𝐏𝐨𝐦𝐩 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐚𝐬 𝐅𝐢𝐥𝐦 𝐅𝐮𝐩𝐢 𝐀𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐲 𝟏𝐬𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬

The Kenya Film Classification Board  (KFCB) has applauded the Youth Film Platform Africa in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy Nairobi, and other partners, for initiating and implementing the Film Fupi Academy Program which aims to train and empower young aspiring filmmakers.

Launched in December 2023, the Program is tailored to equipping aspiring filmmakers with practical and professional filmmaking skills for income generation and social self-expression. 

It further provides a hands-on film-making learning experience that builds participants’ exposure to a variety of technical and professional skills they need to write, produce, shoot, and edit quality films.

While speaking on behalf of the KFCB Ag CEO, Mr. Paskal Opiyo, during the Film Fupi Academy Graduation Ceremony, on Friday 6th September 2024, Ms. Nelly Muluka, the KFCB’s Ag Chief Manager, Corporate Services, noted that the Program aligns well with the Government's Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) and the Talanta Hela Initiative. 

“It is gratifying to note that the Film Fupi Academy Program beneficiaries have acquired professional and practical skills that will help in the next phase of life for income generation through the creation of jobs and job opportunities, thus also contributing to Kenya’s socio-economic development,” she said.

As a State Agency mandated to regulate the creation, distribution, possession, broadcasting, and exhibition of audio-visual content in Kenya, Ms. Muluka pointed out, that the KFCB has been part of the Film Fupi Academy from its inception and has supported the program in various ways among them: providing resource persons to facilitate on film regulation, licensing, and classification.

She observed that the Government recognizes the Creative Economy as a key pillar for job creation, emphasizing that the Film Fupi Talent Academy program is significant as it resonates with the Government’s resolve to grow the creative space through talent development and monetization of talents.

In order to ensure a facilitative regulatory environment to spur the growth of the film industry, the KFCB has proposed the review of various regulatory frameworks that once ratified will make obtaining licenses easier for filmmakers, as well as promote the ‘ease of doing business for the industry stakeholders. 

Ms. Muluka urged the trainees under the Film Fupi Academy Program to stay true to their vision, continue to learn and grow, and never to be afraid of taking risks as they explore their talents in the film industry. 

“As you step out into the world as graduates of the Film Fupi Academy, remember that the future of our film industry lies in your hands. Embrace the opportunities that come your way, collaborate with your peers, and use your voices to tell stories that promote Kenya’s culture, moral values, and National aspirations,” she said. 

Ms. Muluka reiterated the KFCB’s commitment to creating a facilitative regulatory environment for the film industry to thrive in line with the Fifth Pillar of BETA, as well as the Talanta Hela Initiative, being driven by the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports.

The Kenya Film Commission (KFC), CEO, Mr. Timothy Owase, Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK), CEO, Dr. Ezekiel Mutua, MBS, and representatives from the US Embassy in Nairobi, among other top dignitaries graced the graduation ceremony.

Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports State Department for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy Rachael Njeri Wainaina.