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Kitale, Kenya – As Kitale Film Week returns for its third edition from February 2nd to 9th, 2025, the festival promises an even more transformative experience, with an expanded Film in Education Program that aims to inspire and engage 10,000 students across Western Kenya. By combining film with education, this initiative is set to redefine the way young people learn, fostering creativity, empathy, and critical thinking in both urban and rural schools.

Over the past two years, Kitale Film Week’s school screenings have become a standout feature of the festival, offering students a unique opportunity to explore important social themes through cinema. In 2025, the program will once again build on their partnership with Docubox EADFF and Tunga Media Afrika to curate a selection of powerful films aimed at broadening students’ perspectives while encouraging dialogue and reflection on key issues.

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Harnessing Film to Engage Young Minds

The Film in Education Program has seen remarkable success in previous years, reaching over 5,000 students and bringing films into classrooms to spark discussions on topics such as climate change, social justice, and cultural heritage. These screenings go beyond entertainment, providing young learners with the chance to engage critically with real-world issues while also developing essential skills like communication and problem-solving.

Films like If Objects Could Speak, Liyana and Supa Modo have captivated students in previous editions, opening up discussions on cultural heritage, child safety, community support, and environmental conservation. After each screening, students participate in interactive sessions that allow them to analyze the films and relate the stories to their own experiences.

“We saw students deeply moved by the films, connecting them to issues they see in their communities,” noted Teacher Samuel Museti from Eva Educational Center after one of the 2024 screenings. “Films like Supa Modo opened up new conversations in our classrooms, encouraging students to think critically and collaborate in ways we hadn’t seen before.”

An Expanded Vision for 2025 as Kitale Film Week

In 2025, Kitale Film Week plans to expand the reach of the Film in Education Program, targeting 10,000 students across a wider network of schools, including those in remote areas where educational resources are scarce. This broader initiative is designed to ensure that students of all backgrounds can benefit from the program, with films being accompanied by educational guides, post-screening discussions, and tailored learning materials.

In keeping with the festival’s commitment to inclusivity, the screenings will also feature English subtitles and live sign language interpretation, ensuring accessibility for students with hearing impairments and those who do not speak Swahili. This approach has already proven effective in ensuring that all students can fully engage with the films and the ideas they present.

A Collaborative Effort

Kitale Film Week has built strong partnerships with leading organizations such as Docubox, a documentary film fund based in Nairobi, and Tunga Media Afrika, a film education group dedicated to enhancing learning through African cinema. Together, these partners curate a range of films that reflect the challenges and stories of life in Kenya and East Africa, helping to build a deeper understanding of the world among students.

Looking ahead to 2025, the festival continues to seek collaboration with educational institutions, community organizations, and cultural groups to ensure the program reaches its full potential. By working together, these stakeholders can help bring the benefits of film-based learning to students in every corner of Western Kenya.

“Kitale Film Week isn’t just about screening films—it’s about shaping the future. By supporting this program, partners will be directly investing in the education and empowerment of thousands of students,” said Mr. Ambrose Nguti, the festival’s coordinator for the Film in Education Program. “Film has a unique power to educate, inspire, and challenge students, and we’re calling on our friends and community to help us bring that power to every corner of Western Kenya.”

An Impact That Lasts Beyond the Screen

The educational benefits of the program extend far beyond the classroom. By exposing students to diverse perspectives and experiences, the films foster empathy, cultural awareness, and a sense of global citizenship. They also provide a powerful platform for students to explore their own creative potential, encouraging them to think beyond conventional academic approaches and engage in discussions that shape their worldview.

The 2025 program will feature a selection of films that delve into some of the most pressing issues of the day, including climate change, social justice, and mental health. With screenings followed by thought-provoking discussions, students will not only gain a better understanding of these complex topics but also be encouraged to reflect on their roles as active participants in their communities.

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