The Future of Film In Kenya: Trends and Predictions for the Next Decade

The film industry in Kenya is rapidly growing and evolving, and the next decade promises to bring even more exciting changes. With the recent emergence of Kenyan reality shows on Netflix and Showmax, more actors getting international film jobs, and the establishment of a Netflix office in Kenya, the future of film in Kenya looks bright. In this blog, we’ll explore the trends and predictions for the next decade in the Kenyan film industry.

Growth of Streaming Services

With the establishment of a streaming base in Kenya by Netflix and Showmax, it’s clear that streaming services are taking notice of the Kenyan film industry. The next decade will likely see a further increase in the number of streaming services available in Kenya, with more Kenyan films and TV shows available to audiences worldwide. This presents a huge opportunity for Kenyan filmmakers, as it provides a platform for their work to reach a wider audience.

Increased Opportunities for Film Writers

As the Kenyan film industry continues to grow, we can expect to see more opportunities for film writers. With more demand for original Kenyan content, there will be a need for talented writers to create compelling stories that resonate with audiences. Writers like Abel Mutua and Waniru Kahiu are already representing Kenya internationally. This presents an exciting opportunity for aspiring Kenyan writers to break into the film industry and showcase their talents.

Rise of Virtual Production

Virtual production is an emerging trend in the global film industry, and we can expect to see this trend grow in Kenya over the next decade. With virtual production, filmmakers can create high-quality, immersive visual effects without the need for expensive location shoots. This can help to lower the cost of production and make it easier for Kenyan filmmakers to create visually stunning films and TV shows.

Increased Collaboration with International Film Industries

With more Kenyan actors landing international film jobs, we can expect to see increased collaboration between the Kenyan film industry and international film industries. This presents a huge opportunity for Kenyan filmmakers to learn from their international counterparts and to showcase their talents to a global audience.

Focus on Diversity and Inclusion

As the film industry in Kenya continues to grow, we can expect to see a greater focus on diversity and inclusion. This includes representation of diverse cultures and communities on screen, as well as behind the camera. With more voices being heard and more stories being told, the Kenyan film industry has the potential to become a beacon of diversity and inclusion in the global film industry.

In conclusion, the next decade promises to be an exciting time for the Kenyan film industry. With the growth of streaming services, increased opportunities for film writers, the rise of virtual production, increased collaboration with international film industries, and a focus on diversity and inclusion, the future of film in Kenya looks bright. Aspiring filmmakers and writers in Kenya should take advantage of these opportunities and work to showcase their talents to a global audience.