Lack of proper training, obsolete curricula, equipment and ill-trained tutors in film production has hampered Kenya’s entry into the global film scene, Sports CS Hassan Wario has said.
He said a government-commissioned survey revealed the lack of professionalism, non-trained staff, ill-trained staff, inadequate and outdated equipment and curriculum in more than 30 institutions surveyed across the country. “In one institution, the only equipment in use was a malfunctioning 1950’s box camera,” Wario said.
He spoke at the first graduation ceremony of the 25 students at the Kenya Film School. The students underwent a six-month training.
The talent-based institution was opened by the government in June and is being touted as a benchmark for contemporary training in film and theatre in East Africa.
Wario said the 25 students were selected from all parts of the country in pursuit of equity and the major criterion was passion and being natural artistically talented.
He said that KFS was started in commitment to discover and develop the potential in youth by availing to them equal opportunities.
“The 25 consist of youngsters who would have stood zero chance of securing training in any ordinary school, where academic grades and high school fees would have locked them out,” Wario said.
“The six-month course was hands-on, designed on a mode of 70 per cent practical and 30 per cent theory.”
Wario said the survey’s findings informed the founding of the KFS.
The CS said the KFS was a statement of the government’s intention to crack down on mediocre arts training institutions, which have thrived on shortchanging students.
Arts and Culture PS Joe Okudo said the basic philosophy of KFS is to launch of “KenyaWood” to drive Kenya’s film industry to international standards by offering first class training and availing modern production equipment.
He said plans are underway to move KFS from its rented premises at the Kasarani Stadium to a more spacious peri-urban location, where an expansive geographical range would provide a more ideal location for film making.
Okudo said that KFS would help remove ‘class barriers’ as every talented youth stands a chance of refining their skills, thanks to the government-subsidised training.
He urged the graduands to start up filmmaking companies to reap from entrepreneurship support funds such as the Uwezo and Youth Development funds.
The PS said the requirement for TV and radio stations to ensure 60 per cent of airtime go to local content, will provide a ready market and inspire the young filmmakers to produce quality content.
Okudo said the department will partner with counties to set up state-of-the-art performance theatres as a way of reviving literary discourse and appreciation in the local dialects.
“A hallmark of the great ancient Greek civilisation was the holding of philosophical debates in the open market yards, where ordinary people would assemble daily,” the PS said.
Kenya’s budding filmmakers will visit Venezuela on a study tour after the country pledged to offer international exposure.
Venezuela Ambassador Jholny Arismendi pledged to allow some of the graduands to a study tour of the Latin American country early next year.