Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani has pledged to nurture and support talents in the burgeoning film industry of the coastal county.
In a recent meeting with film producer David Anguka and local actors in Matuga Sub County, Governor Achani emphasized her administration’s commitment to fostering creativity, innovation, and growth in the local film sector.
“We are dedicated to creating an environment that nurtures creativity and innovation,” said Governor Achani. “Our administration will invest in the necessary infrastructure to ensure the growth of the local film industry, complementing the efforts of stakeholders who have built this industry from the ground up.”
Governor Achani expressed her intention to tap into the creative talents of the youth, providing them with opportunities to lead meaningful lives through film and media. The meeting with Anguka, known for producing the renowned TV series ‘Pete’ filmed in Funzi Island, also aimed to share publicity credit for ‘MVERA,’ a movie shot in Kwale and recently debuted on Netflix.
“Our meeting was successful, and we discussed collaborating on talent identification and support for youth in Kwale,” Governor Achani stated. She highlighted the potential of the film industry to boost local tourism if productions are well marketed.
Governor Achani, accompanied by County Executive for Social Services and Talent Management Francisca Kilonzo, revealed that the county has built a state-of-the-art audio-visual recording studio at the Kwale Cultural Centre. This Sh14 million facility aims to promote local talents, create livelihood opportunities for the youth, and preserve the cultural heritage of the coastal people.
“The devolved unit will continue to invest in the creative industry to add value to the film sector and make Kwale more prosperous,” Governor Achani affirmed.
David Anguka praised the county government’s support, acknowledging the opportunities provided to many people cast in the ‘MVERA’ movie, which was nominated for the Oscars and is now available on Netflix, broadening its audience from local TV to global viewership.
Anguka also revealed that local film actors have undergone extensive training in various aspects of filmmaking, including scriptwriting, screen acting, producing, and visual post-production. He expressed confidence that partnering with the local movie industry would significantly boost Kwale’s tourism potential.
Governor Achani’s commitment to the film industry marks a promising step towards enhancing the cultural and economic landscape of Kwale, aiming to make the county a hub for creative talent and tourism.
