For decades, Kenya’s film industry has revolved around its capital, Nairobi—the hub of creativity where filmmakers, production houses, and festivals converge. Yet, this concentration has created a significant imbalance, leaving many regions underrepresented and underserved. Kitale Film Week (KFW), now gearing up for its third edition, upholds a new era for Kenyan cinema.
Taking place from February 2nd to 9th, 2025, KFW is more than just a festival; it’s a movement to decentralize cinema and expand cultural horizons.
A Festival with a Purpose
Kitale Film Week supports the growth of Eastern African filmmakers, their communities, and audiences. Festival Director Peter Pages Bwire captures this vision:
“Great cinema isn’t confined to urban centers. Kitale Film Week is our way of proving that storytelling belongs everywhere, and with it, opportunities for filmmakers to flourish in their own backyards.”
The festival gives filmmakers a space to share their work, connect with industry stakeholders, and access mentorship and professional development. It brings screen culture to Western Kenya, showing how cinema can inform, engage, and create change.
Local Stories, Global Voices
With over 50 films from 20 countries, Kitale Film Week’s 2025 lineup brings a rich selection of both African and international cinema, featuring a mix of contemporary works and timeless classics, including:
MANDABI, Senegal
1968
Directed by Ousmane Sembène
A money order from a relative in Paris throws the life of a Senegalese family man out of order. He deals with corruption, greed, problematic family members, the locals and the changing from his traditional way of living to a more modern one.
HANAMI, Cabo Verde
2024
Directed by Denise Fernandes
On a remote volcanic island that everybody wants to leave, little Nana learns to stay. Her mother, Nia, went into exile right after she was born and Nana grows up in the family of her father. One day, the family learns that Nia is ill. Nana begins to develop high fevers and is sent to the foot of a volcano for treatment. There she encounters a world steeped in magical realism, between dreams and reality. Later, when Nana is a teenager, her mother Nia finally returns to the island.
NAWI, Kenya
2024
Directed by Kevin Schmutzler, Toby Schmutzler, Apuu Mourine Munyes, Vallentine Chelluget
Nawi is a Kenyan film that explores the intricate themes of love, identity, and cultural heritage, set against the vibrant backdrop of modern-day Kenya. The narrative centers on a young woman who is caught between the traditions of her upbringing and the pressures of contemporary life. As she confronts the weight of familial expectations and the pull of her own dreams, she embarks on a transformative journey of self-discovery.
The festival also embraces emerging voices, with films like “Tiny Winnie” (Kenya), a psychological drama by Kitale-based filmmaker Joshua Kasyu Wambua, and “Half Chocolate Half Vanilla” (Uganda), a heartfelt exploration of self-acceptance.
Overcoming Challenges, Building Connections
Hosting an international film festival in Kitale is no small feat. With limited infrastructure, logistical hurdles, and a developing film culture, the organizers face significant challenges. Yet, their determination and vision shine through, showing the resilience that drives the festival’s growth.
Kitale Film Week has already started drawing filmmakers, audiences, and collaborators from all over, making Kitale a place of cultural significance. The festival has sparked pride among locals and is gaining increasing attention from both national and international communities, positioning Kitale as an emerging creative hub. Partnerships with organizations like the French Embassy and the Kenya Film Commission are further strengthening this growing connection, helping to expand the festival’s reach.
A Festival Beyond Films
Kitale Film Week goes beyond just film screenings. It focuses on community engagement and equipping filmmakers with the skills they need to succeed. Workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities provide a platform for learning and growth. Collaborations with initiatives like Tunga Media Afrika offer filmmakers hands-on mentorship, bringing impactful African cinema into educational spaces across the continent.
The festival also highlights Africa’s cinematic history with restored classics like Life Is Rosy (DR Congo) and Dancing in the Dust (Ivory Coast), blending the past with the present and inspiring the next wave of storytellers.
Shaping the Future of Kenyan Cinema
Kitale Film Week is proving how essential it is to move beyond Nairobi in the growth of Kenya’s film industry. By opening up opportunities outside of the capital, the festival is showing that creativity isn’t limited to one place.
As the festival draws near, it stands as proof that the future of Kenyan cinema isn’t confined—it’s expanding, reaching new regions, and telling stories from all corners of the country.
