Safinaz Foundation has been commended for partnering with the Kenya Film Commission to bring home the Kenya International Sports Film Festival (KISFF) of the World FICTS challenge.
ICT, Innovation and Youth Affairs, CS Joe Mucheru, said the sport which is the only film festival in Africa is important as it to promotes sports men and women who do a lot to put Kenya on the global map.
Mucheru said the festival which doubles up as a charity dedication to promote sports in the country, filling up the gap that exists in documenting the achievements of sportsmen and women in the country is an encouragement to those in the sporting industry.
“Our sportsmen and women are a source of pride and joy for each and every Kenyan especially in international events like Olympics, the World Cup and the World Rugby Sevens series,” he said.
Mucheru made the remarks in a speech read on his behalf by ICT Chief Administrative Secretary, Maureen Mbaka during the Kenya International Sports Film Festival held virtually.
He assured of his Ministry’s commitment to support the film sector in its creative events including audio-visual which highlights stories of the country’s champions that have been told and archived for future generations and for venturing the uncharted path to encourage more original initiatives from the industry enthusiasts.
“KISFF has vividly shown us what these elements can do to make authentic stories that attract international recognition and in return interest investors from across the globe into film production,” Mucheru added.
He disclosed that the Ministry of ICT has a strategy to develop the sustainability of the film industry by strengthening existing institutional frameworks and increasing the production of films in the country through active involvement of film industry stakeholders.
The CS announced that the Ministry of ICT is also keen on studying trends of the new disruptions on how people are consuming content produced locally and expressed confidence that the vibrant film and television industry will increase job opportunities and sustainable wealth creation for the industry professionals.
Mucheru also assured the Kenya Film Commission and the KISFF of government’s commitment in developing a vibrant film industry in the country.
By Bernadette Khaduli
