

Wangari further explained the serious consequences of untreated PPD.

“The condition can impair a mother’s ability to care for her child and, in extreme cases, can lead to postpartum psychosis, suicide, or infanticide.”

Scriptwriter Shelly Gitonga highlighted the global and regional scale of the issue, adding that Act of Love is a film that makes society acknowledge the "ugly side" of motherhood.

“Statistics show that postpartum depression affects 10-20 percent of women globally – but in Africa the situation is worse, with 10-32 percent of women suffering from PPD."

<h4>An African journey</h4>

Act of Love has garnered widespread recognition, winning multiple awards, including at the 13th Kalasha International Film and TV Awards in Kenya, the Nile Grand Prize for Best Short Film, and the 13th Luxor African Film Festival in Egypt.

It has also been selected for prestigious film festivals such as the 2023 Zanzibar International Film Festival (Ziff) in Tanzania, the 2023 Swahili International Film Festival and Awards in Kenya, and the 2024 FAME Shorts Festival in Cape Town, South Africa.

Chloe Genga, from Nairobi-based production company LightBox Africa, shared the film’s broader mission.

“We have begun special screenings for underserved communities of women and healthcare workers across Kenya and Africa to raise further awareness and spark conversations for supportive action on postpartum depression, maternal health, and mental health."





Sources: https://www.rfi.fr/en/africa/20240818-kenyan-film-explores-the-struggles-of-motherhood-and-mental-health-in-africa-act-of-love

Kenyan film explores the struggles of motherhood and mental health in Africa


Kenyan short film “Act of Love” continues its winning streak, securing the coveted title of Best Short Film at the Luxor African Film Festival in Egypt.

Directed by Eric Mwangi and inspired by a true story from scriptwriter Shelly Gitonga, the film has garnered widespread acclaim for its poignant portrayal of post-partum depression.

The film’s director, Eric Mwangi, expressed his gratitude for the award, highlighting how the film’s reception at the festival sparked meaningful discussions and resonated deeply with viewers.

This latest accolade follows closely on the heels of the film’s success at the Mombasa International Film Festival, where it won Best Short Film and Best Scriptwriter awards.

Additionally, “Act of Love” received three nominations at the Women In Film Awards (WIFA).

With a total of 16 festival selections, 13 nominations, and 6 awards to its name, “Act of Love” continues to captivate audiences and garner critical acclaim worldwide.

For those who have yet to experience the emotional journey of “Act of Love,” the film follows Juliana, portrayed by Mwixx Mutinda, as she navigates the harsh realities of life in Nairobi, grappling with love, loss, and the enduring strength of motherhood.

Juliana’s life takes an unexpected turn when she loses her job and is faced with the challenge of finding a new home while preparing for a job interview.

With her landlord demanding overdue rent and her neighbor unavailable to babysit, Juliana must confront the daunting task of balancing her responsibilities as a mother with her pursuit of a better life.

Despite the mounting obstacles, Juliana remains determined to seize the opportunity presented to her, even as she faces the interview with her distressed baby in her arms.

“Act of Love” offers a poignant exploration of motherhood, resilience, and the often hidden struggle of maternal mental health, inviting audiences to embark on an emotional rollercoaster that promises to leave a lasting impact.

For those eager to witness the award-winning film, “Act of Love” is available exclusively worldwide on MyMovies.Africa™.


Source: https://nairobinews.nation.africa/kenyas-act-of-love-wins-best-short-film-at-luxor-african-film-festival/


Kenya’s ‘Act of Love’ wins best short Film at Luxor African film festival



Kenyans have continued to put the country on the map in the global sphere by clenching prestigious awards in 2023 despite the tough economic times.

A select list of Kenyan businesses and individuals from diverse sectors were recognised majorly for their innovations in the technology sphere.

Kenyans.co.ke compiles a list of 10 businesses and individuals who have been feted with various prestigious awards in the global space.

BasiGo

<img src="https://www.kenyans.co.ke/files/styles/article_inner/public/images/media/electric_buses_from_basigo.jpg?itok=p2qAtgiV"/>
<figcaption>A fleet of electric buses pictured in Nairobi on January 20, 2023. </figcaption>

BasiGo won the top award for Mobility and Logistics at the Global Startup Awards (GSA) Africa Summit recently held in Addis Ababa. The Kenyan startup BasiGo’s innovative Pay-As-You-Drive model lowers the barriers to entry for operators to get brand-new electric buses.

Peter Njeri

The Waislitz Global Citizen 2023 winner, Peter Njeri, has achieved major fetes in his career. Among his accolades are being a Royal Academy of Engineering Fellow, Microsoft #Insider4Good Fellow, Global Affairs Canada grantee, UN, WFP Fellow, and the Co-founder of Mega Gas Alternative Energy.

Peter received this award in recognition of his company Mega Gas Alternative Energy, which focuses on providing clean and affordable cooking energy for low-income families by converting plastic waste into clean cooking gas.

Esther Kimani

Esther Kimani also received The Waislitz Global Citizen 2023, Her organisation Farmer Lifeline a climate agritech, developed the first-ever solar-powered AI-based crop pests and diseases detection devices with a vision to end hunger and extreme poverty for 1 million marginalised smallholder farmers.

With delayed detection of crop pests and diseases destroying over 47% of crop yield every farming season.

Gjenge Makers

The organisation received the Global Start-Up Awards in the Eastern region. Gjenge Makers works towards sustainable and affordable alternative construction materials made of recycled plastic with sand to make bricks that are stronger than concrete material.

Nzambi Matee was named the best founder of the year and was also recognised as one of the Top 100 Kenyan Personalities in 2023 by Kenyans.co.ke.

<img src="https://www.kenyans.co.ke/files/styles/article_inner/public/images/media/Nzambi%20Matee%20of%20Gjenge%20Makers%20holds%20two%20of%20her%20products.jpeg?itok=PF3rCzpj"/>

<figcaption>Nzambi Matee of Gjenge Makers holds two of her products. </figcaption>



Sammy Chemoiwo

In May 2023, The principal of the Rift Valley Institute of Science and Technology (RVIST) received a gold medal in Leadership in the inclusivity category, awarded by the World Federation of Colleges and Polytechnics (WFCP).

His organisation also received a gold medal for the Sustainable Goals award. Chemoiwo was also recognized as one of the Top 100 Kenyan Personalities by  Kenyans.co.ke.

Dr. Daniel Mutai

The former Principal of the Rift Valley Institute of Science and Technology received a silver medal as a lifetime achievement award from the Federation of Colleges and Polytechnics (WFCP) in May 2023. Mutai was recognised in honour of his achievements in formulating solutions that can be co-opted into and applied by post-secondary institutions to make a difference in their communities.

Wangari Kuria

Wangari Kuria is a Kenyan farmer and entrepreneur. She was feted with the Global Prize alongside three other Africans. Wangari is the founder of Farmer on Fire, where she produces mushrooms alongside other vegetables in Kitengela.

Her venture also provides farmers with education on farming techniques and empowers farmers to start their ventures.

The Global Prize aims to celebrate individuals making impacts across their communities to end extreme poverty in matters of food security, climate change, civic space, and sexual and reproductive health.

<img src="https://www.kenyans.co.ke/files/styles/article_inner/public/images/media/kuria_edit_2.jpg?itok=wkdMhK4s"/>

<figcaption> Wangari Kuria, founder and Chief Executive Officer(CEO) of Farmer on Fire Limited. </figcaption>


Thynx Care Foundation

The organisation bagged the Global Start-up Awards, where they were recognised as the role model in the diversity category they aim to implement interventions for sexual reproductive health and education while mobilising communities to be agents of change.

Yakwetu Kenya

Yakwetu Online Limited emerged as one of the 7 winners of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) Global Awards competition held on 11 July 2023 in Geneva, Switzerland. Yakwetu Online provides digital content for entertainment and education for African audiences, helping combat piracy and monetising African content.

The award focuses on recognising individuals and businesses utilising intellectual property for commercialisation. It awards small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The 2023 competition attracted 548 submissions from 58 countries from various sectors.

Phylis Omido

Omido is a Kenyan environmental activist who received the Right Livelihood Award in Stockholm, Sweden. Phyllis Omido rallied her community to oppose a smelter that emitted fumes laden with poisonous Lead materials.

Source: https://www.kenyans.co.ke/news/95516-list-10-kenyans-and-businesses-who-have-won-global-awards-2023


List of 10 Kenyans & Businesses That Won Global Awards in 2023


The staff, directors, and filmmakers of MyMovies.Africa™ have announced the postponement of their upcoming Watch Party.

The decision comes in response to the recent tragic loss of lives and mass hospitalisations that have gripped the nation over the past two weeks following protests against the finance bill 2024.

In a statement seen by KBC Digital, the company said: “Due to the unacceptable loss of lives and mass hospitalisations over the last 2 weeks, the staff, directors and filmmakers of MyMovies.Africa don’t feel it’s appropriate to hold our watch party this Saturday, June 29, as planned. Instead, we are in mourning and calling for justice for all victims.”

The event, known as #WeWatchKenyan with MyMovies.Africa™ aims to promote local films and content, fostering a community of Kenyan creatives dedicated to supporting their industry.

The watch party has been rescheduled to Saturday, September 28, 2024, from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM at Out Reality, The Mall (basement), Westlands, Nairobi.

The rescheduled event will feature two short films:

Influenced: This film delves into the glamorous yet fragile world of influencer couple Ben (George Waweru) and Kay (Ciku Waithaka).

The narrative explores the unravelling of their picture-perfect life during a pivotal shoot, revealing the raw emotions behind their curated image.

Teka: This intense story follows Amani (Nick Olwah), who is burdened by debt and kidnaps social media influencer Hope (Amina Hussein).

Their encounter evolves into a gripping tale of vulnerability and unexpected connection.

Tickets for the September event are currently on sale, with only 80 seats available. Attendees can purchase tickets here.

Customers who had already bought tickets for the June event will be contacted to transfer their tickets to the new date.


Source: https://www.kbc.co.ke/mymovies-africa-postpones-watch-party-to-september/

MyMovies.Africa postpones watch party to September


<ul>
<li>Actor Nick Kwach, also known as Baba Ryan, celebrates winning Best Actor in East Africa at Zanzibar International Film Festival </li>
<li>He won the award for his role in the film 'Otis Janam </li>
<li>The film stands out for its compelling storytelling and production quality, weaving together social and cultural issues</li>
</ul>

Nick Kwach aka Baba Ryan celebrates after he was crowned Best Actor in East Africa for his role in 'Otis 'Janam'.

Thespian and media personality Nick Kwach has achieved a significant milestone in his career.

The father of one has been voted the Best Actor in East Africa by the jury at the Zanzibar International Film Festival.

This accolade comes in recognition of his outstanding performance in the film 'Otis Janam'.

<figure>
<img src="https://ocdn.eu/pulscms-transforms/1/FABk9kpTURBXy8xNzc1M2VkMmJlOTA4NWZiYjFhMGU1MzNlMzE0NTYxMy5qcGeRlQLNAxbNA9zCw94AAqEwBqExAA"/>
<figcaption>  Kenyan actor Nick Kwach  </figcaption>
</figure>


<h4>Nick Kwach celebrates Zanzibar film award </h4>

Nick Kwach took to social media to share his excitement and gratitude with his fans. In his post, he expressed appreciation for the cast and crew of 'Otis Janam', acknowledging the collective effort that led to his success.

“I am elated to announce that I was voted the Best Actor in East Africa by the jury at the Zanzibar International Film Festival for my role in 'Otis Janam.' Thank you Zanzibar Film Festival for validating the immense effort put in by the entire team.

"Thank you Zippy Okoth for the opportunity to live my dream and the team at Legacy Arts Lab. Thank you, producer Waya, Lorela Jowie for casting me in this project. Mercy Masese, you are the best. The whole crew and cast of 'Otis Janam,' this is yours,” Kwach wrote.

<figure>
<img src="https://ocdn.eu/pulscms-transforms/1/-a_k9kpTURBXy8zZmQxNTkxYjQwMjJmZjFkMTA2YzJiNDMxY2JkODEyOC5qcGeRlQLNAxbNA9zCw94AAqEwBqExAA"/>
<figcaption> Kenyan actor Nick Kwach </figcaption>
</figure>

<h4>About 'Otis Janam' </h4>

'Otis Janam' is not just another film in Kenya's burgeoning film industry. While it may not be the first indigenous language film scripted and produced by Kenyan filmmakers, it stands out for its compelling storytelling and production quality.

The film is a testament to Dr Zippy Okoth's talent as a writer and producer. The film weaves together a rich tapestry of social and cultural issues, all framed by a heartwarming love story.

Nick Kwach plays the titular character, a lazy fisherman whose life takes a dramatic turn when he wins a boat-racing championship.

<img src="https://ocdn.eu/pulscms-transforms/1/1d0k9kpTURBXy9kMTYwNWQ3ZjRhMjljYjVmMGZmZGZjOTcxNWI4YWJjMC5qcGeRlQLNAxbNA9zCw94AAqEwBqExAA"/>

This victory not only earns him respect but also the heart of Api, played by Sarah Masese, the daughter of the wealthiest man in the village.

As their romance blossoms, Janam faces numerous challenges that could change his life forever. The narrative explores themes of polygamy, alcoholism, sexism, and domestic violence.

<h4> Nick Kwach's acting career </h4>

Nick Kwach is no stranger to the screen. He has appeared in numerous productions, including 'Chaguo' on Netflix, 'County 49', and the recent 'Jiji' on Showmax.

Apart from his acting roles, Kwach is also known for creating comedy skits as Baba Ryan, a character with a dramatic baby mama Mama Ryan (Aicy Stevens).

<img src="https://ocdn.eu/pulscms-transforms/1/dGfk9kpTURBXy8wNzhjYmQ3MDk0ZmJhZDhkZDhjMmMwN2I5YTY2NDE0ZS5qcGeRlQLNAxbNA9zCw94AAqEwBqExAA"/>

Winning the Best Actor award at the Zanzibar International Film Festival is a significant achievement for Nick Kwach. It not only recognises his talent and hard work but also shines a spotlight on Kenyan cinema.

Kwach's win is a source of pride for the entire Kenyan film community, inspiring other actors and filmmakers to pursue their dreams.




Source: https://www.pulselive.co.ke/entertainment/movies/nick-kwach-wins-best-actor-award-at-zanzibar-international-film-festival/xqn89gq

Nick Kwach named best actor in East Africa at Zanzibar International Film Festival


After its recent selection for Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF), Otis Janam shall be screened and discussed at the July edition of #WeWatchKenyan with MyMovies.Africa.

The dramatic Luo love story of Otis Janam made the official selection for the 27th edition of Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF). Being held on 1st – 4th August 2024 since its premiere on 28th March, at Kalasha International Film & Television Market and simultaneously worldwide on MyMovies.Africa, the feature film by Dr. Zippy Okoth is so far the most-watched title on MyMovies.Africa in 2024.

For those who missed the star-studded premiere, MyMovies.Africa has a treat for you with a special screening & discussion at #WeWatchKenyan, in Out Reality, The Mall (basement), Westlands – Nairobi, on Saturday 27th July, from 6.00pm, for a 7.00pm screening and 8.30pm-9.30pm question & answer with the cast & crew.

Created by Yakwetu, #WeWatchKenyan with MyMovies.Africa is a monthly watch party aimed at promoting local film and content, as well as building a community of Kenyan creatives who actually watch Kenyan content.

“We are excited to meet our fans, and share the story behind the story.”, says Dr. Zippy Okoth – writer, director and executive producer of Otis Janam. “What a way to also celebrate our recent official selection for ZIFF!”

Otis Janam takes you on a journey of love and courage, about Janam (Nick Kwach) – a seemingly lazy fisherman, whose life takes a dramatic turn when he wins a boat-racing championship. His victory leads him to an even greater prize—the heart of Api (Sarah Masese), daughter of the wealthiest man in the village.

As their romance blossoms, Janam faces challenges that could redefine his destiny. Will love prevail against all odds? Find out in this inspiring story that celebrates love, resilience and the power of change.

Celebrating their ZIFF selection of Otis Janam, will be Dr. Zippy Okoth (writer, director & executive producer), Nick Kwach (lead actor), Sarah Masese (lead actress) and vigilance Atieno (producer), in a conversation hosted by Natha of Talk Film To Me podcast, at #WeWatchKenyan with MyMovies.Africa.

“We are so proud of the cast & crew for this beautiful film.”, says Ms. Trushna Buddhdev-Patel, co founder, chief executive officer & content director at Yakwetu – the distributor.

“Students, professionals and fans of the Kenya film industry should attend #WeWatchKenyan with MyMovies.Africa to learn the secrets of their success.” She added.

Tickets (only 80 Seats) are fast selling-out for the fifth #WeWatchKenyan by MyMovies.Africa of 2024, featuring Otis Janam, at Out Reality, The Mall (basement) in Westlands, on Saturday 25th July (6.00pm, for a 7.00pm Screening and 8.30pm-9.30pm Q&A).

Tickets can be obtained here from as low as KES 499; and discounts are available for duos, trios, squads & groups.

Tickets include:

*Screening of Otis Janam.

*An engaging post-screening question & answer, with the talented cast and crew.

*A free 7-day rental of Otis Janam, exclusively on MyMovies.Africa to rewatch with family & friends at home.




Source: https://expression.africa/otis-janam-to-be-screened-at-the-july-edition-of-wewatchkenyan-with-mymovies-africa/

Kenya: Otis Janam to be screened at the July edition of WeWatchKenyan with MyMovies.Africa


MultiChoice Africa, organisers of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) on Sunday, March 24, 2024, unveiled nominees for the 10th edition which is set to be held on Friday, May 10 to Saturday, May 11, 2024.

‘Over The Bridge’ by Tolu Ajayi raked 12 nominations, the most by one movie at this year’s event ahead ‘Breath of Life’ and CJ Obasi’s ‘Mami Wata’ which got 11 nominations each.

‘Jagun Jagun’ (10) by Femi Adebayo, ‘Blood Vessel’ (8), Editi Effiong’s ‘The Black Book’ (5), and Funke Akindele’s ‘A Tribe Called Judah’ (5) where among films with multiple nominations for this year’s award ceremony

Femi Odugbemi, the head judge of the awards, in his opening remarks for the nominee announcement, disclosed that “in the performance category, the best actor, the best actress, and their supporting categories will be decided by our world-class panel of judges.”

In the non-voting category, the jury will vote among Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, Breath of Life, Over The Bridge, Blood Vessel, A Tribe Called Judah, The Black Book, and MAMI WATA for Best Overall Movie.

Here is the full list of AMVCA10 nominees. 

<h3>Best Unscripted M-Net Original</h3>

What Will People Say

The Irabors’ Forever After

Nwuyee Bekee (Foreign Wives)

Date My Family Zambia

Royal Qlique (Season 2)

<h3>Best Scripted M-Net Original</h3>

Slum King

Half Open Window

Itura

The Passenger

Magic Room

<h3>Best Multichoice Talent Factory Movie </h3>

Grown

Her Dark Past

Somewhere in Kole

Full Time Husband

The 11th Commandment

Mfumukazi

<h3>Best Digital Content </h3>

National Treasure – Adebola Adeyela (Lizzy Jay)

Medical Negligence and Copyright Infringement – Isaac Ayomide Olayiwola (Layi Wasabi)

Hello Neighbour – Elozonam Ogbolu, Lina idoko and Jemima Osunde

The Boyfriend – Maryam Apaokagi-Greene

<h3>Best Indigenous M-Net Original</h3>

The Passenger

Nana Akoto

Apo

Irora Iya

Love Transfusion (Kiapo Cha Damu)

<h3>Best Indigenous Language (East Africa) </h3>

Where The River Divides

Ormoilaa Ogol (The Strong One)

Wandongwa

Nakupenda

Itifaki

<h3>Best Indigenous Language (South Africa)</h3>

Service To Heart

Uncle Limbani

Motshameko O Kotsi

<h3>Best Indigenous Language Film (West Africa)</h3>

Mami Wata (CJ Fiery Obasi)

Jagun Jagun (Femi Adebayo)

Ijogbon (Kunle Afolayan)

Orisa (Odunlade Adekola)

Nana Akoto (Kwabena Gyansah)

<h3>Best Short Film</h3>

T’egbon T’aburo

Broken Mask

Eighteenth Year

Man and Masquerades

A Place Called Forward

<h3>Best Supporting Actor</h3>

Alexx Ekubo (Afamefuna)

Demola Adedoyin (Breath of Life)

Itele d Icon (Jagun Jagun: The Warrior)

Gregory Ojefua (This is Life)

Timini Egbuson (A Tribe Called Judah)

Levi Chikere (Blood Vessel)

Ropo Ewenla (Over the Bridge)

<h3>Best Supporting Actress</h3>

Joke Silva (Over the Bridge)

Fathia Williams (Jagun Jagun – The Warrior)

Bimbo Akintola (The Black Book)

Genoveva Umeh (Breath of Life)

Eliane Umuhire (Omen)

Tana Adelana (Ijogbon – Chaos)

Ejiro Onojaife (The Origin: Madam Koi Koi)

<h3>Best Lead Actor</h3>

Wale Ojo (Breath of Life)

Stan Nze (Afamefuna)

Marc Zinga (Omen)

Gideon Okeke (Egun)

David Ezekiel (Blood Vessel)

Richard Mofe Damijo (The Black Book)

Adedimeji Lateef (Jagun Jagun – The Warrior)

Gabriel Afolayan (This is Lagos)

<h3>Best Lead Actress</h3>

Segi Lolaogidan (Over the Bridge)

Lucie Debay (Omen)

Omowunmi Dada (Asiri Ade)

Ireti Doyle (The Origin: Madam Koi Koi)

Adaobi L. Dibor (Blood Vessel)

Evelyne Ily (Mami Wata)

Kehinde Bankole (Adire)

Funke Akindele (A Tribe Called Judah)

<h3>Best Cinematography</h3>

MAMI WATA

Blood Vessel

Over The Bridge

Breath of Life

Jagun Jagun (The Warrior)

Ijogbon (Chaos)

Omen

<h3>Best Editing</h3>

Chuka Ejorh And Onyekachi Banjo

Holmes Awa

Alex Kamau And Victor Obok

Dayo Nathaniel

Antonio Ribeiro

Nathan Delannoy

<h3>Best Sound Design</h3>

Ava Momoh (Over the Bridge)

Daniel Pellerin and Amin Bhatia (Kipkemboi)

Grey Jones Ossai x2 (Breathe of Life and Blood Vessel)

Samy Bardet (Mami Wata)

<h3>Best Art Direction</h3>

Blood Vessel (Victor Akpan)

Over The Bridge (Abisola Omolade)

Breath of Life (Okechukwu Frost Nwankwo, Kelechi Odu)

The Black Book (Pat Nebo and Chima Temple)

Jagun Jagun: The Warrior (Tunji Afolayan)

Mami Wata (C.J Fiery Obasi)

Omen (Eve Martin)

<h3>Best Costume Design</h3>

Demola Adeyemi

Bolanle Austin Peters, Ituen Basi, Folake Coker and Clement Effanga

Lola Awe

Bunmi Demilola Fashina

Daniel Obasi

<h3>Best Makeup</h3>

Francesca Otaigbe (Over the Bridge)

Campbell Precious (Mami Wata)

Hadizat Gambo (Mojisola)

Hakeem Onilogbo (Jagun Jagun – The Warrior)

Feyisayo Oyebisi (A Tribe Called Judah)

<h3>Best Writing TV Series</h3>

Skinny Girl in Transit (Season 7)

Wura (Season 2)

Visa on Arrival

MTV Shuga Naija

Volume

Masquerades of Aniedo

Slum King

<h3>Best Writing In A Movie</h3>

Breath of Life (BB Sasore)

Over The Bridge (Tosin Otudeko)

Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti (Tunde Babalola)

Jagun Jagun: The Warrior (Adebayo Tijani)

Afamefuna (Anyanwu Sandra Adaora)

A Tribe Called Judah (Olufunke Ayotunde Akindele, Collins Okoh and Akinlabi Ishola)

Mami Wata (CJ Fiery Obasi)

<h3>Best Documentary</h3>

Ormoilaa Ogol (The Strong One)

Lobola, A Bride’s True Price?

Empalikino (Forgiveness)

The Water Manifesto: Osun (Water for Gold)

Sowing Hope

<h3>Best Scripted Series</h3>

Volume

Wura (Season 2)

Slum King

Itura

Chronicles

<h3>Best Unscripted Series</h3>

Lol Naija (SEASON 1)

Nightlife In Lasgidi

The Real Housewives Of Lagos (SEASON 2)

GH QUEENS (SEASON 2)

MUTALE MWANZA UNSCRIPTED (SEASON 1)

<h3>Best Director</h3>

Moses Inwang (Blood Vessel)

Adebayo Tijani And Tope Adebayo (Jagun Jagun: The Warrior)

Bb Sasore (Breath Of Life)

Johnscott Enah (Half Heaven)

C.J Fiery Obasi (Mami Wata)

Kayode Kasum (Afamefula)

Tolu Ajayi (Over The Bridge)

<h3>Best Movie </h3>

Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti

Breath of Life

Over The Bridge

Blood Vessel

A Tribe Called Judah

The Black Book

MAMI WATA

Following the theme of the 10th AMVCA, Busola Tejumola, during her speech, disclosed that the award show will be a ‘celebration of a decade of excellence’ and that the platform is still committed to creating opportunities for unique African stories and storytellers.

Over The Bridge, Breath Of Life, Mami Wata dominates AMVCA10 nominations.


Source: https://businessday.ng/life-arts/article/over-the-bridge-breath-of-life-mami-wata-dominates-amvca10-nominations-2/

Over The Bridge, Breath Of Life, Mami Wata dominate AMVCA10 nominations


NAIROBI, 27th June 2024: Due to the unacceptable Loss of Lives and mass Hospitalisations over the last 2 Weeks, the Staff, Directors & Filmmakers of MyMovies.Africa™ don't feel it's Appropriate to hold our Watch Party this Saturday 29th June 2024, as planned.

Instead, we are in Mourning and Calling for Justice for all Victims, via the International Criminal Court, where Incidents can be Reported, here: https://otplink.icc-cpi.int/

INFLUENCED and TEKA shall now be Screened & Discussed at #WeWatchKenyan with
MyMovies.Africa™, on Saturday 28th September 2024 (06.00pm-10.00pm), at OUT Reality, The Mall (basement), Westlands – Nairobi.

Tickets are already on Sale (only 80 Seats), here: https://app.mymovies.africa/playback/d9f374f2fd5667af

We shall contact Customers with Tickets for June, to Transfer them to September.

Created by YAKWETU™, #WeWatchKenyan with MyMovies.Africa™ is a monthly Watch Party aimed at Promoting local Film and Content, as well as building a Community of Kenyan Creatives who actually watch Kenyan Content!

The two Short Films, now Rescheduled to September 2024, are:
INFLUENCED: Dive into the Glamorous, yet Fragile, world of Ben (George Waweru) and Kay (Ciku Waithaka) - a popular Influencer Couple. Watch as their Picture-perfect Life begins to Crumble during a pivotal Shoot, exposing the raw Emotions behind their curated Image.

TEKA: Feel the intensity of Amani's (Nick Olwah) journey, burdened by Debt and desperate enough to Kidnap a Social Media Influencer - Hope (Amina Hussein). Their encounter is a gripping Tale of Vulnerability and unexpected Connection, that will leave you Breathless!

Tickets include:
✓ Screening of INFLUENCED and TEKA.
✓ An engaging post-screening Question & Answer, with the talented Cast and Crew, hosted by Nkatha of TALK FILM TO ME Podcast.
✓ Networking with the Cast & Crew, as well as other Professionals and Students from the Kenya Creative Industry.
✓ A FREE 7-day Rental of INFLUENCED and TEKA, exclusively on MyMovies.Africa™ to Rewatch with Family & Friends at Home!

Plus, you can conveniently Pre-order your favourite Milya’s Flavoured Popcorn and Kenyan Originals Cider or Iced Tea while getting your Tickets on MyMovies.Africa™!

Notes to Editors:

1). About #WeWatchKenyan by MyMovies.Africa™, from YAKWETU™ Online Limited

Created by YAKWETU™, #WeWatchKenyan with MyMovies.Africa™ is a monthly Watch Party aimed at Promoting local Film and Content, as well as building a Community of Kenyan Creatives who actually watch Kenyan Content!

Launched in July 2022, the #WeWatchKenyan Screened & Discussed two Films from Students of Kenyatta University – ‘Why U Hate’ in July and ‘Broken Mirror’ in September, as well as Celebrated the 10th Anniversary of Nairobi Half Life in August. On Mashujaa Day Eve in October, the courageous and Internationally-acclaimed ‘Bangarang‘ was Screened & Discussed; followed by ‘Medicine Man’ in November and the Kalasha Award-winning ‘Christmas Love’ in December.

Meaning both "Of Us" and "For Us" in Kiswahili (the most popular African language), YAKWETU™ is an Online Home Entertainment & Edutainment System - of Africa, for Africa.

Using their proprietary Kenyan-made Applications, 2023 WIPO Global Award-winning YAKWETU™ is an online Retailer of Digital Content, from Africa, to Africa and for Africa - through a Range of thoughtfully Curated branded Services, that supply Consumers with securely Encrypted original Titles, that fairly Pays the Creators, unlike Pirated alternatives.

Released on 26th September 2019, our Proof-of-Concept is MyMovies.Africa™, as a Mobile-first Digital Cinema Extension, offering securely Encrypted original Movies from Africa (i.e. New Releases, Classics, Features, Shorts, Animations, Documentaries, etc) on Smart Devices, including Phones, Tablets, Laptops and Smart TVs, across Africa and to her Diaspora in 195 Countries.

Its core Products are a Premium Video On Demand – PVOD (#RentFor2Days) for New Releases, Transactional Video On Demand – TVOD (#RentFor7Days), Electronic Sell Through – EST (#OwnForLife) purchase and Watch Parties, all Accessed here: https://app.mymovies.africa

More: https://www.yakwetu.africa

2). About INFLUENCED (2023)

A popular Influencer couple - Ben (George Waweru) and Kay (Ciku Waithaka), confront a pivotal Shoot that reveals Cracks in their Relationship. As the Camera captures their Struggle, their Perfect image Shatters.

More: https://app.mymovies.africa/playback/ffa03371de6e64e2?title=INFLUENCED

3). About TEKA (2023)

Amani (Nick Olwah), drowning in debt to a ruthless Loan Shark, makes a drastic decision to kidnap Hope (Amina Hussein) - a social media Influencer hiding her own painful struggles behind a facade of luxury. What follows is a heart-wrenching journey where both strangers open up about their traumas,
finding unexpected solace and connection in eachother's stories.

More: https://app.mymovies.africa/playback/5f87ce41fb468ed1?title=TEKA

4). About OUT Reality by BlackRhinoVR

OUT Reality is an eXtended Reality (XR) Lab and Exhibition space exploring the synergies between Art and Technology. Conceived with a vision to democratise access to XR infrastructure, OUT Reality is divided into two facets:

a). The Space: the OUT Reality Space is a platform for Artists and contemporary art Audiences to access Technology and Exhibit new media & digital artworks, through curated Programmes of Exhibitions, Talks, Performances, Residencies and Events.

b). The Lab: the OUT Reality Lab is for Artistic Exploration at the Intersection of Art & Technology, blending eXtended Reality (XR) Technologies with visual Artforms. The Lab aims at providing an experimental Space that promotes interdisciplinary Collaboration between Artists and Developers to
create Immersive Digital Experiences.

OUT Reality is a Property of BlackRhino VR - an award-winning Kenyan based eXtended Reality (XR) Tech Business, based in Nairobi - Kenya. Founded in 2015, we see ourselves as agents of change in accelerating the adoption of Immersive Technologies in Africa, by empowering the youth to be the XR
innovators and inventors of the future.

As creative Technologists, we leverage XR knowledge to expand opportunities for significant socio-economic and cultural growth among the youth, that will help create jobs, reduce poverty and contribute to overcoming our continent’s development challenges.

More: https://www.blackrhinovr.com/


Postponement of June 2024 edition of #WeWatchKenyan with MyMovies.Africa™


The short film “Act Of Love” has achieved remarkable success with 15 festival selections, 9 nominations, and 5 awards within just 13 weeks since its premiere.

The latest honors include Best Short Film and Best Scriptwriter at the Mombasa International Film Festival.

<img src="https://uncutmedia.live/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/image-55.png"/>

To celebrate, the cast and crew will host a free screening at The Alchemist in Westlands on January 30, 2024.

The event, in collaboration with MyMovies.Africa, aims to bring the impactful narrative to a wider audience.

<a href="https://app.mymovies.africa/playback/f23879c9f04ad9b0">With only 100 seats available, interested individuals can register for the screening. </a>

<img src="https://uncutmedia.live/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Snapinsta.app_294134243_1199143190932311_847485438236255348_n_1080.jpg"/>
<figcaption>---Shirleen Wangari – Producer </figcaption>

“Act Of Love,” inspired by a true story in Nairobi, explores the challenges of motherhood and highlights Post-Partum Depression in Africa.

The film previously won awards at the Mashariki African Film Festival and Sauti Zetu Film Festival.

Produced by Blackwell Films in collaboration with Ripple Productions, the film is funded by Some Fine Day Pix, GIZ, and DocuBox East Africa Fund.

<iframe width="729" height="410" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DWezI_nuQTo" title="Act of Love Film Trailer" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>

“Act of Love” was released on October 20th 2023.

Storyline

In the search of a livelihood, Juliana, a young mother, holds on to sanity by a thread, as her world is turned upside down.

After losing her job at a restaurant, Juliana downsizes to a one-roomed house in an informal neighborhood in Nairobi.

Her luck turns when she is shortlisted as a finalist by a top accounting firm. On this day, the interview is at 11:00 am.

The landlord, Mr. Mutisya, gives her a final notice to pay her rent areas the same morning.

Her neighbor, Mama Mukami, who has promised to watch her 2-month baby, has a campaign engagement for the local politician.

Sister Magdalene, despite being sympathetic to Juliana cannot allow her to leave the baby at the church due to a ‘pandemic’ of mothers abandoning their children in the compound.

Undeterred, Juliana beats the clock and makes it for the interview, her fussy baby in her arms.

A sequence of events triggered by her baby’s cries make her lose her promising interview. Broken, frustrated, holding onto sanity a thread, she questions her love for her baby.

Cast

    Veronica Gatuguta as Mama Mukami
    Naomi Mburu as Jane
    Dennis Musyoka as Mutisya
    Mwixx Mutinda as Juliana
    Elsaphan Njora as Mark
    Millicent Ogutu as Interviewer
    Godfrey Ojiambo as the Watchman
    Julisa Rowe as Sister Magdalene
    Jasmine Talia as Baby Anna
    Yvonne Wambui as Mama Johnny


Source: https://uncutmedia.live/2024/01/29/short-film-act-of-love-celebrates-5-honors-in-13-weeks/



Short Film ‘Act Of Love’ Celebrates 5 Honors in 13 Weeks


23rd September 2024, Nairobi:  A 2022 Ugandan Documentary on the Tradition of making Beer from Bananas: ‘THE TONTO MASTERS OF KAINAMO’, has made its Worldwide Premiered on Kenyan Digital Cinema Extension – MyMovies.Africa™.

Set in the heart of Kainamo Village - Bushenyi, in southwestern Uganda, ‘THE TONTO MASTERS OF KAINAMO’ tells the Story of the fading Art of Tonto (Banana Beer) Brewing - a cherished Tradition among the Banyankore people.  Narrated by Nsaba Leonard Mafara, this Documentary takes you on an intimate journey with Brewmaster - Kiiza Francis, into the meticulous Process of crafting Tonto - from Ripening the Bananas in a carefully prepared Pit, to the final Fermentation in wooden Boats.  As modernisation Threatens to erase these Age-old Techniques, the Film showcases the delicate Balance between cultural Preservation and Progress.

“In 2024 and beyond, it’s so Critical that such Traditions from Africa are Preserved”, says Ms. Trushna Buddhdev-Patel, Co-Founder, Chief Executive Officer & Content Director of YAKWETU™ - the maker of MyMovies.Africa™. “And we are Dedicated to making this Film available Worldwide to raise Awareness, for Support”.

 
Using proprietory Technology, MyMovies.Africa™ has a new Request Screening feature, which now allows Institutions like Museums, Universities, Colleges and Schools anywhere in the World, to Self-serve a Screening of such important Documentaries offline to Groups of various Sizes, while the Content is still Encrypted against Piracy – instead of sending a unprotected MP4.  Request Screening was first Commercially Tested with Mavuno Church in Uganda, during Good Friday 2024, with a Screening of ‘WHERE THE RIVER DIVIDES’.
 
“We hope that Universities, Colleges, Schools, Government Offices and Non-Governmental Organisations in Uganda, and its Diaspora, will Screen ‘THE TONTO MASTERS OF KAINAMO’, as a Conversation-starter about the Importance of such Cultural Preservation in Uganda and Africa”, says Mr. Mike Strano, Co-Founder & Chief Operations Officer of YAKWETU™.  “The Film is also available to Rent or Own, by Ugandans and Africans at Home & Abroad, in local currency and methods, on MyMovies.Africa™. Proceeds go to the Filmmakers, so they can continue Telling such important Stories.”


Meanwhile, Mike Strano shall be in Kampala on Friday 18th October 2024, after Presentations on Distribution and Anti-Piracy at European Work in Progress (EWIP), and the International Film Distribution Summit (IFDS), both in Cologne – Germany, earlier that Week.  “I look forward to Meeting more Filmmakers from Uganda, as we increase our Catalogue of local Content for our Service there”, he says.


<h4> Notes to Editors: </h4>

1). More about ‘THE TONTO MASTERS OF KAINAMO’

Set in the heart of Kainamo Village - Bushenyi, in southwestern Uganda, ‘THE TONTO MASTERS OF KAINAMO’ tells the Story of the fading Art of Tonto (Banana Beer) Brewing - a cherished Tradition among the Banyankore people.  Narrated by Nsaba Leonard Mafara, this Documentary takes you on an intimate journey with Brewmaster - Kiiza Francis, into the meticulous Process of crafting Tonto - from Ripening the Bananas in a carefully prepared Pit, to the final Fermentation in wooden Boats.  As modernisation Threatens to erase these Age-old Techniques, the Film showcases the delicate Balance between cultural Preservation and Progress.
 
More: https://app.mymovies.africa/playback/3175116ab51d1335

Other Documentaries: https://app.mymovies.africa/genres/documentaries
 

2). About YAKWETU™ Online Limited

Meaning both "Of Us" and "For Us" in Kiswahili (the most popular African language), YAKWETU™ is an Online Home Entertainment & Edutainment System - of Africa, for Africa.

Using their proprietary Kenyan-made Applications, YAKWETU™ is an online Retailer and Distributor of Digital Content, from Africa, to Africa and for Africa - through a Range of thoughtfully Curated branded Services, that supply Consumers with securely Encrypted original Titles, that fairly Pays the Creators, unlike Pirated alternatives.
 

Released on 26th September 2019, their Proof-of-Concept is MyMovies.Africa™, as a Mobile-first Digital Cinema Extension, offering securely Encrypted original Movies from Africa (i.e. New Releases, Classics, Features, Shorts, Animations, Documentaries, etc) on Smart Devices, including Phones, Tablets, Laptops and Smart TVs, across Africa and to her Diaspora in 195 Countries.

Its core Products are a Premium Video On Demand – PVOD (#RentFor2Days) for New Releases, Transactional Video On Demand – TVOD (#RentFor7Days), Electronic Sell Through – EST (#OwnForLife) purchase and Watch Parties, here: https://app.mymovies.africa 

On 11th July 2023, YAKWETU™ emerged 1 of the 7 Winners from 548 Submissions and 25 Finalists – of 16 Countries and from Industries like Creative, Food, Green Technology, Health & more, at the World Intellectual Property Organisation’s WIPO Global Awards: https://www.wipo.int/global-awards/en/2023/winners.html.  YAKWETU™ is the first-ever Company from the Creative Industry globally to Win this Award, plus the first-ever Winner from Africa.


More: https://www.yakwetu.africa



THE TONTO MASTERS OF KAINAMO’ Premieres in Uganda and Worldwide on MyMovies.Africa™


Kenyan movie, Thief, which premiered at the Century Cinemax cinema at Two Rivers has begun streaming on MyMoviesAfrica.

The thriller, directed by Andrew Odera and Kiwo Maole is set in Nairobi and follows the compelling journey of Oliver (Lucarelli Onyango) – a reformed ex-thief faced with the impossible task of saving his critically ill son.

When an unexpected opportunity arises to secure his son’s future, via a wealthy benefactor – Edward (Neville Misati), through a daring heist of Donna’s (Helen Keli) fortune, Oliver finds himself torn between desperation and morality.

“We are thrilled to bring Thief to audiences worldwide,” said directors Andrew Odera and Kiwo Maole.

“It’s a story that resonates with the universal themes of love, sacrifice and the pursuit of redemption.

“We believe that audiences will relate to these characters in one way or another, finding themselves drawn into their journey and discovering moments of inspiration in their resilience.”

Speaking about her role in the movie, Helen Keli who plays Donna said the experience was rewarding.

“Being part of Thief was incredibly rewarding. The team’s commitment and talent were unparalleled, navigating through numerous hurdles to craft a stunning piece of art.

“Witnessing the final product left me in awe, and amazed at how captivating the movie turned out to be.

“I feel fortunate to have contributed to such an exceptional project.”

Sharing his thoughts about the movie’s premiere, Neville Msati said he was open to working with Kiwo and Andrew again.

“The final edit of the movie exceeded my expectations on what it would be.

“It was a very pleasant surprise, and the reception was amazing! I expect to partner a lot with Kiwo and Andrew, either as cast or crew on future shoots.”

Thief is now available to Rent or Own (with no monthly subscription) in all 195 countries & territories globally, exclusively via Digital Cinema Extension – MyMovies.Africa™.

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WeDbhwgvJEM" title="OFFICIAL TRAILER: THE THIEF        #drama #action #crime #kenyanfilm #africanstories #kenyanmovies" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>




Source: https://www.kbc.co.ke/thief-begins-streaming-online-after-two-rivers-premiere/


Thief begins streaming online after Two Rivers premiere


An electrifying thriller, ‘Thief‘, directed by Andrew Odera and Kiwo Maole, premiered to critical acclaim on Saturday 13th April, at Century Cinemax in Two Rivers Mall, inclusive of a conversation with the star-studded Cast & Crew.

Set in Nairobi, ‘Thief’ follows the compelling journey of Oliver (Lucarelli Onyango) – a reformed ex-thief faced with the impossible task of saving his critically ill son.  When an unexpected opportunity arises to secure his son’s future, via a wealthy benefactor – Edward (Neville Misati), through a daring heist of Donna’s (Helen Keli) fortune, Oliver finds himself torn between desperation and morality.

<img src="https://www.kenyanvibe.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/6003875-1024x684.jpg"/>

For those who missed the Premiere, they have another chance to meet and engage the Cast & Crew, via a Screening of ‘Thief’ at the April 2024 edition of #WeWatchKenyan with MyMovies.Africa™ at OUT Reality, The Mall (basement) in Westlands – Nairobi, this Saturday 27th April, from 6.00pm, for a 7.00pm Screening and 7.30pm-9.00pm Question & Answer with the Cast & Crew.

After the Screening, Film Critic and Host of the Talk Film To Me podcast – Nkatha, shall Moderate a Panel Discussion with the Cast and Crew, including Andrew Odera (Writer, Director & Editor), Kiwo Maole (Lighting & Director), Lucarelli Onyango (Lead Actor), Neville Misati (Supporting Actor), Helen Keli (Lead Actress) and Julie Brenda (Supporting Actress).

“We are thrilled to bring ‘Thief‘ to audiences worldwide,” says Directors – Andrew Odera and Kiwo Maole. “It’s a story that resonates with the universal themes of love, sacrifice and the pursuit of redemption.  We believe that audiences will relate to these characters in one way or another, finding themselves drawn into their journey and discovering moments of inspiration in their resilience.”

<img src="https://www.kenyanvibe.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/6003786-1024x556.jpg"/>

“#WeWatchKenyan isn’t just an Event, it’s a Movement promoting local Film and Content, as well as building a Community of Kenyan Creatives who actually watch Kenyan Content!”, says Ms. Trushna Buddhdev-Patel – Co-Founder, Chief Executive Officer & Content Director at YAKWETU™.  “Our new Partnership with OUT Reality, owned by BlackRhino VR, shall empower #WeWatchKenyan Watch Parties every Month, from February til December 2024, for Customers of MyMovies.Africa™ to personally Interact with the Cast & Crew of some amazing local Films, like ‘Thief’.”

“BlackRhino VR is committed to empowering young Content Creators, from Kenya & Africa, to become the next Extended Reality (XR) innovators & inventors of the future”, says Ms. Shamina Rajab, its Managing Director.  “As such, we are also Aligned to the Vision of YAKWETU™, so we’re proudly Sponsoring #WeWatchKenyan  with our Venue.  Also, to celebrate International Women’s Month, from 6pm-7pm, BlackRhino VR shall also be Showcasing some immersive 360 Films.”

Tickets (only 80 Seats) are fast Selling-out for the third #WeWatchKenyanby MyMovies.Africa™ of 2024, featuring ‘Thief’, at OUT Reality, The Mall (basement) in Westlands, this Saturday 27th April (6.00pm, for a 7.00pm Screening and 7.30pm-9.00pm Q&A).

Get your Tickets, from just KES 349; and Discounts are Available for Duos, Trios, Squads & Groups, here: https://app.mymovies.africa/view/819322b3f76d2fcf


Source: https://www.kenyanvibe.com/thief-mymovies-africa-launches-their-latest-film-in-the-wewatchkenyan-series/

Thief: MyMovies.Africa Launches Their Latest Film In The #WeWatchKenyan Series


2023 has been yet another cinematic chapter in the Kenyan film industry, one which I can only describe as a captivating reel of artistic triumphs. From the extensive releases of Kenyan-produced films that have gone on to have screenings at various major festivals which make up part of the international film circuit, to having our strongest film yet submitted as a contender for the Best International Feature Film Award category at the Oscars 2024.

<img src="https://wakilisha.africa/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/A-scene-from-the-Kenyan-Film-Where-the-River-Divides_WAKILISHA.jpg"/>
<figcaption>A scene from the Kenyan film Where the River Divides (2023)A scene from the Kenyan film Where the River Divides (2023) | Image: IMDb </figcaption>

It is only right to celebrate the brilliant output of the Kenyan filmmakers currently at the center of producing films centered around Kenya that delve into the intricacies of the Kenyan experience, happenings, and ways of life. Below I have curated a list of what I consider to be the top five Kenyan films released in 2023, acknowledging the inherent subjectivity that shapes our individual perspectives on cinema.

1. Mvera

Directed by Daudi Anguka, who is mostly known for his Swahili telenovela Pete that airs on Maisha Magic, Mvera is arguably one of the finest Kenyan films in recent times.

<img src="https://wakilisha.africa/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Mvera_Top-5-Kenyan-Films-of-2023_WAKILISHA.jpg"/>

<figcaption>A scene in Mvera, Kenya’s official submission to the 2024 Academy Awards. Mvera appears on WAKILISHA's list of top 5 Kenyan Films released in 2023.A scene in Mvera, Kenya’s official submission to the 2024 Academy Awards. Mvera appears on WAKILISHA’s list of top 5 Kenyan Films released in 2023. | Image: WAKILISHA </figcaption>

It was recently announced as Kenya’s official submission to the 2024 Academy Awards by the Oscars Selection Committee Kenya (OSCK) to vie for the Best International Feature Film Award. Mvera features a stellar cast of fine actors and actresses such as Hillary Namanje, Kibibi Salim, Patrick Owino, Susan Kadid, Carorita Mutua and Linah Sande in the lead role.

<iframe width="820" height="515" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RxlwV2-liBM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>


The film is set in the Kenyan coast and follows the lead character, Mvera (Linah Sande), as she tries  to fight the corrupt practices that have plagued her poverty ridden community in a modern day retelling of the Mekatilili Wa Menza story. Mvera was  released on September 9th at Nyali Cinemax in Mombasa.


2. Where The River Divides

Set in the late 70s, Where the River Divides tells the story of Dennis ( portrayed by Gadwill Odhiambo) who must choose between conforming to the orthodox ways of his father’s clan or Christianity which he has come to embrace. The movie was filmed in Migori at the Thimlich Ohinga Archaeological Site, and alongside Gadwill features a cast of  Sandra Apondi, U.S based Kenyan actor Benjamin A. Onyango, Caroline Midimo Atieno, Fred Kasuku, Alan Oyugi among others.

<img src="https://wakilisha.africa/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/A-Scene-in-Where-the-River-Divides_Kenyan-Film-2023_WAKILISHA.jpg"/>

<figcaption>A scene from the 2023 Kenyan film ‘Where the River Divides’. In the film the son of a clan leader returns to his village following his baptism, he must choose whether to inherit his father’s legacy, or fulfill his newfound purpose and risk his life. | Image: IMDb </figcaption>

This film is produced by Isaac Masiga for MyMovies.Africa, a film streaming company founded in 2014  whose main purpose is termed to be connecting customers globally with African content of their choice and remunerating the creators of the content. It was initially released on 8th April 2023 in the United States and first made available for world wild streaming  on 15th August 2023 after its Kenyan premier at the Anga Cinema, Diamond Plaza in Nairobi.


3. Prayer For The Departed

Featuring Favour Odhiambo, Raymond Ofula, and Lucarelli Onyango in the lead roles among others, Prayers For The Departed narrates on the true story of a fourteen year old school girl referred to as JMM who is raped, gets pregnant and after initially seeking abortion services from a quackery doctor, is denied necessary healthcare from the government hospitals when it all goes sideways resulting in her death. This emotional film, which is a collaborative production of Safari Media and Xhale Africa, was released on the 25th of March 2023, at The Prestige Cinema in Nairobi, at a grand premier which was attended by an array of politicians, law makers and social justice activists.

<img src="https://wakilisha.africa/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Poster-for-the-2023-Kenyan-Film-Prayer-for-the-Departed_WAKILISHA.jpg"/>

<figcaption>Poster for the 2023 Kenyan Film Prayer for the DepartedPrayer For The Departed (2023) is a Kenyan film directed by Dancurf Brown. The film is inspired by a true story, the film explores the journey of a Kenyan girl forced to confront a maze of complex decisions no teenager should ever have to make. | Image: Dancurf Brown </figcaption>

4. Mtaa Yangu

Set in the neighborhood of Mwiki in Nairobi, and featuring a cast comprising of Sasha Orege, Emily Nene, Mavoko Mbatha as the lead and Mary Kinya among others, Mtaa Yangu is a crime thriller directed by Likale Washington Muyonga. It tells the story of a gang leader named Kiprotich  who exploits Mwiki residents.

<iframe width="820" height="515" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uhRq3YJwh40" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>


With thrilling action and fight sequences to die for, Mtaa Yangu was released on 6th October 2023 at the Anga Cinema, Diamond Plaza and screened also at select venues across Nairobi and beyond.

5. Act Of Love

Directed by the talented Eric Mwangi, produced  by Shirleen Wangari and with an amazing screenplay written by Shelly Gitonga, Act Of Love explores the struggles of motherhood through the story of Juliana ( portrayed by Mwixx Mutinda), who must hold on for the sake of her young child despite how every support system she has comes crumbling down.

<img src="https://wakilisha.africa/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/A-scene-from-the-Kenyan-film-Act-of-Love-released-in-2023_WAKILISHA.jpg"/>

<figcaption>Mwikali Mutinda in the Kenyan film Act of Love (2023)Mwikali Mutinda in the Kenyan film Act of Love (2023) | Image: IMDb</figcaption>

Initially released on  June 7th 2023 in the United States, the film which has made its way through  the international Film circuit  with various screenings in festivals across the globe, had its Kenyan premier on  20th October 2023 at the Anga Cinema Diamond Plaza in Nairobi.


Source: https://wakilisha.africa/top-5-kenyan-films-released-in-2023/


Top 5 Kenyan Films Released In 2023


An anti-piracy task force arrested two suspects for distributing pirated content in a joint operation led by the Partners Against Piracy (PAP) Association of Kenya, with the support of the National Police and the Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO).

The task force conducted a sting operation in the Githunguri and Kasarani areas, shutting down two illegal internet streaming sites.

The raid led to the arrest of two suspects involved in the illegal distribution and sale of login credentials to access premium content.

Authorities seized key equipment, including two phones, two laptops, and 65 unauthorized login accounts.

Mike Strano, chairman of PAP and co-founder of MyMovies.Africa, emphasized that the raid highlights Partners Against Piracy’s continuous efforts to combat piracy and safeguard the rights of content creators in Kenya.

“The distribution of pirated content by the suspects not only undermines the Kenyan economy, but also harms the entertainment industry and content creators. This illegal activity deprives the rightful owners of their due revenues and affects overall investment in quality content creation.”

Frederick Saramba, Head of Detection & Enforcement at PAP and Anti-Piracy Manager at MultiChoice Kenya, added that illegal streaming operators promise unlimited access to premium content at extremely low subscription fees, compounding the challenges of shutting them down.

“Pirates continue to profit from content they have not invested in. They are stealing high quality finished products that represent significant investment in terms of money, time and talent, posing a significant threat to the local creative industry,” Saramba said.

Bernard Kioko, Deputy Head of Detection & Enforcement at PAP and founder of Bernsoft, added; “As an association that continuously protects the content of our creators, we remain committed to the fight against piracy and we call on Kenyans to help us combat this menace by sharing tips on such activities, even as we prepare for the upcoming Euro 2024. We believe that together we can develop and grow a robust local creative economy.”

PAP estimates that piracy exacts a heavy toll on the country’s creative economy, amounting to approximately Kes. 92 billion annually, or Kes. 252 million in gross losses every day.

For instance, the report reveals that piracy deprives the music industry of Kes. 15 billion and TV stations of Kes. 8 billion each year.

An Irdeto survey indicates that piracy is on the rise, with users in five major African territories, including Kenya, making 17.4 million visits to the top 10 identified piracy sites on the Internet within a three-month period.




Source: https://nairobiwire.com/2024/06/two-arrested-for-distributing-pirated-content-in-kasarani-sting-operation.html

Two Arrested for Distributing Pirated Content in Kasarani Sting Operation


In the heart of Nairobi's vibrant Westlands district, a beacon of local cinema has found its new home. WeWatchKenyan, a movement dedicated to the promotion and appreciation of Kenyan films and content, is set to inaugurate its partnership with OUT Reality, marking a significant milestone in the local entertainment scene. The opening event, scheduled for this evening at 7pm, promises an intimate gathering of cinema enthusiasts with the screening of Love Estranged, an anthology that delves into the complexities of broken hearts and love through seven short films.


<h4> Spotlight on Kenyan Talent </h4>

In collaboration with MyMovies.Africa, WeWatchKenyan's choice of Love Estranged as their first screening event of 2024 is more than just a cinematic experience; it's a statement. The selection underscores a commitment to showcasing the depth and diversity of Kenyan storytelling, providing a platform for local talent to shine on both the national and international stage. The anthology format, with its exploration of love's myriad forms and failures, offers viewers a mosaic of emotions, all while underlining the universal truths that bind us.

<h4> Engaging with the Creators </h4>

What sets tonight's event apart is the opportunity for attendees to engage directly with the minds behind the magic. An interactive Q&A session with the cast and crew of Love Estranged is on the agenda, allowing fans and curious newcomers alike to delve deeper into the creative process, inspirations, and challenges faced during the making of the film. This dialogue between creators and audience is a rare and valuable chance to gain insight into the Kenyan film industry and the people propelling it forward.

<h4> A Race Against Time for Tickets </h4>

With only 70 seats available, the exclusivity of the event has fueled a fervent rush for tickets. The limited seating ensures an intimate atmosphere, fostering a closer connection between the film and its viewers, and between the audience and the creators. This choice, intentional in its aim to create a shared communal experience, highlights the essence of what WeWatchKenyan seeks to achieve: building a tight-knit community of film lovers and creators, united in their passion for Kenyan cinema.
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As the doors of OUT Reality open tonight to welcome guests to this landmark event, the screening of <b>Love Estranged</b> stands not just as a celebration of Kenyan film but as a testament to the enduring power of storytelling. Through the lens of broken hearts and the quest for love, the event promises to be a memorable journey into the heart of Kenyan cinema, offering a glimpse of the potential that lies within the local film industry. With the clock ticking down to the start of the screening, the excitement within Nairobi's film community is palpable, heralding the start of a new chapter for WeWatchKenyan and the stories it seeks to tell.

Source: https://bnnbreaking.com/world/kenya/wewatchkenyan-launches-partnership-with-out-reality-screening-love-estranged


WeWatchKenyan launches a partnership with OUT Reality, showcasing 'Love Estranged', an anthology film exploring love and heartbreak. Attend the exclusive event to engage with Kenyan talent and celebrate local cinema.

WeWatchKenyan Launches Partnership with OUT Reality, Screening 'Love Estranged'


After a successful six-month run at iHub, #WeWatchKenyan has found an exciting new home at Out Reality in Westlands.

This 70-seat venue, equipped with state-of-the-art audio-visual facilities and a pop-up bar by The Mist, provides the perfect setting to celebrate, watch, and discuss new films from Kenya.

The first #WeWatchKenyan event of 2024, presented by MyMovies.Africa™, will feature Love Estranged at OUT Reality in Westlands this Saturday, February 17th. The screening will begin at 7pm, preceded by an interactive Q&A session from 8pm to 9pm.

“#WeWatchKenyan isn’t just an event; it’s a movement promoting local film and content, as well as building a community of Kenyan creatives who actively support Kenyan content,” says Mr. Mike Strano, Co-Founder & Chief Operations Officer at Yakwetu.

“Our new partnership with OUT Reality, owned by BlackRhino VR, will empower #WeWatchKenyan watch parties every month throughout 2024,” adds Mr. Strano.

“This partnership will allow customers of MyMovies.Africa to personally interact with the cast and crew of some amazing local films.”

Ms. Shamina Rajab, Managing Director of BlackRhino VR, expresses her commitment to empowering young content creators from Kenya and Africa.

“We are aligned with the vision of Yakwetu, and we are proud to sponsor #WeWatchKenyan with our venue,” she says.

The 2024 debut of #WeWatchKenyan will feature a Valentine’s Special in partnership with Camean Media, titled Love Estranged.

This anthology of seven short films explores themes of broken hearts, broken promises, and broken love. Starring an ensemble cast, Love Estranged delves into the darker side of romance.

The event will include an audience-interactive conversation with Casper Anachoni (Director), Winstone Wechuli (Producer), and actors Gikaara Mwangi (Marry Edge), Bilha Muthui (Virulent), and Carol Tatty (Distant).

Tickets for the screening are selling fast, with only 70 seats available. Don’t miss the first #WeWatchKenyan event of 2024, featuring Love Estranged at OUT Reality, Westlands Mall (basement) on Saturday, February 17, starting at 6pm.



WeWatchKenyan finds new home at Out Reality, Westlands Mall


After debuting in July 2022 for six months at iHub, #WeWatchKenyan has found a new home at Out Reality, The Mall (basement) in Westlands. The 70-seat venue, complete with in-built audio-visual facilities and a pop-up bar, The Mist, is ideal for celebrating, watching & discussing new films from Kenya.

The first #WeWatchKenyan by MyMovies.Africa™ of 2024, features Love Estranged, at OUT Reality, The Mall (basement) in Westlands, this Saturday 17th February (6 pm, for a 7 pm Screening and 8 pm-9 pm Q&A).

“#WeWatchKenyan isn’t just an event, it’s a movement promoting local film and content, as well as building a community of Kenyan creatives who watch Kenyan content!”, says Mr. Mike Strano – co-founder & chief operations officer at YAKWETU. “Our new partnership with Out Reality, owned by BlackRhino VR, shall empower #WeWatchKenyan watch parties every month, from February till December 2024, for customers of MyMovies.Africa™ to personally interact with the cast & crew of some amazing local Films.”

“BlackRhino VR is committed to empowering young content creators, from Kenya and Africa, to become the next extended reality (XR) innovators & inventors of the future”, says Ms. Shamina Rajab, its managing director. “As such, we are also aligned to the vision of YAKWETU, so we’re proudly sponsoring #WeWatchKenyan within our Venue.”

The 2024 debut of #WeWatchKenyan is a Valentine’s special, in partnership with Camean Media’s production Love Estranged – an anthology of seven short films, that highlights broken hearts, broken promises, broken love, namely: Oust, MarryEdge, Mine, Brutal, Contrast, Virulent and Distant. Starring and Ensemble Cast, Love Estranged is when romance turns sour.

<img src="https://expression.africa/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Love-Estranged-696x858.jpeg"/>

This edition of #WeWatchKenyan by MyMovies.Africa features a very audience-interactive conversation with Casper Anachoni (director), Winstone Wechuli (producer), as well as actors – Gikaara Mwangi (Marry edge), Bilha Muthui (Virulent) and Carol Tatty (Distant).

Tickets (only 70 Seats) are fast selling out for the first #WeWatchKenyan by MyMovies.Africa of 2024, featuring Love Estranged, at Out Reality, The Mall (basement) in Westlands, this Saturday 17th February (6pm, for a 7pm screening and 8pm-9 pm Q&A).

Get your Tickets, for Singles (KES 349) and Couples (KES 599), here.

Details of the tickets include:

    Seven captivating short films, in the Anthology of Love Estranged.
    An engaging post-screening question & answer, with the talented cast and crew.
    A free seven-day rental of Love Estranged, exclusively on MyMovies.Africa to re-watch with family & friends at home!


Source: https://expression.africa/wewatchkenyan-monthly-watch-party-returns-with-love-estranged/


#WeWatchKenyan monthly watch party returns with Love Estranged


<strong> NAIROBI, 23rd April 2024: </strong> ‘Thief’ - an electrifying thriller, directed by Andrew Odera and Kiwo Maole, premiered to a critical acclaim on Saturday 13th April, at Century Cinemax in Two Rivers Mall, inclusive of a conversation with the star-studded Cast & Crew.

For those who missed the Premiere, they have another chance to meet and engage the Cast & Crew, via a Screening of ‘Thief’ at the April 2024 edition of #WeWatchKenyan with MyMovies.Africa™ at OUT Reality, The Mall (basement) in Westlands – Nairobi, this Saturday 27th April, from 6.00pm, for a 7.00pm Screening and 7.30pm-9.00pm Question & Answer with the Cast & Crew.

Set in Nairobi, ‘Thief’ follows the compelling journey of Oliver (Lucarelli Onyango) - a reformed ex-thief faced with the impossible task of saving his critically ill son. When an unexpected opportunity arises to secure his son's future, via a wealthy benefactor - Edward (Neville Misati), through a daring heist of Donna's (Helen Keli) fortune, Oliver finds himself torn between desperation and morality.

After the Screening, Film Critic and Host of the Talk Film To Me podcast – Nkatha, shall Moderate a Panel Discussion with the Cast and Crew, including Andrew Odera (Writer, Director & Editor), Kiwo Maole (Lighting & Director), Lucarelli Onyango (Lead Actor), Neville Misati (Supporting Actor), Helen Keli (Lead Actress) and Julie Brenda (Supporting Actress).

"We are thrilled to bring 'Thief' to audiences worldwide," says Directors - Andrew Odera and Kiwo Maole. "It's a story that resonates with the universal themes of love, sacrifice and the pursuit of redemption. We believe that audiences will relate to these characters in one way or another, finding themselves drawn into their journey and discovering moments of inspiration in their resilience."

“#WeWatchKenyan isn’t just an Event, it’s a Movement promoting local Film and Content, as well as building a Community of Kenyan Creatives who actually watch Kenyan Content!”, says Ms. Trushna Buddhdev-Patel – Co-Founder, Chief Executive Officer & Content Director at YAKWETU™. “Our new Partnership with OUT Reality, owned by BlackRhino VR, shall empower #WeWatchKenyan Watch Parties every Month, from February til December 2024, for Customers of MyMovies.Africa™ to personally Interact with the Cast & Crew of some amazing local Films, like ‘Thief’.”

“BlackRhino VR is committed to empowering young Content Creators, from Kenya & Africa, to become the next Extended Reality (XR) innovators & inventors of the future”, says Ms. Shamina Rajab, its Managing Director. “As such, we are also Aligned to the Vision of YAKWETU™, so we’re proudly Sponsoring #WeWatchKenyan with our Venue. Also, to celebrate International Women’s Month, from 6pm-7pm, BlackRhino VR shall also be Showcasing some immersive 360 Films.”

Tickets (only 80 Seats) are fast Selling-out for the third #WeWatchKenyan by MyMovies.Africa™ of 2024, featuring ‘Thief’, at OUT Reality, The Mall (basement) in Westlands, this Saturday 27th April (6.00pm, for a 7.00pm Screening and 7.30pm-9.00pm Q&A).

Get your Tickets, from just KES 349; and Discounts are Available for Duos, Trios, Squads & Groups, here: https://app.mymovies.africa/view/819322b3f76d2fcf

Tickets include:

✓ Screening of ‘Thief’.

✓ An engaging post-screening Question & Answer, with the talented Cast and Crew.

✓ A FREE 7-day Rental of ‘Thief’, exclusively on MyMovies.Africa™ to Rewatch with Family & Friends at Home!

<h4> Notes to Editors: </h4>

<h4> 1). About ‘Thief’ (2024) </h4>

In a desperate bid to save his critically ill son, reformed ex-thief -Oliver (Lucarelli Onyango), teams-up with wealthy benefactor - Edward (Neville Misati), for a daring Heist targeted at Donna's (Helen Keli) fortune.

More, here: https://app.mymovies.africa/playback/819322b3f76d2fcf

Photos and Interviews from there Premiere, courtesy of Sanaa Post, here:

• https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1gjKcSAMVFl_bZTgQ91zLEqsPF-HSyxkN

• https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1AN9r9PLRz9kp11UTeOfuQiqKEiUNFjpQ

• https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1clL9rZ-BR_74x93tyHNke-6Br4wBFhVB

<h4> 2). About Miyale Studios </h4>

Owned & operated by Writer, Director & Editor - Andrew Odera, Miyale Studios is a Storytelling company whose main goal is to drive the message home.

More: https://www.linkedin.com/company/miyale-studios/

<h4> 3). About Kiwo Films </h4>

Owned & operated by Gaffer & Director– Kiwo Maole, Kiwo Films’ mission is to create superior imagery.
A team of young people, with a great passion to tell Stories, they have trained in Media Communication and Film, to collaborate with different companies to accomplish great works of Art. They specialise in Documentaries, Company Profiles, Films, Television Commercials, Line Production, Web Content and Photography.

More: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiwo-films-24ab0769/

<h4> 4). About #WeWatchKenyan by MyMovies.Africa™, from YAKWETU™ Online Limited </h4> 

Launched in July 2022, the #WeWatchKenyan Screened & Discussed two Films from Students of Kenyatta University – ‘Why U Hate’ in July and ‘Broken Mirror’ in September, as well as Celebrated the 10th Anniversary of Nairobi Half Life in August. On Mashujaa Day Eve in October, the courageous and Internationally-acclaimed ‘Bangarang‘ was Screened & Discussed; followed by ‘Medicine Man’ in November and the Kalasha Award-winning ‘Christmas Love’ in December.

#WeWatchKenyan is a Property of YAKWETU™ - a 2023 WIPO Global Award-winning Kenyan Entertainment Technology Company that is both a Retailer and Distributor of Digital Content, from Africa, to Africa and for Africa - through a Range of thoughtfully Curated branded Services, that supply Consumers with securely Encrypted original Titles, that fairly Pays the Creators, unlike Pirated alternatives.

YAKWETU™ - meaning both "Of Us" and "For Us" in Kiswahili (the most popular African language), is an Online Home Entertainment & Edutainment System - of Africa, for Africa.

Released on 26th September 2019, our Poof-of-Concept is MyMovies.Africa™, as a Mobile-first Digital Cinema Extension, offering securely Encrypted original Movies from Africa (i.e. New Releases, Classics, Features, Shorts, Animations, Documentaries, etc) on Smart Devices, including Phones, Tablets, Laptops and Smart TVs, across Africa and to her Diaspora in 195 Countries.

Its core Products are a Premium Video On Demand – PVOD (#RentFor2Days) for New Releases, Transactional Video On Demand – TVOD (#RentFor7Days), Electronic Sell Through – EST (#OwnForLife) purchase and Watch Parties via ZOOM, all Accessed here: https://app.mymovies.africa.

More: https://www.yakwetu.africa

<h4> 5). OUT Reality by BlackRhinoVR </h4>

OUT Reality is an eXtended Reality (XR) Lab and Exhibition space exploring the synergies between Art and Technology. Conceived with a vision to democratise access to XR infrastructure, OUT Reality is divided into two facets:

a). The Space: the OUT Reality Space is a platform for Artists and contemporary art Audiences to access

Technology and Exhibit new media & digital artworks, through curated Programmes of Exhibitions, Talks, Performances, Residencies and Events.

b). The Lab: the OUT Reality Lab is for Artistic Exploration at the Intersection of Art & Technology, blending eXtended Reality (XR) Technologies with visual Artforms. The Lab aims at providing an experimental Space that promotes interdisciplinary Collaboration between Artists and Developers to create Immersive Digital Experiences.

OUT Reality is a Property of BlackRhino VR - an award-winning Kenyan based eXtended Reality (XR) Tech Business, based in Nairobi - Kenya. Founded in 2015, we see ourselves as agents of change in accelerating the adoption of Immersive Technologies in Africa, by empowering the youth to be the XR innovators and inventors of the future.

As creative Technologists, we leverage XR knowledge to expand opportunities for significant socio-economic and cultural growth among the youth, that will help create jobs, reduce poverty and contribute to overcoming our continent’s development challenges.

More: https://www.blackrhinovr.com/

The Saturday 27th April 2024’s edition of #WeWatchKenyan with MyMovies.Africa™, features the Cast & Crew of Kenya’s newest Crime Thriller: “Thief”!


Mark your calendars! This Saturday, July 27th, an exclusive screening and discussion of the captivating Luo film “Janam Otis” is scheduled to take place at Out Reality, located in the basement of The Mall, Westlands.

The event, hosted by #WeWatchKenyan, will kick off with a screening from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM, followed by an engaging Q&A session with the cast and crew.

WeWatchKenyan, created by Yakwetu in collaboration with MyMovies.Africa™, is a monthly watch party dedicated to promoting local films and content. The initiative aims to build a community of Kenyan creatives and enthusiasts who appreciate and support Kenyan cinema.

“We are excited to meet our fans and share the story behind the story,” says Dr. Zippy Okoth, Writer, Director, and Executive Producer of “Janam Otis.”

Adding to the excitement, “Janam Otis” has been officially selected to screen at the prestigious Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF). “What a way to also celebrate our recent Official Selection for ZIFF,” Dr. Okoth added.

“Janam Otis” follows the journey of Janam (Nick Kwach), a seemingly lazy fisherman whose life takes a dramatic turn when he wins a boat-racing championship. His victory not only earns him a prestigious title but also wins the heart of Api (Sarah Masese), the daughter of the wealthiest man in the village. As their romance blossoms, Janam faces challenges that could redefine his destiny. Will love prevail against all odds?

Tickets for this special event are on sale now for just KSh 499. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of “Janam Otis” and connect with the talent behind this remarkable film.



Source: https://www.kenyanvibe.com/wewatchkenyan-to-screen-nick-kwachs-luo-film-janam-otis/

 #WeWatchKenyan To Screen Nick Kwach’s Luo Film ‘Janam Otis’


NAIROBI, 01st September 2024: In 2024, what is Reality really? That’s the Question that #WeWatchKenyan with MyMovies.Africa™ shall Examine, during its 6th Watch Party for the Year, at OUT Reality, The Mall (basement) in Westlands – Nairobi, this coming Saturday 07th September, from 06.00pm, for a 07.00pm Screening and 08.00pm-09.30pm Question & Answer with the Cast & Crew.

Created by YAKWETU™, #WeWatchKenyan with MyMovies.Africa™ is a monthly Watch Party aimed at Promoting local Film and Content, as well as building a Community of Kenyan Creatives who actually watch Kenyan Content!

The two Short Films this Month, are:

1). INFLUENCED: Dive into the Glamorous, yet Fragile, world of Ben (George Waweru) and Kay (Ciku Waithaka) - a popular Influencer Couple. Watch as their Picture-perfect Life begins to Crumble during a pivotal Shoot, exposing the raw Emotions behind their curated Image.

2). TEKA: Feel the intensity of Amani's (Nick Olwah) journey, burdened by Debt and desperate enough to Kidnap a Social Media Influencer - Hope (Amina Hussein). Their encounter is a gripping Tale of Vulnerability and unexpected Connection, that will leave you Breathless!

“Being a Social Media Strategist, and a Film Critic, this is such a perfect Conversation for me to Moderate!”, says Nkatha, Host of TALK FILM TO ME Podcast. “I can’t wait to Watch these two Films, and Discuss their Take on Social Media with the Cast, Crew and Audience.”

“This month we’re Bringing some Comedy and Dramedy to #WeWatchKenyan with MyMovies.Africa™!”, says Mr. Mike Strano, Co-Founder, Chief Operations Officer of YAKWETU™. “On our Panel are some very funny Stand-up Comedians, who also Write and Produce. They are generously Sharing their Secrets for Success, with our Audience of Students, Professionals and Fans.”
Meet the brilliant Minds behind these Films:

✓ Ciku Waithaka - Writer and Actress of INFLUENCED.

✓ Samuel Oduor – Writer, Director and Producer of TEKA.

✓ Adams Eston – Assistant Producer of TEKA.

✓ Nick Olwah - Actor of TEKA.

Tickets (only 80 Seats) are fast Selling-out for the sixth #WeWatchKenyan by MyMovies.Africa™ of 2024, featuring the hilarious INFLUENCED and gripping TEKA, at OUT Reality, The Mall (basement) in Westlands, this Saturday 07th September 2024 (06.00pm, for a 07.00pm Screening, 08.00pm-09.30pm Q&A and 09.30pm-10.00pm Networking).

Get your Tickets, from just KES 349; and Discounts are Available for Duos, Trios, Squads & Groups, here:
https://app.mymovies.africa/playback/d9f374f2fd5667af

Tickets include:

✓ Screening of INFLUENCED and TEKA.

✓ An engaging post-screening Question & Answer, with the talented Cast and Crew.

✓ Networking with the Cast & Crew, as well as other Professionals and Students from the Kenya Creative Industry.

✓ A FREE 7-day Rental of INFLUENCED and TEKA, exclusively on MyMovies.Africa™ to Rewatch with Family & Friends at Home!

Plus, you can conveniently Pre-order your Popcorn and Kenyan Originals Cider or Iced Tea while getting your Tickets on MyMovies.Africa™!

Notes to Editors:

<h4> 1). About #WeWatchKenyan by MyMovies.Africa™, from YAKWETU™ Online Limited </h4>

Created by YAKWETU™, #WeWatchKenyan with MyMovies.Africa™ is a monthly Watch Party aimed at Promoting local Film and Content, as well as building a Community of Kenyan Creatives who actually watch Kenyan Content!

Launched in July 2022, the #WeWatchKenyan Screened & Discussed two Films from Students of Kenyatta University – ‘Why U Hate’ in July and ‘Broken Mirror’ in September, as well as Celebrated the 10th Anniversary of Nairobi Half Life in August. On Mashujaa Day Eve in October, the courageous and Internationally-acclaimed ‘Bangarang‘ was Screened & Discussed; followed by ‘Medicine Man’ in November and the Kalasha Award-winning ‘Christmas Love’ in December.

Meaning both "Of Us" and "For Us" in Kiswahili (the most popular African language), YAKWETU™ is an Online Home Entertainment & Edutainment System - of Africa, for Africa.

Using their proprietary Kenyan-made Applications, 2023 WIPO Global Award-winning YAKWETU™ is an online Retailer of Digital Content, from Africa, to Africa and for Africa - through a Range of thoughtfully Curated branded Services, that supply Consumers with securely Encrypted original Titles, that fairly Pays the Creators, unlike Pirated alternatives.

Released on 26th September 2019, our Proof-of-Concept is MyMovies.Africa™, as a Mobile-first Digital Cinema Extension, offering securely Encrypted original Movies from Africa (i.e. New Releases, Classics, Features, Shorts, Animations, Documentaries, etc) on Smart Devices, including Phones, Tablets, Laptops and Smart TVs, across Africa and to her Diaspora in 195 Countries.

Its core Products are a Premium Video On Demand – PVOD (#RentFor2Days) for New Releases, Transactional Video On Demand – TVOD (#RentFor7Days), Electronic Sell Through – EST (#OwnForLife) purchase and Watch Parties, all Accessed here: https://app.mymovies.africa

More: https://www.yakwetu.africa

<h4> 2). About INFLUENCED (2023) </h4>

A popular Influencer couple - Ben (George Waweru) and Kay (Ciku Waithaka), confront a pivotal Shoot that reveals Cracks in their Relationship. As the Camera captures their Struggle, their Perfect image Shatters.

More: https://app.mymovies.africa/playback/ffa03371de6e64e2?title=INFLUENCED

<h4> 3). About TEKA (2023) </h4>

Amani (Nick Olwah), drowning in debt to a ruthless Loan Shark, makes a drastic decision to kidnap Hope (Amina Hussein) - a social media Influencer hiding her own painful struggles behind a facade of luxury. What follows is a heart-wrenching journey where both strangers open up about their traumas, finding unexpected solace and connection in eachother's stories.

More: https://app.mymovies.africa/playback/5f87ce41fb468ed1?title=TEKA

<h4> 4). About OUT Reality by BlackRhinoVR </h4>

OUT Reality is an eXtended Reality (XR) Lab and Exhibition space exploring the synergies between Art and Technology. Conceived with a vision to democratise access to XR infrastructure, OUT Reality is divided into two facets:

a). The Space: the OUT Reality Space is a platform for Artists and contemporary art Audiences to access Technology and Exhibit new media & digital artworks, through curated Programmes of Exhibitions, Talks, Performances, Residencies and Events.

b). The Lab: the OUT Reality Lab is for Artistic Exploration at the Intersection of Art & Technology, blending eXtended Reality (XR) Technologies with visual Artforms. The Lab aims at providing an experimental Space that promotes interdisciplinary Collaboration between Artists and Developers to create Immersive Digital Experiences.

OUT Reality is a Property of BlackRhino VR - an award-winning Kenyan based eXtended Reality (XR) Tech Business, based in Nairobi - Kenya. Founded in 2015, we see ourselves as agents of change in accelerating the adoption of Immersive Technologies in Africa, by empowering the youth to be the XR innovators and inventors of the future.

As creative Technologists, we leverage XR knowledge to expand opportunities for significant socio-economic and cultural growth among the youth, that will help create jobs, reduce poverty and contribute to overcoming our continent’s development challenges.

More: https://www.blackrhinovr.com



#WeWatchKenyan with MyMovies.Africa™ examines Life on Social Media versus Reality, with two Short Comedies: INFLUENCED and TEKA, this Saturday 07th September 2024


OKLAHOMA CITY — The Tyrannosaurus skull alone was worth the short trip downtown.

You’ve gotta love it when a bunch of global-minded Christ followers show up in your back yard. That’s what happened when the International Conference on Missions (ICOM) rolled into the new Oklahoma City Convention Center near Scissortail Park. I’ve heard about this thing for years but finally ran out of excuses not to be there.

<img src="https://christianchronicle.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/WEB_ICOMcrowd-600x263.jpg"/>

I wasn’t alone. The four-day event brought in 6,265 on-site attendees, more than 750 virtual guests, 187 groups representing various churches and colleges and a whopping 290 exhibiting organizations, organizers said.

The conference is associated with the independent Christian Churches/Churches of Christ, our instrumental cousins in the Restoration Movement. But a growing number of us from the a cappella Churches of Christ are attending the annual event, recognizing that we don’t have to agree on everything to share ideas and resources for reaching the lost.

I was glad to see Nathan and Umoyo Holland, missionaries in the African nation of Angola. I traveled there in June for the Luso-Africa Global Mission Gathering, a conference for Churches of Christ that Nathan helped coordinate. The Hollands had a booth promoting LAMP International, a resource ministry for Portuguese-speaking Africa. This was Nathan’s sixth time at the conference.

“So much of my work and ministry in Angola began as part of a conversation or connection that I made at ICOM,” he told me. “I wish that Churches of Christ had something similar. It is exciting, however, that every year I see more of our folks  from the a cappella churches participating, benefiting and even contributing to the success of the conference.”

<img src="https://christianchronicle.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/WEB_ErikJamesStrother-600x450.jpg"/>

<figcaption>Erik Tryggestad says hi to James Strother, a church member in Russellville, Ark., who travels the globe assisting in various medical and evangelical missions for Churches of Christ. Tryggestad and Strother have run into each other at church events at least half a dozen times, Tryggestad estimates.</figcaption>

As I stood in the massive room of exhibitors, I was reminded of the Tulsa Workshop, which I dearly miss. It was one of the first events I attended after I started working for The Christian Chronicle in 2001, and it had an international focus. I heard keynotes from Ethiopian church planter Behailu Abebe, Irish minister Tony Coffey, legendary Ukrainian minister Rick Pinczuk (who died from cancer just a few years later) and many more. In many ways, my love for the global church had its origin at that conference.

Churches of Christ do sponsor the Global Missions Conference, which happens every three years. I would love to see that event expand and have the impact on future missionaries that ICOM had on Nathan.

<img src="https://christianchronicle.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/p34_TryggestadGanyo_0124-600x450.jpg"/>

<figcaption>Erik Tryggestad poses for a photo with Austin Ganyo, who works with a ministry called Training Tomorrow’s Leaders in Ghana.</figcaption>

Every time I go to a church conference, I’m floored by the number of people I know — and by the wealth of connections to mutual friends. ICOM was no exception. At a table with a big Ghanaian flag I met Austin Ganyo, who works with a ministry called Training Tomorrow’s Leaders in the West African nation. It turns out that Ganyo was trained by my friend and Lipscomb classmate Augustine Tawiah.

I was thrilled to see Dennis Okoth, a longtime minister for Churches of Christ in Kenya. I’ve told his story countless times since he shared it with me on the campus of LivingStone International University in Uganda 10 years ago. Okoth grew up in a village where his father was a clan leader and animist.

<img src="https://christianchronicle.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/p34_TryggestadOkoth_0124-600x450.jpg"/>

<figcaption>Erik Tryggestad takes a selfie with Dennis Okoth, a longtime minister for Churches of Christ in Kenya. </figcaption>

When Okoth began professing Christ, his father had him chained to a tree and poisoned. All night he languished, slipping in and out of consciousness, but he didn’t die. He found missionaries from Churches of Christ and was baptized.

He also found the courage to walk back into his village — to the utter amazement of everyone. “They thought I was a ghost!” he said. Many of the villagers became Christians. Eventually, his father was baptized, too.

<iframe width="748" height="421" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zZGckJtH24U" title="WHERE THE RIVER DIVIDES Teaser 2023 (WTRD Trailer)" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Doesn’t that sound like the plot of a movie? Now it is. Good News Productions International, a ministry based in Joplin, Mo., recently produced “Where the River Divides” based on Okoth’s story. ICOM attendees got a look at the short film.

<img src="https://christianchronicle.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/p34_TryggestadBaxter_0124-600x450.jpg"/>

I got to meet and catch up with a lot of other ministry leaders as well — John Baxter of NationsUniversity, Jerry Harris of Christian Standard Media and Bobby Harrington of Renew.org. I learned about schools and ministries including Peace Catalyst International, Rapha International, TCM International Institute and Summit Christian College in western Nebraska.

Oh yeah — the T. rex skull. I came across that (it was hard to miss) at an exhibit for the Creation Truth Foundation, a group based right here in Oklahoma that travels to schools and Vacation Bible Schools to talk about evolution, biblical history and, of course, dinosaurs.

<img src="https://christianchronicle.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/p34_TryggestadTRex_0124-600x800.jpg"/>

<figcaption>Erik Tryggestad poses with a Tyrannosaurus skull at an exhibit for the Creation Truth Foundation, a group based in Oklahoma that travels to schools and Vacation Bible Schools to talk about evolution and biblical history. </figcaption>

For the final keynote of ICOM, the Chronicle was a “chair sponsor,” meaning that we got to put copies of our November issue on each seat in the massive auditorium. We added post-its with a QR code for folks to sign up for our print and email editions. I’m in debt to the Roméos — our ad manager, Christi, husband Kelly and son Shea — and to my wife, Jeanie and our girls, Maggie and Lucy, for their help in covering all the chairs.

We got a lot of new sign-ups as a result of the hard work, but there also were a bunch of copies that I picked up as the conference concluded.

Honestly, my favorite part of ICOM may have been the moment I picked a copy of the Chronicle off the floor that was opened to the page with our Word Find. It was about a third completed.

I fought hard to get that puzzle in the paper, so I’m calling that a win.

<img src="https://christianchronicle.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/WEB_WordFindICOM-600x515.jpg"/>

<figcaption>Cleanup after ICOM revels a discarded Christian Chronicle with a half-done Word Find.</figcaption>

ERIK TRYGGESTAD is president and CEO of The Christian Chronicle. Contact erik@christianchronicle.org, and follow him on Twitter @eriktryggestad.


Source: https://christianchronicle.org/when-the-mission-field-comes-to-you-take-advantage/


Christian Chronicle CEO reflects on his experience at the International Conference on Missions.

When the mission field comes to you, take advantage


<strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong>

<h4>YAKWETU™ partners with 2024 NAICCON Animation & Film Festival, this Saturday 16th November at The Junction Mall, Ngong Road, Nairobi!</h4>

Nairobi, KENYA - 13th November 2024:  The Nairobi Comic Convention  Organised by NAICCON is on again this Saturday 16th November 2024 (10am-6pm)with an After party in the evening, at The Junction Mall, on Ngong Road in Nairobi.  Now in its 10th Edition, this Annual fun Celebration of Pop-Culture in Africa, includes Comic Books, Gaming/Esports, Tech, Art, Cosplay, as well as an Animation & Film Festival!

The event attracts enthusiastic Animators, Artists, Comic Book Collectors, Cosplayers, Digital Content Creators, Fans, Gamers, Illustrators, Movie Buffs, YouTubers, Families and more.

“Since its inception, NAICCON has been a vital platform for connecting African creatives, industry professionals, and fans from across Africa and beyond. Enabling African Creatives to Enahnce, Collaborate and Showcase in order to reach a wider local , regional and Global  audience. Nairobi Comic Convention organized by NAICCON is East and Central of Africa’s largest and most dynamic convention for fans of Comics, Animation, Gaming, Technology, Film, Tech and Digital arts.”, says Ann Ndanu, Co-Founder at NAICCON.  

The 2024 Animation & Film Festival, within Nairobi Comic Con, includes important Panel Discussions and Screenings, being Co-hosted by YAKWETU™, such as:

10.30am-11.15am:  Harnessing new Technology for Storytelling, and Transforming Marketing & Distribution through Digital Innovation.

* Andrew Kaggia – Award-winning Filmmaker & 3D Animator
* Dean Gichukie – CEO & Game Producer, Kunta Content.
* Jeff Schon - Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder, Akili Network.

11.15am-12.00pm:  Unlocking the Potential of African Animation, by Exploring Opportunities and Shaping the Future.

* Chief Nyamweya – Co-Founder & Creative Director, Pungulu Pa Productions.
* Njoka Njeru – Founder & Creative Producer, Cũcũ Studios.
* Susan Kimanzi – Partnerships & Business Development Lead, White Rhino Films.

12.00pm–12.45pm:  Securing Funding and Resources for African Animations and Films.

* Jesse Kangethe - Partnerships & Development Manager, HEVA Fund.
* Maurice Chapot –Film &Media Attachee for East Africa, Embassy of France in Kenya and Somalia
* Mwaniki Mageria- TV Personlaity, Film Producer, Director & Distibutor, Emcee

02.00pm–04.00pm:  Screening of Animations and Short Films from Africa.

“In every Collaboration, we’re always Intentional about making a sustainable & transformative Impact on the Creative Industry of Africa.  As such, the NAICCON Animation & Film Festival is a natural Fit for our Support”, says Co-Founder & Chief Operations Officer at YAKWETU™ - Mike Strano. “Furthermore, for Everyone who Registers for the Festival, we are Gifting a Free 7-day Rental of the Award-winning Animation: DEATH VALLEY, on our MyMovies.Africa™.”

Guests can Register for the Panel Discussions and Screenings at the Animation & Film Festival, to also Redeem their Free Rental, here: https://app.mymovies.africa/NAICCON

Tickets for the overall Nairobi Comic Convention are Available here: www.naiccon.co.ke      	   				


Notes to Editors:


<h4> 1). About NAICCON </h4>

Nairobi Comic Convention organized by NAICCON is East and Central of Africa’s largest and most dynamic convention for fans of comics, animation, gaming, technology, film, tech and digital arts. They host the Nairobi Comic Convention, Mombasa Comic Con and The Kids Convention(Creativity &STEM )

More: https://www.naiccon.co.ke


<h4> 2). About YAKWETU™ Online Limited </h4>

Meaning both "Of Us" and "For Us" in Kiswahili (the most popular African language), YAKWETU™ is an Online Home Entertainment & Edutainment System - of Africa, for Africa. 

Using their proprietary Kenyan-made Applications, YAKWETU™ is an online Retailer and Distributor of Digital Content, from Africa, to Africa and for Africa - through a Range of thoughtfully Curated branded Services, that supply Consumers with securely Encrypted original Titles, that fairly Pays the Creators, unlike Pirated alternatives.

Released on 26th September 2019, their Proof-of-Concept is MyMovies.Africa™, as a Mobile-first Digital Cinema Extension, offering securely Encrypted original Movies from Africa (i.e. New Releases, Classics, Features, Shorts, Animations, Documentaries, etc) on Smart Devices, including Phones, Tablets, Laptops and Smart TVs, across Africa and to her Diaspora in 195 Countries.

Its core Products are a Premium Video On Demand – PVOD (#RentFor2Days) for New Releases, Transactional Video On Demand – TVOD (#RentFor7Days), Electronic Sell Through – EST (#OwnForLife) purchase and Watch Parties, here: https://app.mymovies.africa

On 11th July 2023, YAKWETU™ emerged 1 of the 7 Winners from 548 Submissions and 25 Finalists – of 16 Countries and from Industries like Creative, Food, Green Technology, Health & more, at the World Intellectual Property Organisation’s WIPO Global Awards: https://www.wipo.int/global-awards/en/2023/winners.html.  YAKWETU™ is the first-ever Company from the Creative Industry globally to Win this Award, plus the first-ever Winner from Africa.  

More: https://www.yakwetu.africa


YAKWETU™ partners with 2024 NAICCON Animation & Film Festival, this Saturday 16th November at The Junction Mall, Ngong Road, Nairobi!


PRESS RELEASE:

‘MTAA YANGU’ - A GRIPPING KENYAN ACTION FILM PREMIERES COUNTRYWIDE, AND ONLINE WORLDWIDE, THIS OCTOBER

WATCH ' MTAA YANGU'  TRAILER HERE

GANG CHAOS FILM ‘MTAA YANGU’ OPENS IN KENYA (OCT 6TH 2023)

A new Kenyan crime film MTAA YANGU will premiere at leading cinemas countrywide, starting this Friday, 6th October 2023 at Anga Diamond Plaza at 7.30 PM screening with tickets going for Ksh. 1,090 and available via Kenyabuzz.  MTAA YANGU will also be screening at Motion Cinema, Greenspan Mall in Donholm, Anga Diamond Plaza, Prestige Plaza and Century Cinemax Junction.

Prepare to be transported to a world of intrigue and drama as we unveil Kenya’s latest cinematic masterpiece featuring Makovo Mbatha (plays Gunner Kiprotich G), Benta Wesonga (plays Wambui Kamau), Emily Nene (plays Catherine Njeri) and Mary Kinya (plays Nancy Lubanga).

The action-filled film, directed by Likale Washington Muyonga, is centered around Kiprotich - a local gang leader and his gang members who harvest ‘tax’ from the locals.  Residents of Mwiki Town take refuge and security from Gunner ‘G’ - another crime lord.  As if the unrest wasn’t enough for the locals, they start to receive eviction leaflets from the area MP (Okelo) - played by Nathan Songa, and the Governor who have an intention of attracting foreign investment.  Mwiki Town is engulfed in unrest, as the residents demand for their rights and place of home.
Gunner ‘G’ is forced to get into a talk with the MP, who turns a deaf ear to the plight of the residents. An entitled G feels betrayed, especially for the fact that he helped the MP win and get into power illegally.  After their heated meeting, the MP plots G’s murder using two rogue cops: Lurther and Ben.

G finds love in Catherine Njeri - a resident of the area.  In an operation, Ras - one of G’s gang members, kills Njeri’s brother.  With the knowledge that this might jeopardize his relationship with Njeri, he decides to bury the truth about her brother’s death, unbeknownst of the guilt that would tear him apart.  He decides to send Njeri to a medical school, as a means of running away from facing the truth and his guilt.  To save the residents of Mwiki and his relationship, G hatches a plan to quit his life in crime.  However, he first has to rob money from the MP.  Will he succeed?
    • Premiere date:  6th October, 2023
    • Location:  Anga Diamond Plaza
    • Show Time:  7.30pm
    • Screens:  1/2/3
    • Ticket Price:  1,090 KSH

MTAA YANGU shall simultaneously premiere Worldwide, to all 195 Countries & Territories, via Digital Cinema Extension - MyMovies.Africa™, to #RentFor2Days.

“This is the second Likale Washington Muyonga feature Film on MyMovies.Africa™”, says Trushna Buddhdev-Patel, Co-Founder, CEO & Content Director at Award-winning Kenyan Entertainment Technology Start-up – YAKWETU™, owner of the Service. “A year ago we premiered his TESTED globally too.  As you can see, we are Committed to making Kenyan and African stories, by Kenyan and African filmmakers, available across The Motherland and to her Diaspora.”



ABOUT THE CAST & CREW


LIKALE WASHINGTON MUYONGA

Likale is a film director, producer and writer with expertise in both film and theatre. Most of his work is available on YouTube with his most recent one ‘Tested’ being featured on MYMOVIES Africa. He has written the following films: ‘Tested’; ‘Daily Bread’; ‘Deep Ends’; and ‘Way out’.


MAKOVO MBATHA

He has played lead actor in a couple of short films by Intrigue Productions-’ACT OF CHARITY’ as Ambrose and Faith in ‘ALI’ . He has starred in a series by Tella Tale production called ‘KIJAKAZI’ as Fidel. He has also been featured in ‘Jane and Abel’ on MNET.  ‘Wrath’, a series which aired on Fox Life, Tuko Macho; a web series that aired on NTV. Aside from that he is also a commercial model who has been featured on two television commercials; Shangwe Mtaani- a Safaricom TVC as lead, KCB Go-Ahead TVC and the current running Cholera Awareness TVC.


EMILY NENE

She is a content creator and TV actor who has been featured in ‘Amollo’ as Rose (supporting lead). She also did advertisements for the Royal Dentist in Kisumu and HELB/ NFM. She has been nominated for the People Choice Awards 2023.


MARY KINYA

She has been acting since 2017 and focused on stage performance until 2020 where she dived in the film industry. In 2020, she was part of the cast of ‘Daily Bread’ an outway Film and since then she has been featured in more than five films, the latest one being ‘Tested’  that premiered on Imax in 2022. She takes on challenging roles and has always portrayed them effortlessly. Nancy Lubanga holds a degree in Political science with information Technology.


VINCENT OTIENO

Vincent Otieno has been featured in a ton of films such as ‘Kina’ and ‘Selina’. He mostly takes part in Gusii plays and is also known for his roles in different setbooks. He was featured in the film ‘Tested’ which is available on MyMovies Africa.


NATHAN SONGA

Nathan Songa is known for his roles in ‘Kina’ as Otieno Kotieno; ‘Pepeta’ as Bishop; ‘Betterdays’ as Bodyguard; ‘KBC NextMeal’ as Alex; ‘Lion Roar No More’ as Shekh Asad; ‘Mino’ as Kinoni the fighter; and ‘Zora’ as Bishop.


BENTA WESONGA

Benter Wesonga is known for her role in ‘Zora’ as Mama Pipi and is also featured in an Ariel advert. Apart from that is also a mother of two, a seasoned poet and an Evangelist.


VICTOR OBOK

Victor Obok is a highly acclaimed filmmaker, TV producer, Director, Cinematographer and Editor with a proven track record of success. Victor has demonstrated his expertise in film and video projects from pre-production to post production having created an impressive body of work over the years. His recent work as Director and DOP on UNDUNGU has garnered several awards in different festivals and he was nominated in the best short film category in the prestigious Kalasha International Film and TV Awards.


CREATIVE TEAM

Directed by: Likale Muyonga
Assistant Director: Ernest Onyango
Director of Photography: Vibok Omondi
Gaffer: Artkin Josh Omondi
Brought to you by: Crimson Multimedia Limited
Distribution by: distribution@yakwetu.africa
#OutWayFilms


YAKWETU™ ONLINE LIMITED

Meaning both "Of Us" and "For Us" in Kiswahili (the most popular African language).  YAKWETU™ is an Online Home Entertainment & Edutainment System - of Africa, for Africa.

Using their proprietory Kenyan-made Applications, YAKWETU™ is an online Distributor and Retailer of Digital Content, from Africa, to Africa and for Africa - through a Range of thoughtfully Curated branded Services, that supply Consumers with securely Encrypted original Titles, that fairly Pays the Creators - unlike Pirated alternatives.

As a benchmark, think of Amazon’s suite of Digital Media, like Prime Video, Freevee, Amazon Music, Audible and Twitch – and that’s our Growth Plan for African Content, on The Motherland and to her Diaspora.

YAKWETU™ exists to Fairly Pay the Creatives of Africa, who Lose upto 99% Revenue to Piracy; and don’t have enough options Online to Earn a Living.

YAKWETU™ also exists for 475 million SmartPhone users in Africa, who Want to Consume their own Content via Pay-As-You-Go, like how they buy Airtime - NOT via Subscription.

Released on 26th September 2019, their Poof-of-Concept is MyMovies.Africa™, as a Mobile-first Digital Cinema Extension, offering securely Encrypted original Movies from Africa (i.e. New Releases, Classics, Features, Shorts, Animations, Documentaries, etc) on Smart Devices, across Africa and to her Diaspora in 195 Countries.

On 11th July 2023, YAKWETU™ emerged 1 of the 7 Winners from 548 Submissions and 25 Finalists – from 16 Countries and Industries like creative, food, green technology, health & more, at the World Intellectual Property Organisation's Global Awards https://www.wipo.int/global-awards/en/2023/winners.html

YAKWETU™ is also a Founding Member of Partners Against Piracy Association of Kenya - a multi-sectoral Coalition, of local and international Associations, Societies and Companies, representing the interests of thousands of Creatives in Kenya and the World, in terms of the Protection of their Intellectual Property against Piracy.


FOLLOW CRIMSON MEDIA: TWITTER I FACEBOOK|INSTAGRAM


MEDIA INQUIRIES: East Africa: press@anyiko-pr.com  | +254 721 368 983


MTAA YANGU’ - A GRIPPING KENYAN ACTION FILM PREMIERES COUNTRYWIDE, AND ONLINE WORLDWIDE, THIS OCTOBER


Set against the stunning backdrop of the Thimlich Ohinga Archaeological Site, a short film titled “Where The River Divides” tells a touching story. It’s about a father and son grappling with tradition and change.

In this film, we meet Okoth, an elder in the clan, played by Kenyan actor based in Los Angeles Benjamin Onyango. Initially, Okoth resists his son Dennis’s path into Christianity. But, as the story unfolds, he begins to understand and appreciate his son’s choices.

Dennis – played by Gadwill Odhiambo – is faced with a tough decision. He must choose between sticking with tradition or embracing new possibilities, especially after returning to his village following his baptism. This personal dilemma reflects the community’s expectations and cultural responsibilities.

As the film goes on, Dennis and his wife Mary, played by Shandra Apondi, face challenges that deepen their understanding of the values instilled by his father. This newfound awareness paves the way for reconciliation and forgiveness.

In a touching scene, the father extends his hand in reconciliation, acknowledging his son’s courage and dedication. Traditions and expectations, once seen as burdensome, are softened by the understanding that each generation’s choices and sacrifices contribute to the family’s legacy.

In return, the son and his wife also extend forgiveness to the father, recognizing the love and wisdom that guided his actions. This moment in the film highlights the universal human experiences of love, acceptance, and understanding that bridge generational conflicts.

To make the story accessible to a global audience, the filmmakers initially filmed in Dholuo, but carefully dubbed it into Kiswahili and English, breaking down linguistic barriers.

The Thimlich Ohinga Archaeological Site, featured in the film, adds another layer to the story. This ancient dry-stone walled settlement, believed to be from the 16th century, mirrors the film’s exploration of communal living, livestock, and the preservation of cultural traditions.

Thimlich Ohinga offers a glimpse into communal settlement patterns and social relations in the Lake Victoria Basin while standing as a testament to the past.

You can catch this movie on the MyMovies.Africa app.


‘Where The River Divides’ showcases Kenya’s rich archaeological site


MEDIA RELEASE:

YAKWETU™ Named first-ever Winner from Africa, and Creative Industry, at WIPO Global Awards!

GENEVA, 11th July 2023:  Kenyan Entertainment Technology Start-up - YAKWETU™ Online Limited, has today been honoured as 1 of the 7 Winners of the 2023 WIPO Global Awards, at the 64th General Assembly of the World Intellectual Property Organisation.

Now in its second year, the WIPO Global Awards recognises small & medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from around the globe, that are successfully commercialising their IP-backed innovation and creativity in an exceptional manner, that also improves society.

YAKWETU™ has emerged as 1 of the 7 Winners from 548 Submissions and 25 Finalists – from 16 Countries and from Industries like creative, food, green technology, health & more, for its first service https://app.mymovies.africa.

“YAKWETU™ in Kiswahili means both ‘Of Us’ and ‘For Us’.  We chose this Name, because it Articulates our Purpose of Making Available digital Content for Entertainment & Education - from Africans, to Africans; while Protecting it from its greatest Threat - Piracy, and Monetising it Equitably for the Creators.  YAKWETU™ is deeply honoured to be the first African company, and first from the Creative Industry globally, to receive this Award from WIPO”, said Mike Strano, Co-Founder & Chief Operations Officer, at the Ceremony.  “I would like to Thank the thousands of Customers on our first service - MyMovies.Africa™ in The Motherland & her Diaspora, our Content Creators & Partners for believing in us, our very talented & dedicated Staff, our generous Board of Advisors & Directors and my Co-Founder – Trushna Buddhdev-Patel.  To you all I say Ubuntu – We are, because You are.  Asanteni sana.”


This announcement follows an October 2021 recognition, when YAKWETU™ was 1 of 5 (from over 200 applications) admitted to the 2nd Cohort in Kenya of the Next INnovation with JApan (NINJA) Accelerator; which concluded with the Launch of their Fundraising in January 2022.


WIPO Global Award winners will receive a customised 1:1 mentoring package to bolster their IP strategies, including funding facilitation, partnership opportunities and publicity support.



ENDS.



NOTES TO EDITORS

1). More about WIPO Global Award 2023:

Background: WIPO Global Awards

Recording of the Ceremony: https://webcast.wipo.int/home

Clip of YAKWETU™ Acceptance Speech:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/ljy8x4dfpl4ibpy/Kenya%20Global%20Award_1.mp4?dl=0


Photos of the Ceremony: https://www.flickr.com/photos/wipo/albums/72177720309687240


2). More about YAKWETU™ Online Limited:


Meaning both "Of Us" and "For Us" in Kiswahili (the most popular African language), YAKWETU™ is an Entertainment Technology company that’s innovatively disrupting the 95-99% Piracy-dominated distribution channel of digital content in Kenya, with plans for the rest of Africa and other developing Countries.

Its proprietary online Home Entertainment & Edutainment system has taken proactive measures to Protect and Monetise the Intellectual Property (IP) of its Content Partners.


Released on 26th September 2019, their Poof-of-Concept is MyMovies.Africa™, as a Mobile-first Digital Cinema Extension, offering securely Encrypted original Movies from Africa (i.e. New Releases, Classics, Features, Shorts, Animations, Documentaries, etc) on Smart Devices, across Africa and to her Diaspora, in 195 Countries.


MyMovies.Africa™ features Premium Video On Demand – PVOD (#RentFor2Days) for New Releases, Transactional Video On Demand – TVOD (#RentFor7Days), Electronic Sell Through – EST (#OwnForLife) purchase and Watch Parties via ZOOM, all Accessed here: https://app.mymovies.africa


YAKWETU™ is adapting this proprietary technology to securely Retail other Digital Content from Africa, while also modernising existing Value Chains.


More information here: https://media.yakwetu.africa and https://drive.google.com/file/d/1f2X6AyKblObb6p0QAbLZm0tpAFUbOI7o/view

Caption for ‘Company Photo’:

Back Row (Left to Right):  Peter Kimani – Fullstack Developer, Mike Strano – Co-Founder & Chief Operations Officer, Gideon Warui – Data Engineer, Jackson Kitsao – Lead Fullstack Engineer, and Brian Singor’a – Growth Advisor.


Front Row (Left to Right):  Esther Ogutu – Data Scientist, Brian Waweru – Development Lead, Denis Muriithi – Intern, Brandon Temba – Content Assistant, Trushna Buddhdev-Patel – Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer, and James Mwenda – Finance & Administration Manager.


Remote:  Nosakhare Osagiede – Fullstack Developer.


YAKWETU™ Named first-ever Winner from Africa, and Creative Industry, at WIPO Global Awards! 


MEDIA RELEASE:

NAIROBI, 04th July 2023: Kenyan Entertainment Technology Start-up  YAKWETU™ Online Limited, has been named as 1 of the 25 Finalists for this year's WIPO Global Awards, by World Intellectual Property Organisation, which celebrates excellence in the use of intellectual property (IP) for positive impact at home and abroad.

Now in its second year, the WIPO Global Awards recognises small & medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from around the globe, that are successfully commercialising their IP-backed innovation and creativity in an exceptional manner, that also improves society.

In a near-tripling of participation from 2022, WIPO received 548 submissions from 58 countries across all regions of the world, and a wide variety of sectors --- including the creative industries, food, green energy technologies, health, and more.

The 25 finalists are drawn from 16 countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, North America and Latin America. China, from where half of all applicants hailed, accounts for six of the finalists --- the strongest showing from a single country.

"_We are thrilled to be recognised for our work in Content Protection (Anti-Piracy) and Monetisation, via our first proprietary Retail service --- **MyMovies.Africa™**, which securely encrypts Animations, Documentaries, Features & Shorts from Africa, before making them available to Rent or Own to our Customers worldwide_", says Co-Founder, Content Director & Chief Executive Officer --- Ms. Trushna Buddhdev-Patel. "_As an Entertainment Technology Company, **YAKWETU™** is also deploying more innovative Anti-Piracy Interventions, to legitimise the Retail of entertainment & educational Content in Africa_."

This announcement follows an October 2021 recognition, when YAKWETU™ was 1 of 5 (from over 200 applications) admitted to the 2nd Cohort in Kenya of the Next INnovation with JApan (NINJA) Accelerator; which concluded with the Launch of their Fundraising in January 2022.

The WIPO Global Award 2023 winners will be announced publicly at a live-webcasted awards ceremony on 11th July in Geneva --- Switzerland, held during the WIPO Assemblies, where winners will showcase their achievements.

WIPO Global Award winners will receive a customized 1:1 mentoring package to bolster their IP strategies, including funding facilitation, partnership opportunities and publicity support.

Notes to Editors

1). More about WIPO Global Award 2023, List of Finalists and their Profiles:

[WIPO Global Awards 2023 Finalists: Celebrating Global Excellence in IP-Backed Business](https://www.wipo.int/global-awards/en/news/2023/news_0002.html?utm_source=WIPO+Newsletters&utm_campaign=0157f63963-DIS_PRESS_UPDATE_EN_310523_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-e43393f8c2-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D)

2). More about YAKWETU™ Online Limited:

Meaning both "Of Us" and "For Us" in Kiswahili (the most popular African language), YAKWETU™ is an Entertainment Technology company that's innovatively disrupting the 95--99% Piracy-dominated distribution channel of digital content in Kenya, with plans for the rest of Africa and other developing Countries.

Its proprietary online Home Entertainment & Edutainment system has taken proactive measures to Protect and Monetise the Intellectual Property (IP) of its Content Partners.

Released on 26th September 2019, their Poof-of-Concept is MyMovies.Africa™, as a Mobile-first Digital Cinema Extension, offering securely Encrypted original Movies from Africa (i.e. New Releases, Classics, Features, Shorts, Animations, Documentaries, etc) on Smart Devices, across Africa and to her Diaspora, in 195 Countries.

MyMovies.Africa™ features Premium Video On Demand --- PVOD (#RentFor2Days) for New Releases, Transactional Video On Demand --- TVOD (#RentFor7Days), Electronic Sell Through --- EST (#OwnForLife) purchase and Watch Parties via ZOOM, all Accessed here: [https://app.mymovies.africa](https://app.mymovies.africa/)

YAKWETU™ is adapting this proprietary technology to securely Retail other Digital Content from Africa, while also modernising existing Value Chains.

More information here: [https://www.yakwetu.africa](https://www.yakwetu.africa/)

![](https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:700/1*Vivq68Q3fDmgI3GiU9Hmuw.jpeg)

Back Row (Left to Right): Peter Kimani --- Fullstack Developer, Mike Strano --- Co-Founder & Chief Operations Officer, Gideon Warui --- Data Engineer, Jackson Kitsao --- Lead Fullstack Engineer, and Brian Singor'a --- Growth Advisor.

Front Row (Left to Right): Esther Ogutu --- Data Scientist, Brian Waweru --- Development Lead, Denis Muriithi --- Intern, Brandon Temba --- Content Assistant, Trushna Buddhdev-Patel --- Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer, and James Mwenda --- Finance & Administration Manager.


Kenyan Entertainment Technology Start-up- YAKWETU™ Online Limited, has been named as 1 of the 25 finalists for this year’s World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) Global Awards which celebrates excellence in the use of Intellectual property (IP) for positive impact at home and abroad.

Kenya’s YAKWETU™ Named amongst Finalists for 2023 WIPO Global Awards!


A film highlighting the plight of mothers suffering from Post-Partum Depression is set to begin streaming exclusively via digital cinema extension – MyMovies.Africa™ on Mashujaa day.

The film will also officially premiere at Anga Cinema, Diamond Plaza 2 in Parklands on the same day.

“We are intentionally premiering Act of Love on Mashujaa Day”, said Ms Trushna Buddhdev-Patel, CEO of YAKWETU™ – the distributor, “to stand with all the heroes living with, either themselves or via those they support, Post-Partum Depression. The film has tremendous power in effectively communicating this issue, and being a catalyst for conversation – which very often leads to various Life-changing supportive Actions.”

The screening will be followed by a panel discussion with the cast & crew, moderated by Mugambi Nthiga, from 7.30 pm.

Act of Love written by Shelly Gitonga revolves around new mother Juliana who questions the love she has for her child after losing out on a promising job opportunity because she could not find a babysitter in time.

Inspired by Gitonga’s own story, aims to “make society acknowledge” PPD.

“Act of Love is a film that makes society acknowledge the ugly side of Motherhood”, says Ms Shelly Gitonga. “Statistics show that Post-Partum Depression (PPD) affects 10-20% of Women globally; but in Africa, the situation is worse, with 10-32% of Women suffering from PPD.”

PPD affects not only the well-being of the mother but of the child and the surrounding communities.

“In Kenya, the prevalence of this maternal mental health challenge is reported as 11-13%, affecting the well-being of mothers, newborns, families and communities”, says Ms Shirleen Wangari, a producer, at Blackwell Films. “The condition can impair a mother’s ability to care for her Child and, in extreme cases, can lead to post-partum Psychosis, Suicide and/or Infanticide.”

Screening manager at DocuBox – Ms Wambui Gathee further said the film transports viewers into a realm of awe.

“Act of Love is an extraordinary film, that effortlessly transports viewers into a realm of awe, through its powerful visuals, profound performances, and gripping narrative. This film will have an impact on different audiences, particularly on parents from diverse backgrounds”, Ms Wambui said.

The film was screened at esteemed international festivals such as the Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF), Sauti Zetu Film Festival, Swahili International Film Festival & Awards, Fragments Festival in the United Kingdom and the Hollywood African Cinema Connection (HACC) Film Festival in America.

Buy tickets here: https://app.mymovies.africa/view/f23879c9f04ad9b0

Source: https://www.kbc.co.ke/act-of-love-to-premiere-on-mashujaa-day-exclusively-on-mymoviesafrica/


Act of Love” to premiere on Mashujaa day exclusively on MyMoviesAfrica



YAKWETU Named first-ever Winner from Africa, and Creative Industry, at WIPO Global Awards!

Kenyan Entertainment Technology Start-up - YAKWETU™ Online Limited, has today been honoured as 1 of the 7 Winners of the 2023 WIPO Global Awards, at the 64th General Assembly of the World Intellectual Property Organisation. Now in its second year, the WIPO Global Awards recognises small & medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from around the globe, that are successfully commercialising their IP-backed innovation and creativity in an exceptional manner, that also improves society. YAKWETU™ has emerged as 1 of the 7 Winners from 548 Submissions and 25 Finalists – from 16 Countries and from Industries like creative, food, green technology, health & more, for its first service https://app.mymovies.africa. “YAKWETU™ in Kiswahili means both ‘Of Us’ and ‘For Us’. We chose this Name, because it Articulates our Purpose of Making Available digital Content for Entertainment & Education - from Africans, to Africans; while Protecting it from its greatest Threat - Piracy, and Monetising it Equitably for the Creators. YAKWETU™ is deeply honoured to be the first African company, and first from the Creative Industry globally, to receive this Award from WIPO”, said Mike Strano, Co-Founder & Chief Operations Officer, at the Ceremony. “I would like to Thank the thousands of Customers on our first service - MyMovies.Africa™ in The Motherland & her Diaspora, our Content Creators & Partners for believing in us, our very talented & dedicated Staff, our generous Board of Advisors & Directors and my Co-Founder – Trushna Buddhdev-Patel. To you all I say Ubuntu – We are, because You are. Asanteni sana.” This announcement follows an October 2021 recognition, when YAKWETU™ was 1 of 5 (from over 200 applications) admitted to the 2nd Cohort in Kenya of the Next INnovation with JApan (NINJA) Accelerator; which concluded with the Launch of their Fundraising in January 2022. WIPO Global Award winners will receive a customised 1:1 mentoring package to bolster their IP strategies, including funding facilitation, partnership opportunities and publicity support.

Kenyan Entertainment Technology Start-up – YAKWETU™ Online Limited, has today been honoured as 1 of the 7 Winners of the 2023 WIPO Global Awards, at the 64th General Assembly of the World Intellectual Property Organisation.

Now in its second year, the WIPO Global Awards recognises small & medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from around the globe, that are successfully commercialising their IP-backed innovation and creativity in an exceptional manner, that also improves society.

YAKWETU™ has emerged as 1 of the 7 Winners from 548 Submissions and 25 Finalists – from 16 Countries and from Industries like creative, food, green technology, health & more, for its first service https://app.mymovies.africa.

“YAKWETU™ in Kiswahili means both ‘Of Us’ and ‘For Us’.  We chose this Name, because it Articulates our Purpose of Making Available digital Content for Entertainment & Education – from Africans, to Africans; while Protecting it from its greatest Threat – Piracy, and Monetising it Equitably for the Creators.  YAKWETU™ is deeply honoured to be the first African company, and first from the Creative Industry globally, to receive this Award from WIPO”, said Mike Strano, Co-Founder & Chief Operations Officer, at the Ceremony.  “I would like to Thank the thousands of Customers on our first service – MyMovies.Africa™ in The Motherland & her Diaspora, our Content Creators & Partners for believing in us, our very talented & dedicated Staff, our generous Board of Advisors & Directors and my Co-Founder – Trushna Buddhdev-Patel.  To you all I say Ubuntu – We are, because You are.  Asanteni sana.”

This announcement follows an October 2021 recognition, when YAKWETU™ was 1 of 5 (from over 200 applications) admitted to the 2nd Cohort in Kenya of the Next INnovation with JApan (NINJA) Accelerator; which concluded with the Launch of their Fundraising in January 2022.


WIPO Global Award winners will receive a customised 1:1 mentoring package to bolster their IP strategies, including funding facilitation, partnership opportunities and publicity support.

Source: https://ameyawdebrah.com/yakwetu-named-first-ever-winner-from-africa-and-creative-industry-at-wipo-global-awards/


YAKWETU Named first-ever Winner from Africa, and Creative Industry, at WIPO Global Awards!


After a prime premiere at Anga iMax Diamond Plaza 2 in Parklands, Likale Muyonga’s film Mtaa Yangu has packed cinema halls to raving audiences.

The story of Mtaa Yangu is set in Mwiki town where residents start receiving eviction leaflets from the area Member of Parliament (M.P) Okelo and Governor, who are keen on bringing in a foreign investor. As if the unrest weren’t enough for the locals, Kiprotich, a local gang leader and his gang members continue to harvest ‘tax’ from the locals, forcing the residents to take refuge and security from Gunner ’G’, another crime lord. This state of unease forces the town to be engulfed in turmoil as residents demand for their rights and a place to call home.

<img src="https://mlacrpylygub.i.optimole.com/cb:LlYY.8845/w:729/h:583/q:mauto/f:best/https://news.sanaapost.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/6003714.jpg"/>

Gunner ’G’ is forced to get into ‘talks’ with the M.P (played by Nathan Songa)- since the legislator owes the crime lord a favour after he helped him clinch power, or so Gunner ‘G’ thinks. However, Okelo turns a deaf ear to the plight of his constituents and leaves an entitled G feeling betrayed. Their meeting is heated and the lawmaker begins to plot G’s murder by seeking the services of two rogue cops.

<img src="https://mlacrpylygub.i.optimole.com/cb:LlYY.8845/w:729/h:583/q:mauto/f:best/https://news.sanaapost.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/6003619.jpg"/>

Meanwhile G finds love in a local girl named Catherine but as fate would have it, his sleazy lifestyle is never too far away. In an operation, Ras, one of G’s men, kills Njeri’s brother.

Knowing that this may jeopardise his relationship, the gang leader hides the truth of her brother’s death, choosing instead to live with the searing guilt. He devises a way to send Catherine away to medical school as a last-gasp effort to fix the crisis in his own life.He hatches a plan to quit the life of crime in order to save the residents of Mwiki and his relationship.

However, he first has to rob money from the M.P. Will he succeed?

<img src="https://mlacrpylygub.i.optimole.com/cb:LlYY.8845/w:729/h:729/q:mauto/f:best/https://news.sanaapost.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG-20231007-WA0001.jpg"/>

Mtaa Yangu continues to show in cinemas across town, running from October 7 until October 12 at Greenspan Mall, Donholm, Anga Panari Centre, Diamond Plaza 2 and Century Cinemax, The Junction.

<img src="https://mlacrpylygub.i.optimole.com/cb:LlYY.8845/w:729/h:729/q:mauto/f:best/https://news.sanaapost.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG-20231007-WA0003.jpg"/>

For Masterclasses on Arts from the best in the creative industry visit https://academy.sanaapost.com/

Source: https://news.sanaapost.com/in-mtaa-yangu-theres-no-easy-street/


In ‘Mtaa Yangu’, there’s no easy street


Sports CS Ababu has inked a deal with Hollywood Studios in Los Angeles to promote and develop Kenya’s film industry.

The deal comes just a day after the CS signed a separate deal with the National Basketball Association (NBA) that is set to open an office in Nairobi to develop the local basketball sector.

It was witnessed by Hollywood Invention Studios CEO Nicky Weinstock at the Kenyan Consulate in Los Angeles.

As part of the deal, Hollywood is set to promote Kenya as a filming destination and support local industry through the Talanta Hela Initiative.

By giving local talents access to a larger platform, the Ministry hopes the deal will increase royalties to local creatives and protect intellectual property.

Further, the CS hopes the programme will globalise E-Talanta as well as Africa’s creative content and market.

The government will also give incentives to Hollywood Studios, waive visas, and relax entry of filming equipment and access to filming locations.

In return, Hollywood studios will offer a global market for Kenya and its products, master clinics for Kenyan creatives, capacity building for the Kenyan creative sector, and upgrade the Kenyan film school.

On top of signing the deal, Hollywood also agreed to offer advisory support on Kenya’s forthcoming YouthConneckt Summit.

The summit will take place on 8th – 12th December in Nairobi and will showcase selected Kenyan films as the Film incentive framework tops the agenda.

The event is part of plans to position Kenya as a film destination choice.

Currently, South Africa is the top filming destination, Nigeria second and Kenya third.

By LOISE LENSER

Source-https://www.kenyans.co.ke/

Source: https://diasporamessenger.com/2023/09/namwamba-signs-deal-with-hollywood-to-promote-kenya-film-industry/


Namwamba Signs Deal With Hollywood to Promote Kenya film industry


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

‘WHERE THE RIVER DIVIDES’ now Streaming Worldwide, exclusively on MyMovies.Africa™

16th August 2023, Nairobi: Based on a True Story, from 1979 Kenya in Thimlich Ohinga, Migori County,
‘Where the River Divides’ premiered on Friday 11th August 2023, at the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Then, on Tuesday 15th August 2023, the Film premiered in Nairobi, at Anga Cinemas, Diamond Plaza 2 in
Parklands, to rave Reviews!

This gripping tale, set against the backdrop of the awe-inspiring Thimlich Ohinga, is a compelling
narrative that delves deep into themes of truth, faith, fear, family, sacrifices, betrayal, culture and
responsibilities.

Set in a tight-knit village, ‘Where The River Divides’ follows the compelling journey of a young man, the
son of a respected clan leader. Upon his return to the village, following his baptism, he finds himself at a
crossroads - torn between two divergent paths. On one hand, he stands to inherit his father's esteemed
legacy - a role laden with expectations, traditions and responsibilities. On the other, he is faced with the
allure of a newfound purpose that beckons him towards an uncertain destiny - one that demands great
courage and could put his life at risk.

Originally filmed in Dholuo, "Where The River Divides" has also been meticulously dubbed into both
Kiswahili and English, ensuring that its profound narrative can be appreciated by a diverse global
audience. This decision aligns with the film's overarching message of unity and shared human
experiences, transcending linguistic boundaries.

As such, ‘Where The River Divides’ has simultaneously Premiered online, and is available in all 195
countries & territories globally, exclusively via Digital Cinema Extension - MyMovies.Africa™
(https://app.mymovies.africa).

“This is such a beautiful Film, from Kenya’s history”, says Co-Founder, Content Director & Chief Executive
Officer of YAKWETU™ - Ms. Trushna Buddhdev-Patel. “And we are very proud to be Distributing it
globally, as well as making it available on our own Video On Demand service – MyMovies.Africa™.”

“"Where The River Divides" is more than a Film; it's an emotional journey that urges us to contemplate
the choices that define our existence. It's a testament to the power of compassion and understanding,
even in the face of monumental challenges”, says Ms. Matrid Nyagah, one of the film’s Producers, at
Fearless Films.

“For me, ‘Where the River Divides’ is ultimately about sacrifice”, says Mr. M.D. Neely – the film’s Director,
from American-based Christ In Youth (CIY). “What am I willing to sacrifice to follow the call that God has
placed on my life? Dennis’ story has challenged and inspired me. Also, I am so humbled and proud to
work with such an incredibly talented and passionate group of artists to tell this story.”


‘WHERE THE RIVER DIVIDES’ now Streaming Worldwide, exclusively on MyMovies.Africa™


Where the River Divides’ now streaming on MyMovies.AfricaTM

Based on a true story, from 1979 Kenya in Thimlich Ohinga, Migori County, ‘Where the River Divides’ premiered on Friday 11th August 2023, at the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Then, on Tuesday 15th August 2023, the Film premiered in Nairobi, at Anga Cinemas, Diamond Plaza 2 in Parklands, to rave Reviews!

This gripping tale, set against the backdrop of the awe-inspiring Thimlich Ohinga, is a compelling narrative that delves deep into themes of truth, faith, fear, family, sacrifices, betrayal, culture and responsibilities.

“This is such a beautiful Film, from Kenya’s history. And we are very proud to be Distributing it globally, as well as making it available on our own Video On Demand service – MyMovies.AfricaTM,” says Co-Founder, Content Director & Chief Executive Officer of YAKWETUTM – Trushna Buddhdev-Patel.

Set in a tight-knit village, ‘Where The River Divides’ follows the compelling journey of a young man, the son of a respected clan leader.

Upon his return to the village, following his baptism, he finds himself at a crossroads – torn between two divergent paths.

On one hand, he stands to inherit his father’s esteemed legacy – a role laden with expectations, traditions and responsibilities.

On the other, he is faced with the allure of a newfound purpose that beckons him towards an uncertain destiny – one that demands great courage and could put his life at risk.

“’Where The River Divides’ is more than a Film; it’s an emotional journey that urges us to contemplate the choices that define our existence. It’s a testament to the power of compassion and understanding, even in the face of monumental challenges,” says Matrid Nyagah, one of the film’s Producers, at Fearless Films.

Originally filmed in Dholuo, “Where The River Divides” has also been meticulously dubbed into both Kiswahili and English, ensuring that its profound narrative can be appreciated by a diverse global audience. This decision aligns with the film’s overarching message of unity and shared human experiences, transcending linguistic boundaries.

“For me, ‘Where the River Divides’ is ultimately about sacrifice. What am I willing to sacrifice to follow the call that God has placed on my life? Dennis’ story has challenged and inspired me.

“Also, I am so humbled and proud to work with such an incredibly talented and passionate group of artists to tell this story,” says M.D. Neely – the film’s Director, from American-based Christ In Youth (CIY).

As such, ‘Where The River Divides’ has simultaneously Premiered online, and is available in all 195 countries & territories globally, exclusively via Digital Cinema Extension – MyMovies.AfricaTM (https://app.mymovies.africa).

Source: https://businessnow.co.ke/where-the-river-divides-now-streaming-on-mymovies-africatm/


Where the River Divides’ now streaming on MyMovies.AfricaTM


How the premiere of ‘Where The River Divides’ went down

An enchanting evening unfolded at Anga Cinemas, Diamond Plaza 2 in Parklands, as Where the River Divides premiere took center stage on Tuesday, August 15.

This cinematic masterpiece, set against the mesmerizing backdrop of Thimlich Ohinga, envelops audiences in a captivating narrative that delves into profound themes of truth, faith, fear, family, sacrifices, betrayal, culture, and responsibilities.

<img src="https://nnmedia.nation.africa/uploads/2023/08/EAM0405whatsonb.jpg"/>
<figcaption>
Kenya’s Thimlich Ohinga put on the World Heritage List
Credit: Fred Oluoch
</figcaption>

Enveloped within the close-knit embrace of a village, Where the River Divides unravels the intricate journey of a young man, son to a revered clan leader.

Returning to the village after his baptism, he finds himself at a crucial crossroads, torn between divergent paths.

One path leads him towards the mantle of his father’s esteemed legacy, a role steeped in expectations, traditions, and responsibilities.

The other beckons him to embrace a newfound purpose that demands unwavering courage and could thrust his life into uncertainty.

<img src="https://nnmedia.nation.africa/uploads/2023/08/BuzzWhereTheRiverD4.jpg"/>
<figcaption>
Guests enjoy the exclusive Premiere of the “Where The River Divides” movie at Anga Cinema, Diamond Plaza 2, Parklands, Nairobi on August 16, 2023. WILFRED NYANGARESI|NATION
</figcaption>

Filmed in its original language, Dholuo, Where the River Divides has been meticulously dubbed into both Kiswahili and English, ensuring that its profound narrative can resonate with a diverse global audience.

Commenting on the significance of the film, Trushna Buddhdev-Patel, Co-Founder, Content Director & Chief Executive Officer of Ya Kwetu, expressed, “This is such a beautiful film from Kenya’s history. And we are very proud to be distributing it globally and making it available on our Video On Demand service – MyMovies.Africa.”

“The film serves as a testament to the power of compassion and understanding, even amidst monumental challenges,” shared Matrid Nyagah, one of the film’s producers at Fearless Films.

The director M.D. Neely, representing American-based Christ In Youth (CIY), offered his perspective, stating, “For me, Where the River Divides is ultimately about sacrifice. What am I willing to sacrifice to follow the call that God has placed on my life? Dennis’ story has challenged and inspired me. Also, I am so humbled and proud to work with such an incredibly talented and passionate group of artists to tell this story.”


Check out the photos:
<img src="https://nnmedia.nation.africa/uploads/2023/08/BuzzWhereTheRiverDivi.jpg"/>
<figcaption>
Fridah Okello, Wanjiru Karing’u, and Yvonne Wachira during the exclusive “Where The River Divides” movie premiere at Anga Cinema, Diamond Plaza 2, Parklands, Nairobi on August 16, 2023. WILFRED NYANGARESI|NATION
</figcaption>

<img src="https://nnmedia.nation.africa/uploads/2023/08/BuzzWhereTheRiverD2.jpg"/>
<figcaption>
Some of the film crew of “Where The River Divides” movie during its Premiere at Anga Cinema, Diamond Plaza 2, Parklands, Nairobi on August 16, 2023. WILFRED NYANGARESI|NATION
</figcaption>

<img src="https://nnmedia.nation.africa/uploads/2023/08/BuzzWhereTheRiverD3.jpg"/>
<figcaption>
Jodi Jubi, Matthew Ngugi and Scola Thitai pose for a photo during the exclusive Premiere of the“Where The River Divides” movie at Anga Cinema, Diamond Plaza 2, Parklands, Nairobi on August 16, 2023. WILFRED NYANGARESI|NATION
</figcaption>


Source: https://nairobinews.nation.africa/photos-how-the-premiere-of-where-the-river-divides-went-down/



Anticipated Kenyan movie “Where The River Divides,” is ready to take audiences on a transformative journey that transcends boundaries and redefines the cinematic landscape.

Set against the mystical backdrop of the Thimlich Ohinga archaeological site in Migori, “Where The River Divides” is poised to make its grand debut and carve its mark in the hearts of viewers.

With the premiere scheduled at Anga Cinema, Diamond Plaza, the anticipation is building for this cinematic revelation.

The event is set to unfold on Tuesday, August 15th, at 2 PM, promising an unforgettable experience for all those in attendance.

At its core, Where The River Divides unravels a mesmerizing tale woven around the life of a young protagonist, intricately connected to the legacy of his esteemed clan leader father.

Upon returning to his village after a transformative baptism, the young man finds himself standing at a crossroads that holds the power to redefine his destiny. One path beckons him towards the hallowed duty of inheriting his father’s illustrious legacy – a path laden with traditions, responsibilities, and towering expectations. The other path introduces him to a new horizon, where the allure of Christianity tugs at his heartstrings, offering a fresh sense of purpose.

This internal conflict serves as the pulsating heartbeat of the movie, inviting audiences to immerse themselves in the protagonist’s profound struggle.

Yet, the film’s true essence lies in its ability to weave together the tapestry of shared human experiences, transcending barriers of language and faith. It resonates with the universal emotions and aspirations that bind us all, reaffirming the interconnectedness of humanity.

Director M.D. Neely delves into the film’s essence, remarking, “At its core, ‘Where the River Divides’ grapples with the concept of sacrifice. It compels us to examine what we are willing to relinquish in order to heed the call of destiny. Dennis’s journey, as portrayed in the film, has touched and inspired me deeply. Collaborating with an exceptional team of artists to bring this narrative to life has been an honor.”

Where The River Divides authenticity is reflected in its original filming in the evocative Dholuo, which has been meticulously dubbed into Kiswahili and English.

This careful translation ensures that the movie’s narrative resonates with a diverse global audience, fostering a sense of unity through understanding.

As the world gears up for the grand premiere, “Where The River Divides” is poised to make its digital debut as well.

The film will be available for streaming across a staggering 195 countries and territories, providing an exclusive online premiere through the Digital Cinema Extension – MyMovies.Africa™ platform. The virtual curtains will rise on this digital extravaganza at 4:00 PM on Tuesday, August 15th, 2023.

Trushna Buddhdev-Patel, the visionary co-founder, content director, and CEO of Yakwetu – the parent company of MyMoviesAfrica – expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “This film, rooted in Kenya’s rich history, fills us with immense pride.

The global distribution of ‘Where The River Divides’ resonates with its universal themes, and we are thrilled to showcase it on our very own Video On Demand service, MyMovies.Africa™.”

In a world brimming with distractions, “Where The River Divides” stands as a poignant reminder of the weight of our choices and the enduring impact of compassion. As the film embarks on its voyage across screens around the world, it beckons audiences to join in contemplation, inviting them to find a shared resonance in the face of life’s most monumental challenges.

Source: https://www.kenyanvibe.com/where-the-river-divides-kenyan-film-to-premier-at-anga-cinema/


Where The River Divides’: Kenyan Film To Premier At Anga Cinema


Kenyan film, Where The River Divides, (2023), tells the story of the son of a clan leader who returns to his village following his baptism, and must choose whether to inherit his father’s legacy, or fulfil his newfound purpose and risk his life.

The film was screened in Uganda during the Transform Leaders’ Gathering 2023 convened by Worship Harvest Church in Kampala, on September 1 and 2.

Based on a true story from 1979 Kenya, the film premiered at the Unesco World Heritage Site in Thimlich Ohinga, Migori County, on August 11, 2023, and at Anga Cinemas, Diamond Plaza 2 in Parklands in Nairobi on August 15.

This gripping tale, set against the backdrop of the awe-inspiring Thimlich Ohinga, is a compelling narrative that delves deep into themes of truth, faith, fear, family, sacrifices, betrayal, culture and responsibilities.

Set in a tight-knit village, Where The River Divides follows the journey of a young man, the son of a respected clan leader, who returns to the village after baptism and finds himself at a crossroads - torn between two divergent paths. On one hand, he stands to inherit his father’s esteemed legacy - a role laden with expectations, traditions and responsibilities. On the other, he is faced with the allure of a newfound purpose that beckons him towards an uncertain destiny - one that demands great courage and could put his life at risk.


Originally filmed in Dholuo, the film has also been dubbed in both Kiswahili and English, ensuring that its narrative can be appreciated by a diverse global audience. This decision aligns with the film’s overarching message of unity and shared human experiences, transcending linguistic boundaries.


Source: https://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/tea/magazine/multi-themed-kenyan-film-debuts-in-uganda-4362332


Multi-themed Kenyan film debuts in Uganda


Based on a True Story, from 1979 Kenya in Thimlich Ohinga, Migori County, Where the River Divides premiered on Friday 11th August 2023, at the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

On Tuesday 15th August 2023, Where the River Divides, produced by Good News Productions International-Africa, premiered in Nairobi, at Anga Cinemas, Diamond Plaza 2 in Parklands, to rave Reviews!

<img src = "https://news.sanaapost.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/6009746-721x1024.jpg"/>
<figcaption> Where the River Divides red carpet Photo by Sanaa Post </figcaption>

This gripping tale, set against the backdrop of the awe-inspiring Thimlich Ohinga, is a compelling narrative that delves deep into themes of truth, faith, fear, family, sacrifices, betrayal, culture and responsibilities.

Set in a tight-knit village, Where The River Divides follows the compelling journey of a young man, the son of a respected clan leader. Upon his return to the village, following his baptism, he finds himself at a crossroads, torn between two divergent paths. On one hand, he stands to inherit his father’s esteemed legacy, a role laden with expectations, traditions and responsibilities. On the other, he is faced with the allure of a newfound purpose that beckons him towards an uncertain destiny, one that demands great courage and could put his life at risk.

<img src = "https://news.sanaapost.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/6009664-1024x924.jpg"/>
<figcaption> Sanaa Post team at the Where the River Divides premiere Photo by Sanaa Post </figcaption>

Originally filmed in Dholuo, Where The River Divides has also been meticulously dubbed into both Kiswahili and English, ensuring that its profound narrative can be appreciated by a diverse global audience. This decision aligns with the film’s overarching message of unity and shared human experiences, transcending linguistic boundaries.

As such, Where The River Divides has simultaneously Premiered online, and is available in all 195 countries & territories globally, exclusively via Digital Cinema Extension, MyMovies.Africa™ https://app.mymovies.africa.

<img src = "https://news.sanaapost.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/6009883-1024x819.jpg"/>
<figcaption> All smiles at the Where the River Divides premiere Photo by Sanaa Post </figcaption>

"This is such a beautiful Film, from Kenya’s history” says Co-Founder, Content Director & Chief Executive Officer of
YAKWETU™ – Ms. Trushna Buddhdev-Patel.

"And we are very proud to be Distributing it globally, as well as making it available on our own Video On Demand service – MyMovies.Africa™.” She adds

"Where The River Divides is more than a Film; it’s an emotional journey that urges us to contemplate the choices that
define our existence. It’s a testament to the power of compassion and understanding, even in the face of monumental challenges”. Says Ms. Matrid Nyagah, one of the film’s Producers, at Fearless Films

"For me, Where the River Divides is ultimately about sacrifice”. Says Mr. M.D. Neely – the film’s Director, from
American-based Christ In Youth (CIY)

"What am I willing to sacrifice to follow the call that God has placed on my life? Dennis’ story has challenged and
inspired me. Also, I am so humbled and proud to work with such an incredibly talented and passionate group of artists
to tell this story.” He adds

Watch Where the River Divides online Now via the Link https://app.mymovies.africa

Source: https://news.sanaapost.com/where-the-river-divides-premiere/


WHERE THE RIVER DIVIDES’ now Streaming Worldwide, exclusively on MyMovies.Africa™


MEDIA COVERAGE:

The prestigious 2023 WIPO Global Awards for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) have been announced, and among the winners is YAKWETU Online Limited from Kenya. The annual competition celebrates SMEs that have not only achieved business success but have also made significant economic, social, and cultural impacts through the use of intellectual property (IP).

The WIPO Global Awards program recognizes enterprises at the forefront of innovation and creativity, highlighting the transformative potential of IP in shaping a brighter future. This year, small and medium-sized enterprises from six countries – China, France, Kenya, Mexico, Singapore, and Slovenia – have emerged as winners in the second edition of the competition.

In an awards ceremony held during the WIPO Assemblies from July 6 to 14, 2023, Director General Daren Tang presented the prestigious award trophies to the representatives of the winning companies. YAKWETU Online Limited, an entertainment technology company from Kenya, was honored to be among the recipients.

For SMEs, intellectual property is not only a shield but also a sword that protects their ideas while enabling them to enter and succeed in new markets. WIPO Director General Daren Tang emphasized the importance of ensuring that SMEs effectively utilize IP to grow and scale their businesses. With SMEs comprising 90% of all enterprises worldwide, creating a more inclusive IP ecosystem that brings IP closer to these businesses is a key strategy for WIPO.
What YAKWETU does:

YAKWETU Online Limited has made remarkable strides in the entertainment industry by disrupting the piracy-dominated distribution channels of digital content in Africa. The company’s trademark-protected platform provides digital content for entertainment and education specifically tailored to African audiences. By effectively combating piracy and ensuring equitable monetization for content creators, YAKWETU™ is revolutionizing the African entertainment landscape.

Out of a total of 548 submissions and 25 finalists from 16 countries and various industries such as creative, food, green technology, and health, YAKWETU emerged as one of the seven winners. The company’s achievement is particularly noteworthy as it is the first African company and the first from the global creative industry to receive this prestigious award from WIPO.

Mike Strano, Co-Founder and Chief Operations Officer of YAKWETU Online Limited, expressed his gratitude and excitement at receiving the award. Strano explained, “YAKWETU in Kiswahili means both ‘Of Us’ and ‘For Us.’ We chose this name because it articulates our purpose of making digital content available for entertainment and education from Africans, to Africans, while protecting it from its greatest threat – piracy, and monetizing it equitably for the creators.” He further added, “YAKWETU is deeply honored to be the first African company, and first from the Creative Industry globally, to receive this award from WIPO.”

Strano expressed his appreciation to their customers, content creators, partners, staff, board of advisors, directors, and co-founder Trushna Buddhdev-Patel for their belief and support. He concluded his remarks with the Swahili word “Ubuntu,” conveying the message that YAKWETU is because of the collective efforts of everyone involved.

<img src="https://www.wipo.int/export/sites/www/shared/pics/global_awards_ceremony20230711-845.jpg"/>


The complete list of winners of the 2023 WIPO Global Awards for SMEs are as follows:

1. Aerosol Magee Scientific – Slovenia: A leading developer and manufacturer of air quality measurement instruments, leveraging on patents and trademarks to protect their innovations and branding.

2. Centro de Retina Medica y Quirúrgica (CRQM) – Mexico: Patent-protected nanotechnology platform for drug delivery to the retina marks a groundbreaking advancement in treating common causes of blindness.

3. Flexxon – Singapore: Holds an extensive patents and trademarks portfolio to deploy an AI-based cybersecurity solution that detects and prevents ransomware attacks in real-time.

4. Lactips – France: Patent-protected technology for plastic-free plastic that is 100% bio-based, fully biodegradable, and water-soluble without leaving micro particles.

5. Shanghai Westwell Technology Co. Ltd. – China: Holds a robust patent, industrial design, and trademark portfolio offering multi-scenario intelligent and green solutions for the bulk logistics field.

6. Xi ‘an KissFuture Network Technology Co., LTD – China: Leader in AR/VR technologies, with patented motion platforms and hardware optimization to offer comprehensive solutions for cinemas and cultural institutions.

7. YAKWETU Online Limited – Kenya: A trademark-protected entertainment technology company that is innovatively disrupting piracy-dominated distribution channels of digital content in Africa.

The WIPO Global Awards winners will receive a personalized mentoring program tailored to each company’s needs, helping them access finance, establish business partnerships, and strengthen their intellectual property strategies. This support, along with other forms of sponsorship and assistance, will facilitate their access to funding and foster further business growth.

The WIPO Global Awards program is rooted in WIPO’s mission to ensure a world where intellectual property rights support innovation and creativity from anywhere, for the benefit of everyone. These awards, independently selected by a jury, recognize and support individuals and enterprises whose skills contribute to progress and improve people’s lives. Through personalized mentorship and other support, the program empowers winners to leverage intellectual property for business growth and success.




WIPO Global Awards: Kenya’s YAKWETU Shines in Entertainment Technology 


Baby Samantha Pendo.

The name carries a certain serenity, but it also evokes painful memories for many Kenyans.

This six-month-old infant became an enduring symbol of tragedy when she tragically lost her life during a police raid on her parents’ home in Nyalenda, Kisumu, in the aftermath of disputed presidential polls.

Even six years after her heartbreaking death, Baby Pendo’s story continues to resonate, and a film inspired by the events surrounding her passing continues to earn accolades from audiences across Africa and beyond.

The film, titled “Bangarang” in honour of the late infant, has garnered over 40 award nominations, with the latest being from the Africa Film Festival. The festival is scheduled to take place in Atlanta, USA, from September 21 to 24 and from October 7 to 8.

When filmmaker Robin Odongo first conceived the idea of scripting “Bangarang” in the aftermath of the 2017 Post Election Violence (PEV), he was apprehensive due to the sensitive nature of the subject matter.

However, during an interview at the Nation Media Group offices in Kisumu, Mr Odongo confessed his astonishment at the warm reception the film received since its official premiere in 2021.

“Being nominated for the Atlanta Festival awards is one of my biggest achievements. I am praying that we win and bring the award home,” expressed Mr Odongo.
Bangarang poster


<img src="https://nnmedia.nation.africa/uploads/2023/09/Bangarang-filmposter-1.jpg"/>

“Bangarang” is currently accessible on international platforms, including Netflix, Amazon, VIU (a South African platform), and My Africa Movies (a Kenyan platform available worldwide). Locally, it has been featured on Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC), Mnet Movies Africa, and several local television stations.

Mr Odongo approached Baby Pendo’s parents to explain his idea for the film, and they were impressed by the project, grateful that their daughter’s story was being shared with the world in a meaningful way.


This self-taught scriptwriter and director believes that “Bangarang” received more attention than his previous three films because of the relevance of its subject matter.

“I have scripted four movies, and Bangarang surprised me the most. For the first time, I got awards beyond Kenya. The movie even took me outside Kenya for the first time,” he reflected.

Mr Odongo’s journey to making “Bangarang” was deeply personal.

<img src="https://nnmedia.nation.africa/uploads/2023/09/1658915947124.jpg"/>
<figcaption> Filmmaker Robin Odongo. PHOTO| COURTESY </figcaption>

He had lost three friends during the 2007 PEV, and in 2013, he was involved in a motor vehicle accident in Kisumu during another outbreak of violence, resulting in a severe injury to his right hand.

However, a chance encounter in 2017, while working as a subordinate staff member at the Aga Khan Hospital in Kisumu, would become the catalyst for “Bangarang.”

He came across a six-month-old baby fighting for her life in the hospital’s intensive care unit (ICU).

The next night, when he returned for his shift, the infant, Baby Pendo, had tragically succumbed to injuries sustained during the 2017 PEV.

“She was a beautiful baby and did not deserve to die, I realized that a number of things happened amid the chaos but never made it to the mainstream media, the best way I could address this as a filmmaker was to do a film inspired by the young girl’s story,” said Mr Odongo.

Moved by this poignant story, Mr Odongo felt compelled to create a film inspired by the young girl’s tragic ordeal. Due to financial constraints, it took him six months to write the script and three more years to shoot it.

Mr Odongo, a hospitality graduate, estimated that he needed Sh12 million for a 30-day shoot in Kisumu County while earning a monthly salary of only Sh15,000.

In 2020, he successfully applied for a grant from the Kenya Film Commission (KFC) through its Film Empowerment Programme.

Out of 72 applicants, KFC selected 12 filmmakers, awarding them a total of Sh25 million for development and production. Mr Odongo and his team worked with a budget of Sh4 million, adjusting the shooting schedule to 14 days.

The one-hour, 28-minute film titled “Bangarang,” a Jamaican slang term for chaos or lack of peace, draws inspiration from events during the 2007, 2013, and 2017 general elections.

To fit the budget, Mr. Odongo revealed that they had to shoot some scenes four times a day, leaving the cast members fatigued.

Another challenge they faced was the fear of how the project would be received due to its sensitive subject matter.

Despite the apprehension, Mr Odongo was determined to tell the story and ensure the message reached the audience, especially before the 2022 elections.

The county government of Kisumu stepped in to offer support by allowing the filmmakers to shoot in designated areas for free.

Filming during the shoot of the film Bangarang in Kisumu. PHOTO | POOL

<img src="https://nnmedia.nation.africa/uploads/2023/09/BUZZACT1.jpg"/>
<figcaption> Filming during the shoot of the film Bangarang in Kisumu. PHOTO | POOL </figcaption>

“Bangarang” tells the story of Otile, a struggling boda boda rider who remains jobless a decade after earning a second-class honours degree in automotive engineering.

When violence erupts during the disputed Kenyan presidential elections, Otile joins other rioters in the streets of Kisumu to express his frustration with the government’s perceived mismanagement, which he blames for his unemployment.

In a fateful turn of events, Otile seeks refuge in Dan’s house while fleeing anti-riot police. The police trace him and brutally assault everyone in the house, including Dan’s six-month-old child, Baby Joy. Fearing false implications of Baby Joy’s death, Otile goes into exile.

Mr Odongo shared that the cast members were eager to participate in the film, with many having been directly or indirectly affected by the violence portrayed in the movie.

Some had experienced the violence firsthand during the 2007 and 2013 elections in Mathare, Nairobi, and Kondele, Kisumu.

Even before its official premiere in 2021, “Bangarang” had garnered significant attention, earning multiple selections at film festivals and numerous award nominations.

The film has already secured several awards, including Best African Feature Film in Durban, South Africa, and Best East African Film in Uganda. In Kenya, it has earned recognition as the Best Film on Human Rights Education at the Lake International Pan-African Film Festival (LIPAFF), as well as accolades for Best Director and Best Feature at the Coat Film Festival and Swahili Festival, among others.


Mr Odongo shared his experience of being in Russia recently.

“Last month, I was in Russia where Bangarang, alongside two other African movies, had been selected for a possible collaboration of African Russian movies,” he says.

Hailing from Bondo in Siaya County, Mr Odongo’s journey as a filmmaker began in 2005 when he started acting in set book plays. Alongside his acting career, he enrolled in YouTube courses, attended film workshops, and occasionally wrote scripts, seeking feedback from friends. With each script he wrote, he continued to refine his skills.

Despite the film’s successes, Mr Odongo feels that “Bangarang” has not fully achieved its goal of raising awareness about the consequences of PEV.

The film primarily targets youth, politicians, small-scale traders, and those from informal backgrounds who are often directly affected by the chaos.

Mr Odongo explained that, due to the limited cinema culture in Kenya, many people, especially those in marginalized communities, have been unable to watch the movie for free due to financial constraints.

Nevertheless, he remains committed to spreading the film’s message as far as possible.

“There are people whom I would love to have watch the movie for free, but this has not been possible due to financial constraints,” he said.


Source: https://nairobinews.nation.africa/kenyan-filmmakers-tribute-to-baby-pendo-shines-on-international-stage/


Bangarang is inspired by true events that led to the death of Baby Pendo in 2017.

Kenyan film Bangarang nominated for Atlanta Film Festival awards 2023


Whenever the name of baby Samantha Pendo is mentioned, soothing memories of the little angel fill the hearts of many
Kenyans.

The six month old infant was beaten to death by anti-riot police who raided her parent's home in Nyalenda Estate Kisumu,
to flush out protesters during the 2017 post0election violence.

To this day, Baby Pendo remains, strangely, the face of police brutality in Kenya.

But six years after her death, a film inspied by the events taht led to her death continues to win accolades from Africa
and beyond.

The film, called <b>Bangarang </b> and dedicated to baby Pendo, has been nominated for more than 40 awards, the latest
being Atlanta Film Festival, which takes place in Atlanta, USA, between 21 September and 8 October.

When the idea of writing the film came to him after the brutal death of baby Pendao, Robin Odongo was a littled scared
because of the sensitivity of the issue at the time. It was a subject that most peoiple did not want to talk about.

In an interview with the Nation, Odongo admitted that he is still surprised by the overwhelming response the film has
received since its official premier in 2021.

"Being nominated for the Atlanta Film Festival awards is one of my big achievements, I pray that we win and bring the award
home," said Mr Odongo.

The film is already available on international platforms such as Netflix, Amazon, VIU, a South African platform, and
MyMoviesAfrica, a Kenyan platform that can be accessed globally.

Locally, the film has been shown on Kenya Broadcasting Corpooration (KBC), Mnet Movies Africa and a number of local televesion
stations.

The self-taught scriptwriter reveals that even baby Pendo's parents have been touched by the film and are happy that their
little angel's story has been told to the world.

"I wrote four films before Bangarang, but they didn't do so well. This is the first time I have won awards outside Kenya,"
he says.

Odongo says the idea of making a film about the aftermath of elections came to him after he lost three close friends
during the 2007 PEV.

Later in 2013, Odongo was again caught up in the violence in Kisumu, suffering a serious injury to his right hand after
being hit by a speeding car in the chaos.

Four years later, while working as a junior staff member at the Aga Khan Hospital in Kisumu, Odongo came across a baby fighting for its life in the hospital's intensive care unit.

The following night, when he reported for his night shift, he stopped by the ICU, but the bed was empty - six-month-old
baby Pendo had died.

"She was a beautiful baby and did not deserve to die, I realised that a lot of things had happened amidst the chaos but
never made it to the mainstream media, the best way I could address this as a filmmaker was to make a film inspired the
young girl's story," said Mr Odongo.

It took the hospitality management graduate six months to write the script and another three years to shoot it due to
financial constraints.

For a 30-day shoot in Kisumu County, the filmmmaker needed Ksh 12 million, while he was earning a monthly salary of
sh 15,000. In 2020, Mr Odongo, successfully applied for a grant from the Kenya Film Commission (KFC) under the first
cycle of its film.




Source: https://nation.africa/kenya/life-and-style/kenyan-film-bangarang-atlanta-film-festival-awards-2023-4361806






<figcaption>
(From left) Ambassador Tatiana Molcean (Chair of the 2023 WIPO Awards Jury), Mike Strano, the Yakwetu co-founder and chief operations officer (holding the WIPO award), and the Director General of WIPO Daren Tang. PHOTO | COURTESY | WIPO
</figcaption>

Kenya's entertainment technology start-up – Yakwetu Online Limited, has been named one of the seven winners in the 2023 World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) Global Awards competition.

The WIPO Global Awards programme celebrates small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that are using intellectual property (IP) as a catalyst for economic, social, and cultural impact.

This year, SMEs from China, France, Kenya, Mexico, Singapore, and Slovenia are the winners of the second edition of the annual competition.

Yakwetu emerged among the seven winners who were selected from over 548 submissions spanning nearly 60 countries.

Ambassador Tatiana Molcean, Permanent Mission of the Republic of Moldova to the United Nations, was the Chair of the 2023 WIPO Awards Jury.

“Yakwetu in Kiswahili means both ‘Of Us’ and ‘For Us.’ We chose this name because it articulates our purpose of making available digital content for entertainment and education - from Africans to Africans; while protecting it from its greatest threat - piracy, and monetising it equitably for the creators," said Mike Strano, the Yakwetu co-founder and chief operations officer, at the awards ceremony.

"Yakwetu is deeply honoured to be the first African company, and first from the creative industry globally, to receive this award from WIPO.”

Yakwetu becomes the first business from Kenya, Africa and developing countries to win the WIPO award.

The works of winning enterprises range from air quality measurement instruments to nanotechnology platforms for targeted drug delivery, to AI-based cybersecurity solutions and technologies for sustainable and biodegradable materials.

Additionally, their innovations in augmented reality, intelligent logistics, and disruptive entertainment technologies showcase the diverse range of sectors and applications in which IP has enabled the winners to thrive.

“For SMEs, IP is both shield and a sword: it not just helps to protect their ideas but is also a vehicle for entering and succeeding in new markets. This is why we are working so hard to ensure that SMEs are using IP to grow and scale,” Tang said.

“SMEs make up 90 percent of all enterprises in the world. Building a more inclusive IP ecosystem that brings IP closer to SMEs is key to WIPO’s strategy, and we see these awards as a chance to celebrate, recognize and reward dynamic and innovative SMEs using innovation to change the world,” Tang added.

WIPO is the global forum for intellectual property policy, services, information and cooperation. A specialized agency of the United Nations, WIPO assists its 193 member states in developing a balanced international IP legal framework to meet society’s evolving needs.

It provides business services for obtaining IP rights in multiple countries and resolving disputes.

Winners will benefit from a customized mentoring programme for each company, in areas such as accessing finance, establishing business partnerships, and strengthening their intellectual property strategies.

<b>Full list of the 2023 WIPO Global Awards winners: </b>

<b>Aerosol Magee Scientific </b>

Country: Slovenia | Sector: Environment

A leading developer and manufacturer of air quality measurement instruments, leveraging on patents and trademarks to protect their innovations and branding.

<b>Centro de Retina Medica y Quirúrgica (CRQM) </b>

Country: Mexico | Sector: Health

Patent-protected nanotechnology platform for drug delivery to the retina represents a significant breakthrough in treating common causes of blindness.

<b> Flexxon </b>

Country: Singapore | Sector: Cybersecurity

AI-based cybersecurity solution that detects and prevents ransomware attacks in real-time leverages its extensive IP portfolio, including 50 patents and 27 global trademarks.

<b> Lactips </b>

Country: France | Sector: Environment

Patent-protected protein-based polymers plastic-free plastic technology is 100 per cent bio-based, fully biodegradable, and water-soluble without leaving microparticles.

Shanghai Westwell Technology Co. Limited

Country: China | Sector: Environment

Multi-scenario intelligent and green solutions for the bulk logistics fields. Building a robust patent, industrial design, and trademark-independent IP rights defense.

<b> Xi’an KissFuture Network Technologies </b>

Country: China | Sector: Creative Industries

A leader in AR/VR technologies, with patented innovations in motion platforms and hardware optimization. They offer comprehensive solutions for VR cinemas and cultural institutions.

<strong> Yakwetu Online Limited </strong>

Country: Kenya | Sector: Creative Industries

A trademark-protected entertainment technology company that is innovatively disrupting the 95-99 per cent piracy-dominated distribution channel of digital content in Kenya, with plans for the rest of Africa and other developing countries.

Launched in September 2019, Yakwetu’s poof-of-concept is MyMovies.Africa, a mobile-first digital cinema extension, offering securely encrypted original movies from Africa on smart devices, across Africa and to her Diaspora, in 195 countries.

→mbamuturaki@ug.nationmedia.com


Source: https://www.businessdailyafrica.com/bd/corporate/companies/kenya-s-yakwetu-online-among-seven-winners-of-wipo--4314142


Kenya's YAKWETU Online among seven winners of WIPO 2023 award! 

Kenya's YAKWETU Online Limited among seven winners of WIPO 2023 award!


Kenyan entertainment technology start-up – Yakwetu was honoured as one of the seven winners of the 2023 WIPO Global Awards, at the 64th General Assembly of the World Intellectual Property Organization.

Now in its second year, the WIPO Global Awards recognizes small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from around the globe, that are successfully commercializing their IP-backed innovation and creativity in an exceptional manner, that also improves society. YAKWETU emerged as one of the seven winners from 548 submissions and 25 Finalists - from 16 countries and from Industries like creative, green technology, health and more.

**“Yakwetu in Kiswahili means both ‘Of Us’ and ‘For Us.’ We chose this Name, because it articulates our purpose of making available digital content for entertainment and education - from Africans to Africans; while protecting it from its greatest threat - piracy, and monetising it equitably for the creators. YAKWETU is deeply honoured to be the first African company, and first from the creative industry globally, to receive this Award from WIPO", said Mike Strano, the co-founder.**

**"I would like to thank the thousands of customers on our first service - MyMovies.Africa™. Africa in the motherland and her diaspora, our content creators and partners for believing in us, our very talented and dedicated Staff, our generous board of advisors & directors and my co-Founder – Trushna Buddhdev-Patel.  To you all I say Ubuntu – We are, because You are.  Asanteni sana,”** he added.

The announcement follows an October 2021 recognition, when YAKWETU was 1 of 5 (from over 200 applications) admitted to the 2nd Cohort in Kenya of the Next Innovation with Japan (NINJA) Accelerator; which concluded with the Launch of their fundraising in January 2022.

Source: https://buzzcentral.co.ke/2023/07/kenyan-entertainment-technology-start-up-yakwetu-wins-wipo-global-awards/



KENYA ENTERTAINMENT TECHNOLOGY START-UP YAKWETU WINS WIPO GLOBAL AWARDS!




<figcaption>YAKWETU co-founder and chief operations officer Mike Strano at the 2023 WIPO Awards in Geneva. </figcaption>

Kenyan entertainment technology start-up YAKWETU Online Limited has today been honoured as one of the seven winners of the 2023 WIPO Global Awards, at the 64th General Assembly of the World Intellectual Property Organisation.

Now in its second year, the WIPO Global Awards recognises small and  medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from around the globe, that are successfully commercialising their IP-backed innovation and creativity in an exceptional manner, that also improves society.

YAKWETU emerged as one of the seven winners from 548 submissions and 25 finalists – from 16 countries and industries like creative, food, green technology, health, and more.

“YAKWETU in Kiswahili means both ‘Of Us’ and ‘For Us’.  We chose this Name, because it Articulates our Purpose of Making Available digital Content for Entertainment & Education – from Africans, to Africans; while Protecting it from its greatest Threat – Piracy, and Monetising it Equitably for the Creators,” YAKWETU co-founder and chief operations officer Mike Strano said. “We are deeply honoured to be the first African company, and first from the Creative Industry globally, to receive this Award from WIPO.

“I would like to thank the thousands of Customers on our first service, MyMovies.Africa, in The Motherland and her diaspora, our content creators and partners for believing in us, our very talented and dedicated Staff, our generous board of advisors and directors and my co-founder  Trushna Buddhdev-Patel.  To you all I say Ubuntu – We are, because You are.  Asanteni sana.”

<img src="https://www.wipo.int/export/sites/www/shared/pics/global_awards_ceremony20230711-845.jpg"/>


<figcaption>
WIPO Director General Daren Tang (center left) with representatives of the winners of the 2023 WIPO Global Awards, at a ceremony held during the July 6-14 Assemblies of WIPO Member States.
</figcaption>

This announcement follows an October 2021 recognition, when YAKWETU was one of five (from over 200) applicants admitted to the second cohort in Kenya of the Next INnovation with JApan (NINJA) Accelerator; which concluded with the Launch of their Fundraising in January 2022.

WIPO Global Award winners will receive a customised 1:1 mentoring package to  bolster their IP strategies, including funding facilitation, partnership opportunities and publicity support.

More about YAKWETU

Meaning both “Of Us” and “For Us” in Kiswahili (the most popular African language), YAKWETU is an entertainment technology company that’s innovatively disrupting the 95-99% Piracy-dominated distribution channel of digital content in Kenya, with plans for the rest of Africa and other developing Countries.

Its proprietary online home entertainment and edutainment system has taken proactive measures to protect and monetise the Intellectual Property (IP) of its content partners.

Released on 26th September 2019, their Poof-of-Concept is MyMovies.Africa, as a mobile-first digital cinema extension, offering securely encrypted original movies from Africa (i.e. neew releases, classics, features, shorts, animations, documentaries, etc) on smart devices, across Africa and the diaspora, in 195 countries.

MyMovies.Africa™ features Premium Video On Demand – PVOD

(#RentFor2Days) for New Releases, Transactional Video On Demand – TVOD

(#RentFor7Days), Electronic Sell Through – EST (#OwnForLife) purchase and

Watch Parties via ZOOM, all Accessed here.

YAKWETU is adapting this proprietary technology to securely Retail other Digital Content from Africa, while also modernising existing Value Chains.

More information here: https://media.yakwetu.africa and https://drive.google.com/file/d/1f2X6AyKblObb6p0QAbLZm0tpAFUbOI7o/view


YAKWETU named first-ever winner from Africa at WIPO Global Awards 


YAKWETU™ Online Limited, a Kenyan entertainment technology start-up that is innovatively disrupting piracy-dominated distribution channels of digital content in Africa has been selected as one of winners at this year's WIPO Global Awards presented by the World Intellectual Property Organization. The awards recognize exceptional use of intellectual property (IP) for positive impact both domestically and internationally.
Now in its second year, the WIPO Global Awards honor small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) worldwide that have
successfully commercialized their IP-based innovations and creative endeavors while also making a positive societal
contribution.

<img src= "https://cdn1.vc4a.com/media/2020/12/Team-1-1024x512.jpg"/>


The number of participants nearly tripled from the previous year, with WIPO receiving 548 submissions from 58 countries across various sectors such as creative industries, food, green energy technologies, and health.
"We are delighted to receive recognition for our work in Content Protection (Anti-Piracy) and Monetization through our proprietary Retail service, MyMovies.Africa™. This service securely encrypts African animations, documentaries, features, and shorts, making them available for rental or purchase to customers worldwide," said Trushna Buddhdev-Patel, the Co-Founder, Content Director, and Chief Executive Officer. "As an Entertainment Technology Company, YAKWETU™ is also implementing innovative anti-piracy measures to legitimize the retailing of entertainment and educational content in Africa."
The winners of the WIPO Global Awards 2023 were publicly announced during a live webcasted awards ceremony on July 11th in Geneva, Switzerland.
The WIPO Global Award winners will receive a tailored one-on-one mentoring package to strengthen their IP strategies, including assistance with fundraising, partnership opportunities, and publicity support.


Source: https://kenyabuzz.com/lifestyle/hongera-yakwetu-wins-wipo-global-award


Hongera! YAKWETU™ Wins WIPO Global Award


In a signed deal with MyMovies.Africa Watch parties and Kenya Film classification, streaming will now be monthly at iHub Nairobi.

KFC's pronouncement to support My Movies puts more weight to the initial dedication of coming up with a screening culture countrywide in a bid to support creatives and the industry wholesomely.

[![My Movies.Africa CEO Mike Strano](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/h_h0YqPQ9n7AYJTP8UYWolRxyzgTC0NvNJeJF0x0vnmRmZpDwqmZK70DArRBxehXKB_edtcRpjFYt1ssKc5JAG9PhXdeYdwME1ii0kg7uw=s750)](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/h_h0YqPQ9n7AYJTP8UYWolRxyzgTC0NvNJeJF0x0vnmRmZpDwqmZK70DArRBxehXKB_edtcRpjFYt1ssKc5JAG9PhXdeYdwME1ii0kg7uw=s1200)

My Movies.Africa CEO Mike Strano\
Image: CHARLENE MALWA

A while back, MyMovies.Africa gave exclusiev rights to use iHub Nairobi's STAWI space to stream through digital cinema extension service once  per month running from July 2022 - December 2022as phase 1 .

[![Cast and Crew on stage during Question and Answer session after the film.](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/3nHH1hRHPda7BTz9aQqlVdVdbhbV-n88-VNBtYE9wd1JAh-zVZkq8c2G3Okzjtn_9qMelkxTuGZzVbRC7XadNQDBvapm4AfD6wWW16B1XXM=s750)](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/3nHH1hRHPda7BTz9aQqlVdVdbhbV-n88-VNBtYE9wd1JAh-zVZkq8c2G3Okzjtn_9qMelkxTuGZzVbRC7XadNQDBvapm4AfD6wWW16B1XXM=s1200)

CAST AND CREW Cast and Crew on stage during Question and Answer session after the film.\
Image: CHARLENE MALWA

The entire event was also available on zoom.

The screening was followed up by an interactive question and answer session with Kenya's talented cast and crew.

[![Head of ITAAS: Stuart Collins](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/O1Tp7U7Flb0XaaD9aPa7L9ZI_BGm_qBe6DLWN6zhwbQrV0MB5Oxl5bBs6k8oCvTKOTvOh89TY0ht0yQttiNxWnGhGwr3G9afpE9ilxL-JQ=s750)](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/O1Tp7U7Flb0XaaD9aPa7L9ZI_BGm_qBe6DLWN6zhwbQrV0MB5Oxl5bBs6k8oCvTKOTvOh89TY0ht0yQttiNxWnGhGwr3G9afpE9ilxL-JQ=s1200)

Arrival Head of ITAAS: Stuart Collins\
Image: CHARLENE MALWA

[![Actress Naomi Kamau](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/VCo-muQYZ-U9gbG9Ge6oAPY8Wsuu3nwIkgFJRMRogTWhxVPQN34KqhN1Jq3rpf8wyY9CmsT8d5RQZ_b_rY6a1MMLwzNPxMT6AO0Io16r=s750)](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/VCo-muQYZ-U9gbG9Ge6oAPY8Wsuu3nwIkgFJRMRogTWhxVPQN34KqhN1Jq3rpf8wyY9CmsT8d5RQZ_b_rY6a1MMLwzNPxMT6AO0Io16r=s1200)

Actress Naomi Kamau\
Image: CHARLENE MALWA

[![Eve Nyaga and Vivian Ndegwa](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/ndmDAlWJ-kUwHypYGy1xllSb4q2dGaukOHqgDFZg8oATMJhkaaN7mVzvW6xopR_73jIrMIOe4lAf6Md4KHmziLGtE0gXvLZj7fjp7GEssPQ=s750)](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/ndmDAlWJ-kUwHypYGy1xllSb4q2dGaukOHqgDFZg8oATMJhkaaN7mVzvW6xopR_73jIrMIOe4lAf6Md4KHmziLGtE0gXvLZj7fjp7GEssPQ=s1200)

Fashionistas Eve Nyaga and Vivian Ndegwa\
Image: CHARLENE MALWA

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[](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/iqq_XiBXih5jscW3JzOu90Da7jc0eYvCyoYHUi5jVGD1xhFheHezm2kJHUR-bj4Zr7EkxwEA6MS9mFC12P9vFWH-uM9doMC5QB6iZecmcQ=s1200)


My.Movies Africa aims to make Kenya a global hub for Film production.  • The premiere edition .of the MyMovies.Africa watch party features the award-winning gritty crime thriller ' Why u hate 

Kenya Film Commission supports MyMovies.Africa for Monthly Parties at iHub



Medicine Man, is a vernacular movie shot in Embu County. PHOTO | POOL

Medicine Man, a vernacular movie shot in Embu County is set to screen worldwide on November 17, 2022. Medicine Man is the 120-minute thriller/drama story of how a lone doctor (Pish Kago) overcomes the odds to redeem the community he loves from the shackles of witchcraft and from the enslavement of a warlock’s (Sam Ukavi) power.

Made possible by the 2020 Kenya Film Commission Empowerment Programme, the multiple award-winning movie is set to screen, and be discussed, at the 5th monthly #WeWatchKenyan Party, at iHub Nairobi (6pm-10pm), and simulcast on Zoom (7pm-9:30pm) in 195 countries and territories worldwide.

Also read: Mugithi royalty – Why I work in Gulf yet my parents are rich – Kigia Wa Esther’s son speaks

“We’re so thrilled to have received 13 nominations at the International Pan-African Film Festival (LIPFF) 2022, and to have won four! What’s more thrilling, however, is that our peers at the festival loved the film! We’re now looking forward to screening it in Nairobi, enroute to Nigeria,” said Betty Kathungu-Furet, the movie’s Executive Producer.

Medicine Man has also been selected for the 5th Kano Indigenous Languages of Africa Film Market and Festival (KILAF), and will take place from 22nd to 27th of November 2022, in the ancient Nigerian city of Kano.

Also read: It is not funny! Female reporter speaks on viral State House interaction with CS Alfred Mutua

“We are very proud of the cast and crew of Medicine Man. Making a vernacular film for a national and international audience takes real conviction. And not only has Medicine Man won awards, but we recently licensed the film to Qatar Airways and Oman Air – proving that language isn’t a barrier, if you make a quality film with a compelling storyline, ”added Ms Trushna Buddhdev-Patel, the co-founder, content director and CEO of YAKWETU™.

The MyMovies.Africa™ Watch Party will also features an audience-interactive conversation with award-winning executive producer, Betty Kathungu-Furet, writer and producer Edijoe Mwaniki, director Simiyu Barasa as well as actors Pish Kago and Sammy Ukavi. MyMovies.Africa™ Watch Parties at iHub Nairobi are aimed at promoting local film and content, as well as building a community of Kenyan creatives who actually watch Kenyan content.

Medicine Man is the 120-minute thriller/drama story of how a lone doctor (Pish Kago) overcomes the odds to redeem the community he loves from the shackles of witchcraft and from the enslavement of a warlock’s (Sam Ukavi) power.

Medicine Man: Embu movie to be screened worldwide in 195 countries


Where the River Divides carried a palpable aura that wafted through the smiles and faces that graced its premiere at the Anga Diamond Cinema. Having successfully avoided any spoilers, trailers, or any information about the film beforehand, I had absolutely no idea what awaited me—not the 33-minute runtime that took me by surprise, nor the makers of the film, nor what the film was about. What I did manage to pick up from the whispers of those who attended the premiere was that I was about to experience one of the most beautiful Kenyan films I had ever seen. And it was.

As the opening scenes played over my eyes, I found myself burrowing through my mind for any memory of native Kenyan films. Maybe it’s the lack of funding to actualize memories or our industry being too ripe in its infancy to explore our history with genuineness; we simply seem to lack films that capture the day-to-day lives of Kenyans before or early into our independence.

Where the River Divides, directed by M.D. Neely, rises forth to fill that void, exploring a small Luo rural clan in the 70s. The film is careful enough to adhere to the language, traditions, and mannerisms of its time while elevating itself with the most beautiful locations, costumes, and cinematography so that every scene, the consequential ones, and the fillers feel intricately placed to tell a coherent story.

The story itself, written by Matt Black, sees an ideological fight between a son and his father as the gospel the son brings to the clan attempts to usurp the tradition the clan has been founded on. Based on a true story, the narrative walks through the decades, planting its seed in the protagonist’s early childhood and concluding in the present, briefly but intimately touching on fatherhood, love, control, and the quest for salvation within and without traditions.

However, Where The River Divides glosses over the conflicts and the relationships, careful enough not to overstay its welcome, and for the most part, it allows the beauty of its scenes and the perfect acting of its cast like Fred Kasuku (Ochanda), Shandra Apondi (Mary), and Benjamin A. Onyango (Okoth) to carry the narrative as it speeds through the limited runtime.

As an artistic expression of a film, the film is beautiful, intimate, and well made to stand above most Kenyan films released today. It doesn’t take the chastity of being one of the first to tell a native Kenyan story lightly, paying enough homage to the socioeconomic environs to suck the audience into its world and paying it off with a thematic narrative.

As a voice, however, as it was clearly intended to be, I do find personal issues with it. If this film were to be released in an industry that produces numerous cultural Kenyan stories like Nollywood, I would rest here and give it all my praise. But it doesn’t. Where the River Divides is the first of its kind, and as visually appealing as it is, I find issue with the fact that the first Kenyan cultural story I’ve seen is so blatantly against the culture it so beautifully portrays.

I understand the film is funded by GNPI (Good News Productions International) Africa and Youth in Christ who are using film as a means to preach the gospel, as is within their rights. And Where the River Divides tells its story as honestly as it possibly can, like the missionaries who brought the gospel to Kenyans all those decades ago but it leaves a sour taste in my mouth when our traditions and cultures are vilified to exalt western salvation.

Perhaps if they had more time, there is reason to believe the makers of this film would have taken their time to reconcile the different ideologies they pit against each other to form the central conflict. Then again, there is more than one example of quality, successful films that use African culture as nothing more than some backward barbarism that heathens need to evolve out of. Like I said, if Where the River Divides was one of many like it in Kenya, telling its own thematic perspective in a sea of others telling theirs, I would gladly exalt it sorely as an artistic marvel. And maybe I will in retrospect down the years when we tell these same stories in our own voices and directions, but for now, I’d rather see a film reuniting our audience with its past, not forging evangelical milestones at its expense.

Where the River Divides is now streaming on My Movies Africa.

Source: https://www.sinemafocus.com/review-where-the-river-divides-is-a-beautiful-cultural-story-that-dilutes-its-significance-by-pandering-to-western-salvation/


This film is the first of its kind, and as visually appealing as it is, it's a shame that such an important Kenyan story is so blatantly against the culture it so beautifully portrays.

Review: ‘Where the River Divides’ Is A Beautiful Cultural Story That Dilutes Its Significance By Pandering to Western Salvation


Yakwetu online, Kenyan entertainment technology startup has been honoured as 1 of the 7 Winners of the 2023 WIPO Global Awards, at the 64th General Assembly of the World Intellectual Property Organisation.

Now in its second year, the WIPO Global Awards recognises small & medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from around the globe, that are successfully commercialising their IP-backed innovation and creativity in an exceptional manner, that also improves society.

Yakwetu has emerged as 1 of the 7 Winners from 548 Submissions and 25 Finalists – from 16 Countries and from Industries like creative, food, green technology, health & more, for its first service https://app.mymovies.africa.

“Yakwetu in Kiswahili means both ‘Of Us’ and ‘For Us’.  We chose this Name, because it Articulates our Purpose of Making Available digital Content for Entertainment & Education – from Africans, to Africans; while Protecting it from its greatest Threat – Piracy, and Monetising it Equitably for the Creators.

Yakwetu is deeply honoured to be the first African company, and first from the Creative Industry globally, to receive this Award from WIPO”, said Mike Strano, Co-Founder & Chief Operations Officer, at the Ceremony.  “I would like to Thank the thousands of Customers on our first service – MyMovies.Africa™ in The Motherland & her Diaspora, our Content Creators & Partners for believing in us, our very talented & dedicated Staff, our generous Board of Advisors & Directors and my Co-Founder – Trushna Buddhdev-Patel.  To you all I say Ubuntu – We are, because You are.  Asanteni sana.”

This announcement follows an October 2021 recognition, when Yakwetu was 1 of 5 (from over 200 applications) admitted to the 2nd Cohort in Kenya of the Next INnovation with JApan (NINJA) Accelerator; which concluded with the Launch of their Fundraising in January 2022.

WIPO Global Award winners will receive a customised 1:1 mentoring package to bolster their IP strategies, including funding facilitation, partnership opportunities and publicity support.

Source: https://techmoran.com/2023/07/14/yakwetu-named-first-ever-winner-from-africa-and-creative-industry-at-wipo-global-awards/



Kenya Film Commission partners with MyMovies.Africa™ to launch 'We Watch Kenyan' initiative

![ 'We Watch Kenyan' initiative launched at iHub Nairobi [Details]](https://ocdn.eu/pulscms-transforms/1/EoGktkqTURBXy8zYzU2YWIyNDZiZjIyZjFhZGFlYTkxNGM3MjZmOTc3Yi5qcGVnkpUDAB7NBdDNA0WTBc0DFs0Brg " 'We Watch Kenyan' initiative launched at iHub Nairobi [Details]")

'We Watch Kenyan' initiative launched at iHub Nairobi [Details]

The Kenya Film Commission (KFC) has teamed up with MyMovies.AfricaTM to launch *'We Watch Kenyan' *initiative - aimed at promoting local film and content, as well as building a community of Kenyan creatives who watch Kenyan content.

The initiative was officially launched at the *iHub* in Nairobi, during the debut of the monthly *MyMovies.AfricaTM *watch party.

During the launch, KFC reiterated its commitment to growing the screen-going culture in the Country, by putting in place programmes such as the drive-in cinema, reel county film festival and the school outreach programme.

The unveiling was presided over by John Kyalo, a film development officer at KFC, who read a speech from their Chief Executive Officer Timothy Owase.

![ 'We Watch Kenyan' initiative launched at iHub Nairobi [Details]](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg'%20width%3D'790'%20height%3D'527'%20data-ring-placeholder%3D'1'%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E " 'We Watch Kenyan' initiative launched at iHub Nairobi [Details]")

'We Watch Kenyan' initiative launched at iHub Nairobi [Details]

*"The Kenyan film industry has indeed come of age. This is a significant milestone for the creative Industry in the country. As a commission, it is our overriding goal to create an enabling environment, where Kenyan filmmakers have a supportive infrastructure in place to support production and distribution, and also create platforms where this content can be consumed",* Timothy Owase said in the speech.

The launch featured a screening of the Internationally-acclaimed crime thriller: *Why U Hate.*

[The watch party, which was also live via Zoom](https://www.pulselive.co.ke/entertainment/celebrities/abel-mutua-reveals-millions-earned-from-new-click-click-bang-movie/ym76fxc), also included a very interactive hour-long question & answer session with the dynamic 20-something writer & director duo of Wanju Kase (Jante Juma & Robert Kamau), as well as Kalasha award-winning actress -- Ellah Maina, Bernard Irungu, cnemaphotographer Shammer Agila and set designer -- Cynthia Kanario.

![ 'We Watch Kenyan' initiative launched at iHub Nairobi [Details]](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg'%20width%3D'790'%20height%3D'527'%20data-ring-placeholder%3D'1'%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E " 'We Watch Kenyan' initiative launched at iHub Nairobi [Details]")

'We Watch Kenyan' initiative launched at iHub Nairobi [Details]

The watch party attracted a good number of fans -- many from the creative industry who termed the debut a success.

*"This was a very entertaining, engaging and informative evening. I look forward to many, many more in the future", *said veteran actor Chris Kamau, who stars in Country Queen.

Gengetone artiste Parroty Vunulu added; "_#WeWatchKenyan is so important!. If we don't support our own, who will? I also like that why u hate features matatu culture, and includes local music from Mbogi Genje. I look forward to seeing more local Movies, featuring local Music,"._

READ:[ Sarah Hassan, Njoro Wa Uba & Kate actress win big at Kalasha Awards 2021 [Full List]](https://www.pulselive.co.ke/entertainment/celebrities/sarah-hassan-njoro-wa-uba-and-kate-actress-win-big-at-kalasha-awards-2021-full-list/vbj7g8w)

The launch was also attended by top filmmakers, including famed writer, producer & actor - Naomi Kamau, filmmaker Pauline Kyalo, Producer Doris Kathia and Ben Marie Akatsa whop stars in Kina and Maria.

Supported by Kenya Film Commission, *#WeWatchKenyan* is an initiative by Kenya-based Startup - YAKWETUTM online limited, which is running their MyMovies.AfricaTM watch parties, monthly until December 2022.

Tickets are already on sale for the 2nd* MyMovies.AfricaTM Watch Party* at iHub, on Wednesday August 31, 2022, featuring the 10th Anniversary of Nairobi Half Life.


Kenya Film Commission partners with MyMovies.Africa™ to launch 'We Watch Kenyan' initiative