The article Cinema Culture in Kenya and Why We Must Win the Goodwill of the Audience is an article by Churchill Osimbo. The article was published on the 30th of October 2023 on the Sinema Focus website. 

The article opens up with a brief history lesson on Kenya cinema  and then poses the question, are we on the right path as an industry?  The writer explores themes of cultural identity and representation and  further highlights some of the ups and downs of the local film industry.  Some of the downs Osimbo highlights are the financial constraints, limited run time and lack of infrastructure (not enough cinemas ) in the country.

“I understand the filmmakers, and I understand the investors as well. They need to make their money back of course, and this tariff on tickets is the only way they can do it, apparently. They are given a limited running due to obligations and agreements these theatres have with foreign powers, namely the distributors, and they have to make their money back within that small window they are so lucky to be granted. This is why the tickets to local films are overpriced. Like I said, a snake eating its own tail here. The laws of business dictate that the market decides the price and value of a product, and since the product is so costly to produce, to break even while selling it at the standard market-price, what we need is a bigger market and a bigger marketplace. Our industry needs to win over the audience and take them to the theatres, but even more importantly, we need more theatres dedicated to Kenyan films,” Osimbo writes.

The piece of work  also highlights the resilience, innovation and the increasing global recognition as signs of progress. It underscores how coverage shapes audience engagement and investment in local cinema. Through highlighting some of the victories and struggles of the Kenyan Cinema industry, the journalist influences what they public may prioritise when it comes to cultural discussions.

The writer uses various narrative approaches to tell the story, the article  is a blend of Osimbo’s opinions, verdicts and the opinions of industry professionals. He  blends interviews, industry insights and historical context to build a comprehensive analysis. By interviewing industry professionals like Phillip Karanja of Phil-It-Productions, the journalist fosters discourse on how to improve the Kenyan Cinema industry.

He also uses storytelling through case studies highlighting specific filmmakers, films and events. This approach grounds the piece in real experiences and verifiable trends. Additionally, he compares and contrasts the Kenyan Cinema industry with more established film industries i.e Nollywood and Hollywood, painting a picture of where Kenya stands in the global context. This approach, helps the reader grasp the industry’s challenges,  potential and history. Giving them enough to shape their own opinions about the path our local film industry is heading.



To read the full article visit the link :
https://www.sinemafocus.com/cinema-culture-in-kenya-and-why-we-must-win-the-goodwill-of-the-audience/