Inside the 13th edition of the Kalasha Awards

Entertainers from several fronts of the globe and the film industry had a good time since Wednesday 27, March, as they celebrated the 13th edition of the Kalasha International Film and TV Awards.

It was a huge event with the first two days being about Kalasha Market and Festival followed by the climax on Saturday 30, as awards were presented.

According to the Kenya Film Commission (KFC) boss, Timothy Owase, this edition was one of a kind as it featured a wide selection of film screenings, premieres, and workshops.

“Tonight, we gather not only to celebrate our achievements but to also acknowledge the impact our film that cinema has on our lives. We celebrate how the industry has united us, inspired and ignited our imagination”, said Owase.

This year’s theme was ‘Reel money in the business of film’ under the tagline ‘Where art meets commerce’.

In line with this, Owase said KFC has funded 22 projects hence employing 2200 filmmakers and 400 interns adding that the move was a reflection of how irreplaceable jobs can be created in the industry.

Cabinet Secretary for Arts and Culture, Ababu Namwamba seconded the need to invest heavily in the film industry. He reminded the entertainers of a deal recently signed with Invention Studios that is aimed at increasing Kenyan films’ audience.

Ababu also mentioned that Talanta Hela’s theme was in line with Kalasha’s initiative aimed at making sure that talents are rewarded and paid accordingly.

“As we finalise discussions with treasury, I am convinced that our vision for the creative arts continues to bear fruits ensuring that Kenyans have the support they need to thrive and that Pesa Mfukoni becomes a reality for many more. That’s our mantra, Talanta Hela, Pesa Mfukoni,” said Ababu.

The winners of the Kalasha awards were not only walking away with trophies but also gift hampers as well as cash.

There was a total of 39 categories, with two of them being noncompetitive, meaning the winners were not voted for but vetted by Kalasha’s jury.

One of the outstanding awards was the Lifetime Achievement, bagged by Jenny Pont from Pontact Productions. She could not contain her excitement as she recalled where the Kenyan film industry started.

“I can't believe I was on the first board of KFC. We had our first meeting under a tree because we did not have an office. Seeing this tonight is just amazing. What a wonderful and vibrant young film industry we have these days,” she said.

The award for Best Short Film went to Where the River Divides collected by Matrid Nyaga. This film made highlights as it also bagged the award for Best Original Screenplay done by Matt Black. Its production design was done by Nancy Oluoch, who was ranked as the Best Production Designer.

The Best Lead Actress in a TV Drama went to Sarah Hassan who plays the role of Zari while Best Lead Actor was given to the late Charles Ouda for his role in Salem.

Brenda Wairimu’s role in Zari was ranked as the Best Supporting Actress in a TV Drama while Ndungi Githuku from Kina bagged Best Supporting Actor.

In the film segment, Best Lead Actress went to Lina Sande in Mvera while Best Lead Actor was taken by Gadwill Odhiambo from Where The River Divides. 

Best Supporting Actress in a Film was given to Brenda Mwai from The Caller as Jack Mutinda from Itifaki was named Best Supporting Actor.

Best TV Advertisement award went to Abu Melita’s APA Moments of Past Disasters while Eugene Mbugua’s The Real Housewives of Nairobi was named the Best TV Show.

In the comical category, Best Performance in a TV Comedy went to Abel Mutua, also known as Mkurugenzi, for his role in Roast House. The Best TV Comedy award went to Damaris Irungu’s Kam u stay.

Two Let, produced by Nduruka Njoroge, was named as the Best Regional Film whereas the Coffee Production Documentary was announced as the Best Short Documentary. John Alan Nyamu’s Last Door as announced as the Best Documentary.

Daudi Anguka was celebrated as he was named Best Director for his film Mvera. The film was also ranked as the Best Feature Film and Best Viewers Choice Award, Feature Film.

The Best Viewers Choice Award, TV Drama went to Pepeta by James Kombo which was also named as the Best TV Drama.

Inooro TV was announced as Kituo Halisi Winner, Tanzania’s Midnight Bride by Doreen Kilimbe was said to be the Best International Film and Best Animation went to Death Valley by Stephen Kennedy.

Sikicho's Long Day by Darren Collins was said to be the Best Kids/Children Production, God Forbid was announced as the Best Student Film while Best Documentary By A Student went to Art on the Skin by Kenya Film School.

Other categories included Best Gaming given to Carlphabet from DEKUT Film Hub, Best Editing went to Koome Mwirebua from Act of Love, and Jim Bishop from Half Open Window was announced as Best Director of Photography.