By David Mukara

The Kenya Film Commission’s national scriptwriting competition entered the homestretch today with the unveiling of the first set of the shortlisted concepts by ICT Cabinet Secretary Joe Mucheru today.

The competition was launched on February 4 this year and seeks to grow the film industry in Kenya and expand the local market for films and showcase the country as a film production destination.

On February 28, the ICT Cabinet Secretary announced a Jury of nine to oversee the selection process and shortlist the best 20 writers from the 549 submissions received.

The judging criteria focused on originality, story structure, characterization, visual inventiveness and overall viability for world class film festivals and/or online distribution.

The 20 writers will now compete in various categories for Kshs. 2 million cash prize and will be required full scripts for further evaluation in the final phase of the competition.

The winning script will receive a cash prize of Kshs. 1 million, 1st runners-up who will receive Kshs. 500,000, second runners-up will receive Kshs. 300,000 and Kshs 100,000 each for the best student and best young writer categories.
The winners will be announced on April 25th this year.

The Jury in its deliberation noted that the competition attracted both writers and non-writers with concepts submitted revolving around six themes of epics, romance, science fiction, fantasy, mythical drama and thriller.

The CS unveiled the writers during the official opening of the third edition of Kalasha International TV and Film Market – an annual event that offers an opportunity to engage in discussions with different local, regional and international delegates from major institutions at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre.