The jury for the scriptwriting competition led by Filmmaker and Management Consultant Ms. Njoki Muhoho, has submitted 20 candidates, who have been shortlisted for the national scriptwriter’s competition.

The 20 shortlisted candidates were unveiled by ICT Cabinet Secretary Joe Mucheru at the Kenyatta International Conference Center (KICC), during the opening of the third edition of the Kalasha International Film Market.

The Kalasha International Film Market brings together international professionals from the Audiovisual and Film industry from East African countries, Europe and other places around the globe.

The event offers high-level interaction with Network groups, TV Channels, Mobile operators, Distributors, Commissioners, Producers, Directors and Scriptwriters for trading, sharing ideas and perspectives on new programs and policy development.

“As a Government, we are committed to making Kenya a leading destination to film making in Kenya. We seek to encourage PPP and also establish rebates among other incentives for film making” CS Mucheru said.

According to the nine-member jury, the entries were evaluated based on originality, story structure, characterization, visual inventiveness and overall viability for world-class film festivals and online distribution.

The scriptwriters’ competition, whose call for entries closed on February 26th, attracted a total of 549 entries.

The shortlisted 20 candidates will compete in the various categories for the sh 2 million cash prize and will be required to submit full scripts for further evaluation.

The overall winner will take home Sh 1m, 1st runners up Sh 500,000, second runners up Sh, 300,000 while the best student and the best young writer will each be awarded Sh 100,000.

BELOW IS THE LIST OF SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES

Secret of Iten– Peter Mbugua

Wango’s Bangle – John Muiruri

Cradle of Mankind – David Nganga

An African Tale – Shirleen Wangari

Goats, Guns and Grace – Shalom Ndiku

Two morons and Morans – Dancurf Oyaro

Poacher – Stephen Gachomba

Lost in the Village– Jirongo Luyali

Dust in My Eyes – Benjamin Odiwuor

Train Stops – Anthony Mochama

Enraged – George Wekesa

Life is a Marathon – Beatrice Wangondu

Jamboree at Kayabombo -Stephen Muthini

Ndondi – Cyrus Kilavu

Overkill – Johnson Mwangi

Soul Pilgrim – Shams Banji

Baby – Keith Ndenga

Lost in the Village– Jirongo Luyali

Train Stops – Anthony Mochama

Miale 3000– Tonny Njuguna

Crossing The Tsavo – Ken Nderitu