Kenya Film Commission

Yesterday evening, the commission led by our CEO Mr. Timothy Owase, MBS, had the pleasure of being hosted by H.E. Kang Hyung-shik, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Kenya, at his residence for a delightful dinner. Beyond the exquisitely curated menu, what stood out most was the rich and engaging conversation on our shared histories, cultural intersections, and the important role of cultural exchange in strengthening relationships between nations.

It was equally inspiring to learn more about the many impactful projects the Korean Government continues to support across Kenya in sectors such as education, technology, innovation, and the creative economy, with film emerging as a key area of collaboration.

We are particularly excited about the proposed Kenya–Korea Film Week, as well as the opportunities for exchange programmes and co-productions that have the potential to benefit filmmakers, creatives, and audiences in both countries.

We look forward to building meaningful and mutually beneficial partnerships that deepen cultural understanding, foster creativity, and strengthen the bonds between Kenya and Korea.

A huge congratulations to South Korea on winning their debut match at the FIFA World Cup -2026. ^SO

Human Dignity and Social Justice are fundamental to an inclusive and thriving society.

At the Kenya Film Commission, we champion safe, respectful, and equitable opportunities within the creative industry by supporting emerging filmmakers, youth, women, and underrepresented groups. Through film, we empower voices, promote fairness, and foster a culture where every creative is valued and respected.



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Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports State Department for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy Fikirini Jacobs Sudi Mukhwana Omukhone Wandabusi

Securing the Future of Kenya’s Creative Economy

Today marks the official opening of a four-day Stakeholder Validation Workshop on the development of a customized pension product for Kenya’s creative sector, a collaborative initiative between the Kenya Film Commission (KFC) and LAPFUND.

The workshop has brought together key industry stakeholders, including the Kenya Actors Guild, Photographers Association of Kenya, Digital Content Creators Association, Association of Film Editors Kenya, and the Scriptwriters Guild, to validate and refine a retirement savings solution tailored to the unique needs of creatives.

In his keynote address on Financial Inclusion in the Creative Economy, KFC CEO Mr. Timothy Owase, MBS, emphasized the importance of empowering creatives with sustainable financial security, noting that a thriving creative industry must be supported by strong social protection mechanisms. The team from LAPFUND is led by Mr. Galm Jaldesa, the General Manager- Strategy & Planning.

Through this partnership, KFC and LAPFUND are working towards creating a flexible and affordable pension product that will help creatives build long-term financial resilience and secure their future beyond active practice.

Together, we are shaping a more sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous future for Kenya’s creative industry.






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Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports State Department for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy Fikirini Jacobs Sudi Mukhwana Omukhone Wandabusi Timothy Owase Kenya Actors Guild Kenya Scriptwriters Kenya Scriptwriters Guild - Coast Chapter

The Rule of Law ensures fairness, accountability, and order in society. The Kenya Film Commission operates within established legal frameworks while promoting compliance with industry regulations, intellectual property rights, and ethical filmmaking practices that support a thriving film sector.


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Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Sudi Mukhwana Omukhone Wandabusi State Department for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy Fikirini Jacobs

China–Hunan Film Week Opening Ceremony in Nairobi

This morning, Kenya Film Commission CEO Mr. Timothy Owase, MBS, joined distinguished guests at the opening of the China–Hunan Film Week in Nairobi, where he delivered a keynote address celebrating the power of film in uniting cultures and building global creative bridges.
He highlighted the importance of international collaboration, noting that film transcends borders and opens doors for co-production, skills exchange, and shared storytelling between Kenya and China. The CEO reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to positioning the country as a leading filming destination and a hub for global creative partnerships.
The event, hosted in collaboration with the Chinese Embassy in Nairobi and representatives from Hunan Province, marks a significant step toward strengthening cultural ties and expanding opportunities within the creative economy.
Kenya looks forward to deeper collaboration, richer cultural exchange, and future co-productions inspired by this landmark film week.



Fikirini Jacobs H.E. Salim Mvurya Sudi Mukhwana Omukhone Wandabusi Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports State Department for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy State House Kenya

Industry opportunities....

📣 CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

The Festival dei Popoli is open for film submissions for its 2026 edition!

The Festival dei Popoli, one of the most important international documentary film festivals in Italy and the oldest in Europe, is looking for documentary films of any nationality and with a length of more than 60 minutes that were completed after November 1st, 2025 (or premiered after that date). Films must be eligible as Italian premieres.

📅 Deadline: June 16, 2026 (for films completed by May 2026 and for rough-cuts)
📍 The 67th Festival dei Popoli will take place in Florence, Italy from October 31st to November 8th, 2026.

🔗 For more info on how to apply, check the link here: linktr.ee/closeuplinks

📸 Kamay, directed by Ilyas Yourish and contributing director Shahrokh Bikaran from the Close Up ‘19-‘20 cohort, was selected for the International Competition at Festival dei Popoli 2024.

Patriotism and National Unity are the cornerstones of a strong and prosperous nation.

At the Kenya Film Commission, we proudly champion Kenyan stories, talent, culture, and filming locations, showcasing the richness of our nation to the world. Through film capacity-building programmes, festivals, and industry partnerships across the country, we bring together creatives from diverse backgrounds, fostering collaboration, mutual understanding, and national cohesion through the power of storytelling.

Together, we celebrate our shared identity, strengthen national pride, and build a united Kenya where creativity drives social and economic transformation.







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of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports State Department for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy Mukhwana Omukhone Wandabusi Fikirini Jacobs

Secure Funding For Your Project

‎The Red Sea Souk Project Market is currently accepting submissions for projects in development, production, or post-production from filmmakers from the Arab world, Africa, and Asia.
Taking place from 5–9 December, the Project Market is designed to support international co-productions and provide access to new projects and talent from across the region.

Selected projects will be showcased through pitching sessions and a structured program of one-on-one meetings with industry professionals, including producers, financiers, and distributors. Projects will compete for cash awards provided by the Red Sea Fund and awarded by the Souk Project Market juries.

Deadlines:
June 11 for Projects in Development or Production
July 24 for Works in Progress

Souk Project Market 2026 – Red Sea Film The Red Sea Souk Project Market 2026 will present a curated selection of 32 feature film projects, including films in development or production and works-in-progress.

A sustainable future starts with the choices we make today. This World Environment Day, let us uphold the national values of accountability and sustainability by protecting our environment and preserving resources for future generations.
Together, let's grow a greener, more resilient Kenya.




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Sudi Mukhwana Omukhone Wandabusi Fikirini Jacobs Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Ministry of Environment State Department for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy State House Kenya