Champions, along with their team and the Alliance Francaise board of directors, take a group photograph following the award ceremony at the ...
The French Institute in Nairobi, along with the French Embassy in Kenya, organized an exciting display of talent from young filmmakers who participated in a competition.
Each year since its debut in 2016, the event has taken place alongside the French Film Festival, focusing on the theme of 'Rebellious Spirit'.
In its initial year in Kenya, the quantity of films submitted was quite minimal.
The 10th edition this year, themed around AI-powered narrative smartphone film contest, hasReceived a total of 85 films from Kenyan content creators, all produced and edited using smartphones, with a growing use of AI tools in the creative production process.
The individuals, mostly in their early 20s, were all involved in content creation and film production,supported the development of content created using smartphones, offering a space for young directors to develop their abilities and artistry.
A total of 10 films were shown during the presentations, including "Morio & Juliet" by Calvin Oyula, "Mother's Agony" by Clinton, "Makmende Begins" by Gabriel Jamal, "The Red Box" by Sogallo, "Karibu Taon" by Ivy Sonia, "Revenge of the Regret" by Solomon, and "Amature" by Tanya Jacobs. All are short dramas under two minutes, ranging from experimental visuals to social-issue documentaries, highlighting current affairs that reflect the diversity and growing digital confidence of the country's youth in the creative sector.
Denis Sainte Marie, the Advisor for Cooperation and Cultural Affairs at the French Embassy, highlighted France's enduring backing of the continent's creative sector.
"France has consistently backed African creativity, and in recent years, through the Création Africa program, it has allocated more than 1.7 million euros in Kenya to support the growth of Kenyan artists and professionals in various areas of the cultural and creative industry," he stated.
A group of three jury members, including Shadrack Munene, a creative art director, Peris Gachahi, an award-winning digital investigation journalist, and Leon Malu, the Creative Editor, who are experts in their fields and tech pioneers, were assigned to assess the film entries according to originality, application of AI tools, narrative quality, and technical performance.
Leon Malu encouraged filmmakers to apply AI tools more thoughtfully and decisively throughout the creative process. “We truly care about the film… When you're discussing your concepts, don't view ChatGPT as your buddy.”
Ask it for genuine advice. Tell it, 'hit me hard and just be honest about this idea,'” he said, prompting laughter and agreement from the crowd.
Following the screenings and evaluations, the winners were revealed, with the audience choice award given to 'Morio & Juliet' directed by Calvin Oyula, who received a cash prize of KSH 75,000/=, the second prize going to Solomon Wambugu's film 'Revenge of the Reject' with a monetary reward of KSH 100,000/=, and the top prize awarded to Ivy Gathoni Wangui for her film "Karibu Taon" with a cash award of KSh 150,000/=.
The French Alliance, its board of directors, Dorothy Ooko, urged emerging filmmakers to see AI as a tool rather than a danger to their work.
"No, AI is meant to simplify your work. AI is designed to provide you with more time to focus on the creative aspects. You're talented. This is a great idea, but take the time to consider it thoroughly. So AI gives you more time to reflect on that," she advised.
The gathering emphasized the increasing overlap between technology and creativity, demonstrating how artificial intelligence tools are helping emerging filmmakers create professional-grade work using affordable devices like mobile phones.
The French Embassy, via Creation Africa, the Institut francais, and France Médias Monde (RFI and France 24), has backed the smartphone competition..
Organisersacknowledged that the competition not only encourages creativity but also makes film production more accessible by reducing expenses for new filmmakers.
The French Alliance reconfirmed its dedication to promoting both local and international digital arts and young talent, featuring artistic creations that highlight the variety and ambitions of young narrators aiming to participate in global creative discussions.
