Kenya’s own infamous River wood’s
history dates back to the ‘90s. It was made popular with the sale and
distribution of audio cassettes (remember those),
and later to the release of experimental films.
and later to the release of experimental films.
Sadly with its rich history and
many success stories especially the Home grown music videos, it is only
recently that the River wood Ensemble
held their 1st River wood Academy Awards Gala Night at the Alliance Franchise
on 15th March 2014.The Jury included well-known personalities like
Dan Ndambuki, Nini Wacera, Boniface Mwangi among others.
The event saw the coming together
of the country’s film industry; Kenya Film Commission, River-wood Ensemble
producers and actors, content distributors, film enthusiasts and members of the
Fourth Estate.
Dr.Hassan Wario Awera the Cabinet
Secretary of Sports, Culture and Arts graced the occasion confirming that the
Kenyan Entertainment industry is worth a whopping Ksh.8.6Billion ,T.V and Film
Making alone accounting for Ksh.4 Billion. Amazingly it is believed that
Ksh.300M is exchanged down River wood every week who would have thought.
River wood has taken huge strides
in Film Making; borrowing from Nollywood, Nigeria’s Finest that has thrived in
the making of low budgeted films that have become popular in East Africa and is
actually the third largest film industry after Hollywood and Bollywood.
While we may lack the confidence in our
local film makers, River wood does not fall short when it comes to aesthetic
that is, culturally relevant and entertaining. The industry is constantly
churning out home videos on issues such as love, religion, greed or witchcraft
in almost all the languages of Kenya.
However, the biggest hurdle that has
persisted with River wood films is largely in the technical
aspect. Nevertheless, all hope is not lost, the recent awards have gone to
celebrate the film producers, actors and script writers who do not easily give
up and have propelled the industry to compete with Hollywood and Nollywood
alike.
With the help of the recent
Lupita Nyong’o Oscar Buzz and the immense local talent, Kenyan film producers
need to be cognisant of this enormous opportunity to sell Kenya by producing
products that will attract studio executives, writers, actors and film
producers from around the world producing more of Lupita Nyongo’s, Edi Gathegi
(Twilight series), Oliver Litondo (The First Grader) among others.
We may have a long way to go, but
the journey of a thousand miles starts with one step, with a little will power
and support from the Government and the undying patriotism ever so flowing in
Kenyans’ blood, we can realise this dream.
Just to leave you with one of my
favourite quotes from the charming Lupita Nyong’o, “When I look down at this
golden statue, may it remind me and every little child that, no matter where
you are from, your dreams are valid.”
Here are related articles:
No comments:
Post a Comment