Is it me or is Kenya making some serious inroads in the film industry. Frst it was Kenya's French connection at this year's Cannes (pronounced 'CAN'. As some pedantic people are at pains to mention every time I pronounce it 'Cainnes')and now Kenya is involved in a deal with Nollywood. these are exciting times for my brothers and sisters up north.
Kenyan press has stated that The Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC) in partnership with Nollywood and the Nigeria High Commission in Kenya, has embarked on a road show to promote the Nigeria Movies Industry in the East African country.
The road show featured participants from Kenya Film Commission, Censorship Board, Actors Guild of Kenya, Media, scholars, workshop at US International University which has about 100 Nigerian students.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Monday, May 30, 2011
New Movies from ZIM
I have not yet had the pleasure to scribble something about, Zimbabwe's film industry. The reason I must confess was because of ignorance. A lot has been happening in Zollywood which is my country’s equivalent to Nollywood which is Nigeria’s answer to Bollywood who adopted that name from Hollywood. Zollywood or whoever came up with that title get a 1 out of 10 for their creative effort. ZOLLYWOOD! C'mon. It’s so uncreative that if I type Zollywood or Nollywood my computer automatically corrects it to Hollywood or Bollywood.
Now that is out of the way I will get back to talking about cinema.
According to entertainment journos The Zimbabwean movie industry is reported to be booming. The country has seen a number of motion pictures released in the past year. The much talked about ‘Lobola’ and the recently released ‘Choice’ instantly come to mind. But having watched neither film I am in no position to critic them. As soon as I buy copies at a corner in Marabastaad I will post something immediately... just kidding. Piracy is ILLEGAL!
I must say though, Choice seems to be a step in the right direction for Zimbabwean movie making. The film is about a young married woman, Choice Tembo, played by Rudo Chigogo, who is caught between two lovers. She loves her husband Morrison Tembo (Sylvester Hwema) but he is not meeting her conjugal rights satisfactorily. As a result, she finds a sensual touch from a young, handsome man, James Tigere, played by Tinashe Maisva. She then carefully juggles the two relationships but Morrison later discovers the game. I like the premise it departs from those sombre story lines associated with Zim movies.
Now that is out of the way I will get back to talking about cinema.
According to entertainment journos The Zimbabwean movie industry is reported to be booming. The country has seen a number of motion pictures released in the past year. The much talked about ‘Lobola’ and the recently released ‘Choice’ instantly come to mind. But having watched neither film I am in no position to critic them. As soon as I buy copies at a corner in Marabastaad I will post something immediately... just kidding. Piracy is ILLEGAL!
I must say though, Choice seems to be a step in the right direction for Zimbabwean movie making. The film is about a young married woman, Choice Tembo, played by Rudo Chigogo, who is caught between two lovers. She loves her husband Morrison Tembo (Sylvester Hwema) but he is not meeting her conjugal rights satisfactorily. As a result, she finds a sensual touch from a young, handsome man, James Tigere, played by Tinashe Maisva. She then carefully juggles the two relationships but Morrison later discovers the game. I like the premise it departs from those sombre story lines associated with Zim movies.
Friday, May 27, 2011
What is your favourite AFRICAN film of all time?
I recently posted this question on the Screen Africa group page and I must confess that I am looking forward to seeing people's responses. This simple yet difficult question got me thinking about what my favourite AFRICAN movie is.
There is such a plethora of motion pictures produced from this magnificent continent of ours that I am still racking my brain. I have watched so many lovely films and in retrospect most of them can take the number 1 spot.
I am talking about movies as old as XALA, as futuristic as District 9, as compelling as NERIA, as interesting as Yellow Card and as funny as Jit. The list is endless and includes but not limited to: Lemumba, Battle of Algiers, Everybody's Child, Tsotsi, Yesterday, Jerusalema, Mapantsula, White Wedding, Osofiya In London, Blood Diamond, Drum, Getroud Met Rugby and and Invictus.
There is such a plethora of motion pictures produced from this magnificent continent of ours that I am still racking my brain. I have watched so many lovely films and in retrospect most of them can take the number 1 spot.
I am talking about movies as old as XALA, as futuristic as District 9, as compelling as NERIA, as interesting as Yellow Card and as funny as Jit. The list is endless and includes but not limited to: Lemumba, Battle of Algiers, Everybody's Child, Tsotsi, Yesterday, Jerusalema, Mapantsula, White Wedding, Osofiya In London, Blood Diamond, Drum, Getroud Met Rugby and and Invictus.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Kenya-Franco Film Treaty
The Kenyan government and the Government of France signed a Co-production Treaty at this year’s Cannes International Film Festival. The cooperation agreement between the Kenya Film Commission (KFC) and the Centre National de la Cinematographie et de l’image animee (CNC) was signed by Peter Mutie (KFC) and Eric Garandeau of (CNC).
The pact seeks to enhance cooperation between Kenya and France in the area of Film production, marketing and distribution as well as preservation of film heritage of both countries. During last year’s edition of the Cannes International festival France entered into a similar agreement with South Africa.
The treaty ties the countries to broaden the scope the exchange of information and experience in cinema polices. Special attention will be directed towards training experts and educators. Seminars and workshops related to this sector are also on the cards.
The pact seeks to enhance cooperation between Kenya and France in the area of Film production, marketing and distribution as well as preservation of film heritage of both countries. During last year’s edition of the Cannes International festival France entered into a similar agreement with South Africa.
The treaty ties the countries to broaden the scope the exchange of information and experience in cinema polices. Special attention will be directed towards training experts and educators. Seminars and workshops related to this sector are also on the cards.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Stand By Me
There are many movies that i watched in my childhood that have left a lasting impression. Stand By Me is somewhere on top of that list. I managed to catch the film on E.tv late last night. The movie finished a little before midnight but it was worth staying up for. Though i must admit i did not share the same sentiments when my alarm clock went if off early this morning.
Back to the matter at hand - Stand by Me. This film is a coming of age adventure-drama story of 4 tween age boys. The first time I watched the movie I was tween myself and I fell in love with the camaraderie the four main characters shared. Watching now I cannot help but fall in love with the story itself. As much as it is about camaraderie it is also about how four little boys from very dysfunctional families and how they negotiate their situations.
Back to the matter at hand - Stand by Me. This film is a coming of age adventure-drama story of 4 tween age boys. The first time I watched the movie I was tween myself and I fell in love with the camaraderie the four main characters shared. Watching now I cannot help but fall in love with the story itself. As much as it is about camaraderie it is also about how four little boys from very dysfunctional families and how they negotiate their situations.
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