It was all beauty and glamour at the Women in Film Awards last Wednesday night (4.03.2020) at the Kenya National Theatre. Individuals from all walks of life turned up to show support to the women in the film making industry in Kenya.
Among the guests invited included Dr. Josephine Ojiambo the honorary President Commonwealth Business Network, Nana Wanjau Commonwealth Businesswomen’s Network Kenya chairperson and Kenya Film Commission CEO Mr. Timothy Odhiambo Owase. Speeches were also made by Wanjiru Kinyanjui and Dr. Zipporah Okoth.
Speaking about the origin of the event, Awards Director Dr. Susan Gitimu “The idea behind the Women in Film Awards was born on 15th November 2019 we had just attended a woman in film conference and many women filmmakers attended the pre-conference and one thing we asked ourselves was, where are these women, how come, women, filmmakers are being celebrated outside and not being celebrated here .’’
She pointed out that the inaugural awards ceremony was well-timed, as International Women’s Day in the month of March. The event was in time to celebrate the ladies and most importantly, celebrate the filmmakers for their work. “This is about being recognized for being the best, we need to speak more about our work, we need to tell people what we do.’’ Dr. Zipporah Okoth added.
Among the nominees who scoped the awards included :
Brenda Wairimu -Best Actress
Wanuri Kahiu – Best Director
Mercy Adundo – Best Sound Designer
Naima Mungai – Best Set Designer
Alice Kombani -Best Newcomer Producer
Caroline Kimeu – Best Lighting Designer
Roselinda Taabu – Best Editor
Wambui Bo Muigai best Cinematographer,
Ngendo Mukii -Best Animator,
Natasha Likimani – Best Script Writer,
Fatuo Hassan – Best Makeup Artist
Wambui Thimba – Best Costume Designer
Appie Matere – Best Producer B
Best Influential Woman Personality – Njoki Muhoho.
The event was hosted by Joseph Ochieng’ and Brenda Nyambeki. Music performances featured Christine Mbula and Eric Jambo. Film screenings of ‘Midlife crisis’ by Zipporah Okoth and ‘Phoenix’ by Mwajuma Belle were also well received by the audience present.
Congratulations to all the winners.