By Sefu Sabila, DevReporter, Trans Nzoia
Hodari Arts Creations is a fast rising film group based in Trans Nzoia County focused on producing creative works about day-to-day living.
Before venturing into film, the group was doing educational skits on gender-based violence, behavioural change among teenagers and advocating for peace.
“What makes us outstanding is that we do African authentic stories. We focus on stories that resonate with the people of Trans Nzoia. We do not need to travel to get stories. We get stories from our immediate environment,” Muliro said.
With over 100 groups engaged in acting in Trans Nzoia, Kenya Film Commission (KFC) recently conducted a basic film awareness training in Birunda Nabiswa Ward, with the support of the ward’s Member of the County Assembly (MCA), Mr Martin Simiyu.
Muliro describes the idea by KFC to conduct the training for upcoming filmmakers in the area as encouraging. “The training in the county was great, but we need more trainings to be scheduled,” Muliro said.
According to KFC Director, Mr Joshua Akwara, the aim of the training in Trans Nzoia was to develop basic skills and knowledge in film making as an alternative source of income for the youth.
Trans Nzoia Film Hub
Ambrose Nguti who is the chairperson of Trans Nzoia Film Hub says that coming up with the hub was motivated by the need to bring together filmmakers to fill in the gaps in film production, market the county as a film destination, empower filmmakers with skills and knowledge through trainings, and make modern and quality film equipment accessible to filmmakers.
Mr Nguti says that the hub encourages exchange programmes on film matters. Through exchange programs, according to Mr Nguti, filmmakers will be able to better their production skills by learning from the well-established ones. He further highlights what the hub achieved through organising the first ever county film screening that attracted a large crowd:
“Establishment of the hub is an achievement. We have premiered the first county film screening where we identified some films and invited people to come and watch. This has changed the perspective of the people about film in the county”.
Trans Nzoia Film Hub 2022 Workplan
The following is the work plan for the Film Hub for the year 2022:
- Scheduled training with KFC.
- Exchange programmes with Kisumu and Machakos counties.
- Film screening to market the county as a film destination.
- Partnerships with business community and leaders.
Achievements
The following are the achievements of the hub so far:
- Short series “Raised by Peter Bwire” was selected for Durban FilmMart in South Africa.
- “Ahadi” short film by Hodari Arts Creations premiered at a local television station.
- “Priscillah” series is set to be launched later in the year.
Additionally, the group is nurturing fresh talents in the county. Edwin Kogo from Rafiki in Kitale, is an actor and editor in the group, and perfecting skills in camera operations.
“I am glad for the chance. I have built my confidence and have worked on my passion in camera operations. It is a rare chance in the rural areas,” He said.
Another talent is actor Peninah Nanyama. She said: “My life has changed. I have been empowered through acting. The little earning has helped in boosting my business”.
Skits and Performances for Peace
As political heat is being generated in the country during this campaign period, the group is doing skits and other performances to preach peace.
“Kenyans should realise that elections come and go. We are doing peace skits to ensure we have a peaceful political transition,” Chezzo said.
Challenges
Despite the efforts made and progress registered by the film hub, Muliro says challenges are inevitable in the process of creating a good film. Muliro highlighted the challenges including:
- High charges by Kenya Film and Classification Board (KFCB).
- Financial constraints as production crew are paid by casts.
- Lack of cinema halls in the county.
The film hub has been instrumental in supporting filmmakers in launching, marketing and scheduling film trainings in the county. However, filmmakers urge KFC and all concerned parties to create more opportunities for intensive trainings.
“The recent training by KFC was very short, a more extensive training is what we need. We need cinema halls, and the county government should also consider their license fees on facilities,” Muliro requested. Mr Nguti and Muliro urged film producers to tap from the great talent and stories in the county.
Working together with the KFC, Muliro hopes the film industry will be a major income generator in future. With films from the county being recognised by prestigious continental awards in South Africa, there is a promising future for film in the county.
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