The Kenya film commission has unveiled the nominees in various categories for the 11th edition of the Kalasha international film and TV Awards.
The unveiling of the nominees sets the stage for public voting which is scheduled to open on November 3, 2021 after which the awards ceremony will take place on December 10, 2021.
This year’s category for the public vote will be the film category, TV category the special category that includes best student film, best student documentary, best animation and best children production.
In the Best Lead Actor category, Crime and Justice’s Munyua competition includes Joe Kinyua in Njoro Wa Uba; Lucarelli Onyango in NTV’s drama series on Showmax, Pieces of Us; and George Mo in Eastlands-set gang drama Borderline on Showmax.
Showmax also earned two nominations in the Best Documentary category, where Eugene Mbugua’s docu-reality series Sol Family and This Love go head-to-head.
The Chairperson of the Kalasha Awards, Valentine Zikki noted that the vetting process this year was as thorough as in the other previous years and with the help of seven members of the jury all drawn from the film industry they narrowed down to a total of 145 nominees.
The Jury Members were Zikki (Kenya Actors Guild), Moses Wamalwa (Kenya Scriptwriters Guild),Emmah Kibunja ( Jambowood), Earnest Livasia (Association of Animation Artists in Kenya),Simiyu Barasa (Riverwood Ensemble),Leo Mutisya( Media Council of Kenya) and Sheila Murumba (Communication Authority of Kenya)
Kenya’s first Showmax original Crime and Justice boasts all five best TV drama nominees with three nominesss across all the TV drama categories. Showmax also earned two nominations in the best documentary category.
Speaking during the occasion, Timothy Okwaro, MultiChoice Director, East and Southern Africa said the nomination was a total indication that the Kenyan film industry continues to grow and play a bigger role in the investing of local stories that viewers love to watch.
“The Kenya Film Commission remains committed to the local film industry and we remain aware of the need to continually create avenues for local film makers to be recognized. For their efforts in moving the industry forward. With the 11th edition, we are re-affirming our commitment to drive this agenda through the next decade, and in collaboration with industry players ensure that our local talent is showcased at home and beyond”, said Owase.
The Kalasha International Film and TV Awards was launched 10 years ago and is held annually to recognize filmmakers in Kenya.
