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15 October 2024
Kitale Film Week , Kenya’s rapidly growing 8-day film festival held in Trans Nzoia County, is excited to announce the addition of three renowned film industry professionals to its 2025 selection committee: Tosh Gitonga , Pierrick Chabi , and Cassandra Onwualu . These respected experts will play pivotal roles in shaping the festival’s lineup, ensuring it continues to be a leading platform for African filmmakers as the festival continues to expand its reach and impact.
Tosh Gitonga, a celebrated Kenyan filmmaker and founder of Primary Pictures, has over two decades of experience in the industry. Known for directing the critically acclaimed Nairobi Half-Life, Kenya’s official submission to the 85th Academy Awards, and the Netflix hits ‘Disconnect ‘ and ‘Disconnect: The Wedding Planner’, Tosh is a driving force in Kenyan cinema. His involvement in the selection committee is set to elevate the festival’s quality and influence across Africa.
Joining Tosh is Beninese-French entrepreneur Pierrick Chabi, the founder and CEO of Wakatoon , a groundbreaking platform revolutionizing children’s content through interactive and creative AI-powered animation. Pierrick’s innovative approach to animation and media technology will offer fresh perspectives on content creation, opening new opportunities for African animators to showcase their work on a global stage. Continue Reading
News from Rushlake Media GmbH ………
Baada Ya Masika and The Empty Grave will be screening at the NBO Film Festival 2024. More Details HERE
Baada Ya Masikaada Ya Masika and The Empty Grave will be screening at the NBO Film Festival 2024. More Details HERE. After The Long Rains will also be screening at the BFI @ London Film Festival 2024 More Details HERE
The Legend of The Vagabon Queen of Lagos will be screening at the 33rd Philadelphia Film Festival . More Details HERE
GRANTS & SUBMISSIONS
Kitale Film Week has officially opened its submission portal, welcoming entries from filmmakers across Africa.
Deadline: 15th November , 2024. APPLY HERE
We’re launching an open call for participation in our Rotterdam Lab producers’ workshop at IFFR 2025.
Deadline: 15th November, 2024. APPLY HERE
Reimagining African Narratives is a 6-month photography fellowship fostering responsible collaboration from an African perspective.
Deadline: 15th November, 2024. APPLY HERE
TAKE 5!
This week we sit and have a chat with Kaizer Mokgobu. He is a writer, who chooses film and TV as his mediums for making the stories he sees in my mind’s come to life. His mission is to craft compelling and authentic stories about his slice of life – black, African, global citizen, social ills and digital thrills.
“By day, I’m a filmmaker from South Africa and a proud dad of three awesome boys. On the side, I’m also an undercover CIA agent”, yep, you read that right!
Q:What do you like most about your job as a producer/director? A: The best part of being a producer and director is that I get to show people what’s going on in my head. Sure, music and books have their own magic, but for me, cinema is the ultimate way to capture and share the human experience.
Q:What’s your artistic process for making a film?
A:Pitch Deck Creation: It’s all about turning a concept into a solid story. Script: Writing is tough for me—it takes forever and makes me wrestle with deep thoughts. I write best at night when it’s quiet. After a lot of back-and-forth, I get feedback from people I trust and keep tweaking until it feels right. Funding: Finding money is always a challenge. I rely on the NFVF and my family to back me up. If you’re interested in investing, hit me up! Production: This is where I feel like a real filmmaker. Early mornings aren’t my favorite, but once I’m on set with a great team, it’s all worth it. Post-Production (Offline): My offline editor, Kenneth Gwele, is a total legend. He’s got an incredible knack for rhythm, style, and visuals. We click really well and understand each other’s vision. Post-Production (Online): I prefer using a well-equipped studio for online work. It gives me all the tools I need to polish the film and make sure everything’s exactly how I want it. Post-Production (Audio): Audio is the soul of a film for me. I’m pretty picky about it—every song and piece of dialogue has to hit just right. I’m into hip-hop, Kwaito, Jazz, and a bit of Amapiano. I’m always chasing that perfect sound that captures the vibe of young black South Africa. Marketing & Distribution:Honestly, I’m still figuring this out. My main goal is to get my work out to as many people as possible. Q:Why did you start making films? A: It all started with my grandmother’s stories when I was a kid. I chose filmmaking because it combines my love for storytelling, business, and psychology.
Q:What are you currently watching? A:I don’t really watch stuff just for fun these days. If I’m watching something, it’s usually for research. Right now, I’m checking out an old South African zombie series called Lesilo that I’d like to remake. I’m also watching Lost because I’m working on a series about friends who disappear on the mythical Modimolle Mountain in Limpopo – my home province. Q: Any advice for those starting out in the film industry? A:Stay focused, read a lot, and get a job to keep yourself afloat (wish I’d followed that advice earlier!). Only dive into filmmaking if you truly love it.
EDITORS CHOICE
The emotional documentary THE EMPTY GRAVE by filmmaker Agnes Lisa Wegner and Cece Mlay film follows the heartful journey of two Tanzanian families in search of their stolen ancestors, which leads them to Germany, where tens of thousands of skulls and bones from former German colonies are stored in museum depots.
