Nairobi, (KE):- Kitale Film Week, Kenya’s rapidly growing 8-day film festival Monday announced the addition of three renowned film industry professionals to its 2025 selection committee: Tosh Gitonga, Pierrick Chabi, and Cassandra Onwualu.
The three respected experts according to the organizers will play pivotal roles in shaping the festival’s lineup, ensuring it continues to be a leading platform for African filmmakers as the festival continues to expand its reach and impact.
The Kitale Film Week Festival held in Trans Nzoia County will have its third edition run from Sunday, February 2nd to Sunday, February 9th, 2025.
Tosh Gitonga, a celebrated Kenyan filmmaker and founder of Primary Pictures, has over two decades of experience in the industry. Known for directing the critically acclaimed Nairobi Half-Life, Kenya’s official submission to the 85th Academy Awards, and the Netflix hits ‘Disconnect ‘ and ‘Disconnect: The Wedding Planner’, Tosh is a driving force in Kenyan cinema. His involvement in the selection committee is set to elevate the festival’s quality and influence across Africa.
Joining Tosh is Beninese-French entrepreneur Pierrick Chabi, the founder and CEO of Wakatoon, a groundbreaking platform revolutionizing children’s content through interactive and creative AI-powered animation. Pierrick’s innovative approach to animation and media technology will offer fresh perspectives on content creation, opening new opportunities for African animators to showcase their work on a global stage.
“Enabling people to unleash their creativity is my favourite challenge,” Pierrick said.
Cassandra Onwualu, a Nigerian film producer, marketing, and distribution strategist, brings a wealth of experience in promoting and distributing African films to international markets. She has been instrumental in the success of films like ‘The Wait’ and ‘Gwoza’, and is currently leading the release of ‘The Weekend’ the first 100% Nigerian-funded film to be selected for the Tribeca Film Festival. Cassandra’s expertise will be instrumental in highlighting bold, captivating African stories at the Kitale Film Week. Her knowledge of global film distribution and marketing will also enhance the festival’s ability to attract international attention to African stories.
“I am honoured to be a part of the selection committee for this festival,” she said. “Every filmmaker dreams of having their work seen, discussed, and appreciated. Regional festivals like Kitale Film Week are essential for spotlighting and celebrating the compelling films being created across Africa.”
These three distinguished professionals join a seasoned team of industry leaders, including festival competition manager Wangui Ngunjiri, festival director Peter Pages Bwire, Ugandan film curator Joel Tugaineyo, and Tunga Media Afrika founder Makandi Mbae. Together, this experienced team will curate a lineup of films that reflect the diversity, creativity, and boldness of African storytelling.
Call for Submissions
Kitale Film Week also announced it has officially opened its submission portal, welcoming entries from filmmakers across Africa.
For the first time, the festival is accepting submissions from filmmakers across all African regions, marking a significant step toward greater continental representation.
Submissions are open until November 15th, 2024, and filmmakers can access the submission portal at filmfreeway.com/kitalefilmweek. The festival encourages entries that reflect diverse, socially engaged, and bold storytelling that speaks to both local and global audiences.
Supported by the County government of Trans Nzoia, the Kenya Film Commission, Docubox EADFF, and the embassies of France and the Netherlands in Kenya, Kitale Film Week provides a unique platform where African filmmakers can share their stories, engage in conversations on filmmaking, and contribute to community development through the arts.
About Kitale Film Week
Launched in 2023, Kitale Film Week is an 8-day celebration of African cinema, featuring film screenings, filmmaker workshops, and school programs designed to nurture the next generation of filmmakers and critics.
The festival also hosts outdoor events and discussions on key community issues, moderated by filmmakers, media personalities, and students and has rapidly grown in stature and has become a key cultural event in Kenya, attracting local and international attention.
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