Support local film industry, says Mutie

Kenyans have been urged to support the local film industry. Speaking yesterday during the launch of 12 locally produced movies by the Kenya Entertainment Film Welfare in kikuyu town, the Kenya Film Corporation chief executive officer Peter Mutie urged Kenyans to support the industry by watching local programmes. He said Kenyans should not watch foreign movies while there are quality movies in the market which have been produced locally.

Mutie said the film industry has the capacity to create job opportunities if properly exploited.  ‘‘Local movies create an avenue to promote local talent and as a result it is offering employment opportunities to many young people. We, therefore, need to promote our local film producers to be able to dominate our local market,’’ said Mutie.

He said the law requiring all television stations to allocate 40 per cent of airtime to local content has enhanced the growth of the industry. Mutie said previously, Kenyan screens were promoting foreign movies especially Mexican soap operas. He added the local productions, apart from creating employment for the youths can help to fight social ills in our society. ‘‘Movies that castigate illicit brews, crime, violence can help us to have a more cohesive society  besides promoting our culture,’’ said Mutie He urged stakeholders to help local producers to penetrate the international market.