Kenyan Film Makers Devolving Film Cinema Across Rural Counties

By Sefu Sabila

The film industry in Kenya is taking a new turn with cinemas now showcasing not only at the Kenya National Theatre.

Film makers in the rural counties are taking up the space by doing production in their counties, producing authentic Kenyan stories.

A Kenyan-Germany co-production Nawi is the first film from the Turkana that was aired in Nairobi, capturing not only the beauty of Turkana, but also the hidden culture of Turkana.

“Seven years ago, Toby and I were approached by an educational non-profit, the Learning Lions to direct a movie in Turkana. Since then we have became familiar with the culture while looking for the most compelling stories from the region,” Kevin Schmutzler a German director told Mt. Kenya Times.

He said the opportunity gave him a chance of exploring the reasons behind the continued practice of the old norms and culture of the Turkana people, and the beauty of their untold rich culture.

Producing film since childhood, Kevin and his brother Toby have been producing film in various parts of Africa and Germany, Inspiring film directors like Mourine Apuu a native of Turkana, to produce film in their region to bring about transformative social change.

Their film Nawi, which was their first production and first in Kenya has been aired in Nairobi at Anga Cinemas, which was a dream come true for Prince Ludwig, who dreamt of shooting a film far way from Nairobi.

While many filming opportunities and mechanized film producing equipment are believed to be in Nairobi, Apuu believes there are so much of untold award winning films back in the rural counties of Kenya.

“Working with seasoned and professional team who understood the significance of this story for Turkana and beyond was both humbling and empowering. I gained so much knowledge and skills in cinema, and at the same time, we are able to share so much of our culture and traditions,” she said.

Apuu further said she is hopeful of a bright future for film in Turkana, which would impact the society like Nawi, bring more purposeful difference in the coming days.