The first-ever Women in Film Awards are set to happen on March 4th, 2020.
Among those nominated for different categories include actress Brenda Wairimu, Judy Kibinge, Sarah Hassan director Wanuri Kahiu, Oprah Oyugi, Denise Kibisu, Nancy Olouch, Njoki Muhoho among other upcoming talented artists in the filmmaking industry.
The nominees’ list was released on social media, with 14 categories featured including ‘Best Director’, ‘Most Influential Woman Personality’ as well as ‘Best Newcomer Producer.’
There is a need for a festival that affords women of any background the chance to be showcased in a truly empowering light, and the awards aim is to create a culture where women are known for other technical roles behind the lens.
Beyond the Film led by Dr. Susan Gitimu a lecturer of film from Kenyatta University Department of Creative Arts, Film and Media Studies, is leading the charge to have more women in filmmaking with this inaugural event. Working alongside Awards Manager Grace Mercy, who is the Creative Director at Beyond the Film organization and Awards Coordinator Kenyan Filmmaker Noel Awour, this trio is determined to make the event a success.
The nominees were vetted by jurors and will have to go through public voting to determine the winner for each category. Lecturer Dr. Zippora Okoth, Suki Wanza, distinguish industry lead Wangechi Murage, Rachael Kungu CEO of Mundu Mwara Productions and Victoria Goro who is the Deputy Director at Kenya Film school are set to serve as jurors.
In a generation where film is being appreciated as a tool for social change, it is essential to recognize and appreciate the women making in-roads in the film industry.
One of the objectives of the award is to empower women in Kenya to embrace filmmaking. The awards also celebrate women’s perspectives through film, creating a market linkage for women filmmakers in Kenya to the larger market for film and to encourage female filmmakers in Kenya to present the world as they experience it through filming the world.
Are you a lady interested in filmmaking? Or a guy who would like to collaborate with a lady in the industry? Here is your chance to find out the female game changers in the industry.
Click here to vote. Voting closes on 20th February 2020.
