The Kenyan film industry is on the brink of a significant advancement following the formalization of a partnership with the China Film Administration.
The collaboration, unveiled on Monday in Nairobi, marks a pivotal moment in the history of the two nations’ diplomatic relations, aimed at fostering closer ties and enhancing the creative landscape.
The initiative not only demonstrates the mutual commitment of Kenya and China to cultivating their film industries but also symbolizes the broader intent to strengthen cooperation on a global scale.
Speaking at the signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), Ababu Namwamba, the Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Sports, and Arts, expressed his enthusiasm about the prospects that this partnership holds.
“We are very excited that today we have signed an MOU between China and Kenya to develop the area of film and the creative industry in general,” declared Namwamba, underlining the significance of this collaboration in the growth of both nations’ artistic sectors.
Namwamba went on to emphasize the multifaceted nature of the agreement.
“This is a big day. It’s not just about film. It’s about strengthening cooperation with an important global player,” he stated. The Cabinet Secretary expressed his optimism for robust collaboration that would extend beyond the film industry, foreseeing a ripple effect on various aspects of bilateral relations.
One notable aspiration accompanying this partnership is the prospect of an influx of Chinese tourists to Kenya. Namwamba hopes this cinematic collaboration will serve as a gateway, enticing Chinese tourists to explore Kenya’s rich cultural heritage and diverse landscapes.
The exchange of cinematic expressions could potentially serve as a bridge between the two nations, encouraging people-to-people connections and promoting cross-cultural understanding.
Namwamba further praised the signed pact as a milestone achievement. He underscored the historical context of the diplomatic relationship between Kenya and China, which has spanned over six decades.
While lauding the MoU, Mr. MAO Yu, the Executive Deputy Director-General of the China Film Administration, said the China-Kenya Film Festival is important to the implementation of President Xi Jinping’s commitment during the FOCAC summit to the effect that the two sides were going to carry out the China-Africa People-to-People Exchange Project, particularly by the hosting of film festivals.
“Next, we’re going to support the hosting of African film festival in China. We hope film festivals will become a new starting point for deepening China-Kenya film exchanges and cooperation, which will further inject new momentum into the people-to-people exchanges between the two countries and make new contributions to promoting a high-level China-Africa community of shared future,” said MAO
The establishment of ties between the two nations laid the groundwork for the current collaborative effort, and this film industry partnership serves as a testament to the enduring and evolving nature of their engagement.
With the joint film festival as the cornerstone of this endeavor, the stage is set for a new chapter in Kenya and China’s cultural exchange and artistic collaboration.
