A GIFTED KISUMU ACTOR DIES IN CHELTENHAM, UK

PRESS RELEASE A GIFTED KISUMU ACTOR DIES IN CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND Curtain falls on a gifted Kisumu actor. The Late Oscar Omondi Awino dies in Cheltenham, England due to liver failure. He was found dead in his house in Cheltenham on the 8th January 2013. The late Oscar featured prominently in various major productions of the Ramogi Writers & Drama Society. He was talented and endowed with various artistic prowess in drama, poetry and creative dance. He showcased his talents far and wide in Kenya and England He joined the Ramogi Writers & Drama Society in 1982, while still a form one student at the Kisumu Day High School. The productions he featured in are still memorable. His debut production was “The Heat of The Moment” by Magaga Alot as “Albert”. Other productions were “Simbi Nyaima” (Both in English/Dholuo versions that was also preferred at the Goethe Institut, Nairobi in 1982 & 1983). The Betrayal in The City by the late Prof Francis Imbuga, “ Cooking Pan” Majangwa” by Robert Serumaga as Majagwa,” Muntu” as Either/Neitherman by Joe De Graft. In 1989, he acted and directed a political satire based on Apartheid titled “Woza Albert” By Mbongeni Ngema, which was ultimately performed at the University of Nairobi Arts festival that was coordinated by Prof. Opiyo Mumma( now deceased). The play received critical acclaim at the festival. He was also a gifted poet, a good creative dancer and choreographer. Due to his versatility in the field of performing arts, the theatre fraternity at the Kisumu Social Centre which was the base of the Ramogi Writers Drama Society renamed him “Osi Jaber” (Oscar the beautiful one) He won many poetry recital awards organized during the annual Ramogi Cultural Festivals. He played a critical role in the Bristol- Kisumu Exchange Drama production titled “The Freedom City” by Arts Opportunity Theatre (Bristol, England) and the Ramogi Writers & Drama Society Kisumu which was planned to tour Kenya major towns. It was during this time that a leading Kisumu actor drowned in a Kisumu hotel swimming pool (The deceased was Kaput Kwach Kanyawara). This was in 1987. Other key characters that featured prominently in various drama productions mostly are now deceased. Victor ogolla Nyangore, Boaz Ayoo, Matengo Opande, Stanslaus Ochieng, Otieno Ougo, Benjamin Oloo and Johannes Midha, the great choreographer. He taught Oscar choreography The genesis of the Kisumu Cheltenham link started in 1983, when the late Dennis Mitchel, the Coordinator of the Rendezvous Society (Cheltenham) came to Kisumu to explore possibilities to establish Kisumu/Cheltenham Youth Cultural Education Exchange Programme. This project was initiated by Dennis Mitchel and Obat Masira in 1983. The project started as a pen pal club. This project enabled various youth and residents from Kisumu to travel, study and live in Cheltenham England. The project was initiated at the Kisumu Social Centre during the 14 days stay of the Late Dennis Mitchel. Mitchel wrote a book titled “14 Days in Kisumu” In 1985, The Rendezvous Society invited the Ramogi Writers & Drama Society to Cheltenham. The organization had also established links with Birmingham and therefore invited to perform a play titled “ Shanti” based on Apartheid in Birmingham England in 1984. In 1986 the organization had also initiated cultural education exchange program with a Bristol Theatre Company known as Arts Opportunity Theatre (A.O.T) to perform at the World Art Festival in Bristol (W.O.M.A.D Festival) in a play titled “ Muntu” by Joe De Graft joint production by The Arts Opportunity Theatre and The Ramogi Writers and Drama Society. The play toured Britain and was later performed at the Cheltenham Playhouse, being the first African production to be staged at the Cheltenham Playhouse which was directed by Akech Obat Masira who also played the role of “Muntu” in the production. This created opportunities for Kisumu Youth and residents to travel to Cheltenham. Then in the eighties and nineties there were annual Youth Exchange Program (Kisumu/Cheltenham). “In 1986, there were only three Africans living in Cheltenham(Obat Masira, Mrs. Keddi Molle(Botswana) and Cheddi from Nigeria. Now Cheltenham is the “Kisumu Ndogo of England.” The death of Oscar shocked the Kisumu theatre fraternity. They will miss his charm, talent and open heartedness. In 2012, we lost three great artistes namely Victor Ogolla Nyangere, Boaz Ayoo and James Minudi. In 2013 now Oscar Awino The Oscar’s funeral committee based in Cheltenham and London is being coordinated by Sam Omoga who was a member of the Ramogi Writers & Drama Society now based in London.( He is also a poet and a storyteller). He was Oscar’s friend and started acting for the same organization in 1982. “Oscar contributed a lot in the social lives of Kenyans. His house in Cheltenham, England was the social centre where artistic and cultural expressions used to take place. It was also a place where Kenyans living in England would converge to eat Ugali and other Kenyan delicacies.” stated Sam Omoga, a Kenyan living in London who has been associated with Oscar as from 1982 to date. The body is expected to be flown to Kisumu around 30th January 2013 depending on the fundraising in London and will be later buried at his father’s rural home in Homa Bay County, Ogande Village. He was a son to a former banker Mr. Silas Awino and Mama Mary Awino. The first night vigil will be at their town home in Manyatta, in Kisumu City. “I had directed Oscar for many years in Kenya. Oscar it has been a long journey and what a dramatic journey? A journey that started in 1982 at the Kisumu Social Centre. We will miss your artistic prowess as a gifted actor dies in Cheltenham England. What a blow to the theatre fraternity in Kisumu? Go well brother.” Akech Obat Masira Director Misango Arts Ensemble 16th January 2013 (Kisumu City)

2nd LAKE VICTORIA BASIN FILM AND THEATRE AWARDS

2nd LAKE VICTORIA BASIN FILM AND THEATRE AWARDS CATEGORIES 1. FILM (i). Best Documentary Film (ii). Best Feature Film (iii). Best Actor (iv). Best Actress (v). Best Supporting Role (vi). Best Filmmaker (vii). Best Film Script (viii). Best Film Producer 2. THEATRE & MUSIC (i). The Most Promising Theatre Group-Maseno University(City Campus) (ii). TheMost Outstanding Theatre Personality(The late Prof Francis Imbuga) (iii). Best Actor-Berlin Ajeck(Betta Theatrix) (iv). Best Actress-Leticia Khalai(Maseno University) (v). Best Instrumentalist (Modern-Piano) -Mr. Dancun Karoki- Maseno University (vi). Best Instrumentalist(Traditional-Marimba) – Mr. Stephen Buki (vii). Best Narrative Presenter- Chunga Otiende(George Chunga Story Tellers) Best Narrative Presenter 1st Runners Up- Creative Madness (Kisii County) (viii). Best Poetry Performer (The Late Victor Ogolla Nyangore) (ix). Best Script writer – Mr. Oliver Minishi (Kakamega High School) Best Script Writer 1st Runner up – Mr. Peter Amunga (Kisumu Day High School) 3. OUTSTANDING DRAMA CONTRIBUTIONS i. Prof C. J. Odhiambo ii. Mr. Wasambo Were iii. Prof Okumu Bigambo iv. Mr. Joab Osiako v. Mr. John Diang`a vi. Mr. Elkana Engesa vii. Mr. Wafula Wanyoni viii. Mr. Oyuga Tado 4. MEDIA SUPPORT (i). Most Outstanding Media Arts Support For The Region(Print) – Mr. Nicholas Anyuor (East African Standard) (ii). Most Outstanding Media Arts Support For The Region(Radio) – Mr. Washingtone Ochieng (Radio Nam Lolwe) (iii). For Media Art Support – Mr. Elly Wamari (Nation Media Group) (iv). For Media Art Support – Mr. Shem Shuchia (Nyanza Weekly) (v). For Media Art Support – Mr. John Oywa (East African Standard) (vi). For Media Art Support – Mr. Fredrick Odiero ( People Newspaper) 5. OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS I. LAKE BASIN LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT (Late Prof Caleb Okumu) II. THE BEST CHOREOGRAPHER III. THE BEST CREATIVE DANCER- Omondi O. Lennox IV. THE BEST POETRY PRESENTER (The Late Victor Ogolla Nyangore) V. MOST ACCOMPLISHED COMEDIAN VI. OUTSTANDING AWARD FOR INTERNATIONAL FILM – Ms. Sharon Agina OUTSTANDING AWARD FOR INTERNATIONAL FILM 1st Runners up – Mr. Oliver Litondo VII. OUTSTANDING DRAMATIST- Mr. Oliver Minishi (Kakamega High School) VIII. Most Creative Artist- Beryl Achieng( Maseno University) Most Creative Artist 1st Runners Up- Otiato Guguyu(Maseno University) 6. FOR LONG SERVICE AWARDS IN DRAMA I. MR. OTUMBA OUKO – MASENO UNIVERSITY II. MR. O.J.ODHIAMBO – MASENO UNIVERSITY III. MS. ANJELICA OUYA – MINISTRY OF EDUCATION BUNGOMA IV. MR. AKECH OBAT MASIRA - MISANGO ARTS ENSEMBLE V. MR. PAUL MIYUMO – ROOTS THEATRE VI. MR. ELISHA AKUMU – NYABISAWA GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL VII. MR. OLIVER MINISHI – KAKAMEGA HIGH SCHOOL VIII. MR. PETER AMUNGA – KISUMU DAY HIGH SCHOOL IX. MR. LUKA OSIEMO X. MR. EMMANUEL OBIERO – EDUCATION DEPT CITY COUNCIL OF KISUMU XI. MR PATRICK OUMA – DEPUTY PRINCIPAL PALA HIGH SCHOOL 7. POSTHUMOUS AWARDS FOR PERFORMING ARTS I. VICTOR OGOLLA NYANGORE II. JORROL OLANG III. BOAZ OUMA AYOO IV. JOHANNES MIDHA V. PROF. FRANCIS IMBUGA VI. PROF. EZEKIEL ALEMBI VII. PROF. ARTHUR KEMOLI VIII. PROF. OPIYO MUMA IX. OCHIENG ANYONA 8. ADJUDICATORS AWARDS GOLDEN ELITES PRIMARY SCHOOL 9. MOST PROMISING ACTOR 10. MOST PROMISING ACTRESS 11. POETRY AWARDS (UP COMING POET) Mr. Simon Okola – Karabok High School 12. SCHOOL DRAMA AWARDS Mr. Moses Odipo – Agoro Sare High School 13. AWARDS FOR PUPPETRY DEVELOPMENT Mr. Ken Owiyo-Nyawita Safari Troupe

PRESS RELEASE

LAKE VICTORIA BASIN FILM MAKERS GUILD (KENYA) P.O. BOX 3599-40100 KISUMU Email: obatmasira@yahoo.com Tel: 0726 164 954 10th December 2012 PRESS RELEASE RE: FILM /THEATRE AWARDS-DEVELOPMENT LATENT TALENT 14TH – 15TH DECEMBER 2012 The Lake Victoria Basin Film and Theatre Awards is geared towards harnessing the film and theatre potentials within the region as a recognition of the fact that with the current efforts made towards the East African Integration, the Western Tourism Circuit needs to be promoted through a concerted effort. Film and the arts are major models through which we can enhance the visibility of the region by celebrating what nature has provided into us. The Awards Ceremony will be used to recognize the various individuals and groups who have played key roles in the promotion of the arts as a form of cultural experience within the region and also to highlight how this can be used to promote the region as a tourist destination. This will go a long way in inaugurating cultural activities within the region and developing latent talent. We hereby appeal to well wishers to support the event. The event will be held on the 14th – 15th December 2012 at the Kisumu Social Centre. Free entry. There will also be performing arts presentations to be judged. The judges have been drawn from Maseno University, Catholic University for Eastern Africa and Pwani University College. AKECH OBAT MASIRA CHAIRMAN READ BELOW 2nd LAKE VICTORIA BASIN FILM AND THEATRE AWARDS CATEGORIES 1. FILM (i). Best Documentary Film (ii). Best Feature Film (iii). Best Actor (iv). Best Actress (v). Best Supporting Role (vi). Best Filmmaker (vii). Best Film Script (viii). Best Film Producer (ix). Outstanding Award For International Film 2. THEATRE & MUSIC (i). The Most promising theatre group (ii). The Most outstanding theatre personality (iii). Best Actor (iv). Best Actress (v). Best Instrumentalist (Modern) (vi). Best Instrumentalist(Traditional) (vii). Best Narrator (viii). Best Poetry Performer (ix). Lake Basin Lifetime Theatre Achievement (x). The Best Choreographer (xi). The Best Creative Dancer (xii). The Best Poetry Presenter (xiii). Most Accomplished Academic Musician 3. MEDIA SUPPORT (i). Most Outstanding Media Arts Support for the region (Print) (ii). Most Outstanding Media Arts Support for the region (Radio)

2012 THE LAKE VICTORIA BASIN FILM / THEATRE/GOSPEL VIDEO AWARDS

LAKE VICTORIA BASIN FILM MAKERS GUILD (KENYA) P.O.BOX 3599-40100 KISUMU, KENYA (E.A) Email:obatmasira@yahoo.com.Tel:+254726164954 THE CONCERT PAPER THE LAKE VICTORIA BASIN FILM / THEATRE/GOSPEL VIDEO AWARDS The Lake Victoria Basin Film Makers Guild (Kenya) an umbrella body of film makers, designers , scriptwriters , musicians, artistes based in Western Kenya region. The organization was founded in 2009 at the Kisumu Area Library during the international film workshop organized in Kisumu by the American Embassy and the Kenya International Film Festival (K.I.F.F) for the film makers based in Western Kenya. It was founded to showcase the best artistic creations in film productions from the Lake Basin region .To create film productions that are driven to positively influence society .Film productions that are intended to positively influence and promote change in society . We believe our films should be viewed in respect of wider responsibility in society and not driven by desire to make money, like most film productions produced in other parts of Kenya. Our film making should be guided by interest of society and foster positive change .The Lake Victoria Basin Film Makers Guild ( Kenya )seeks to enhance creativity and provide platform for the local film makers based in the region and lastly to present the best film productions from the region. The Lake Victoria Basin , with its breathtaking expanse of water and beautiful landscape surrounding it , is uniquely endowed with great filmic sites , natural historical monuments and great creative talents and untapped artistic potentials , that unfortunately has not been harnessed . If utilized well the Lake Victoria is going to be the next hub of film making in the Great Lakes Region. Lake and its basin is endowed with a variety of natural reserves that are local, regional and global benefit.”Lake Victoria; A hub for East African Development”. The organization was founded to celebrate cultural diversity and encourage artistic integration with broad range of filmic and theatre styles. To offer the people of the western Kenya region with unique opportunity to sample various forms of film making and artistic styles and expressions. To enable the region to tell their unique stories creatively without favour or fear. Develop its only style and its film industry. It’s against this background that in 2010 the organization founded the first LAKE VICTORIA BASIN FILM/ THEATRE AND GOSPEL VIDEO AWARDS to showcase the best from the region and to recognize and reward their greatest artistes / directors/ producers (film/theatre/gospel/artistes) It was also intended to establish a network with other film makers outside the region to exchange styles and techniques in the art of film making .To enable the local film makers participate in the national and international film festival. A film is a story in conflict of humankind, film comprises of two vital aspects, namely the DESIRE and the DANGER. Desire is basically humankind’s yearning for happiness, satisfaction and sense of fulfillment, while the Danger is that life threatening, obstacles and opposition. Most films emanating from other parts of Kenya, unfortunately, lack emotions, so to speak. Yet an emotion is at the centre of film making. The Awards ceremony was founded to invigorate film making as a hobby, as well as a profession to promote creative cultural expression in the region and beyond. Our main objective is therefore to increase the public interest and consciousness of film productions and creative progressive arts in general by providing organizational framework that will “market” the regional artistes nationally and internationally. Its hoped that in the process the various field of creative artistic expressions will attract the most talented people in the region, particularly in theatre, film and gospel music. This promotion will go along way in increasing financial viability of artistic endeavor .Its our firm belief that only self sustaining artistic development that can be able to promote the Lake Victoria Basin film industry .We also hope that the local Governors in Lake Victoria Basin will embrace film and artistic expressions in their respective countries. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES • To showcase the best artistic creation (film/theatre/gospel) from the region. • To provide opportunities for the local film makers to participate in the national and international film festivals. • To exchange expertise, skills and experience through the medium of film and theatre productions (film festivals workshops and exchange programs) • To promote creative film making in the region • To make the region the new hub of film making to its unique natural historical monuments, Lake Victoria and its great filmic sites. THE BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON REGIONAL ARTS. The Lake Victoria : A hub for East African development – its considered to be the cradle of mankind as the first paleontological traces of humans have been found there. It’s also a home of an abundant wildlife resources which gives it a unique and great potential for prospering in tourism industry and film making – a new source of foreign exchange earnings and employment opportunities. The Kisumu City is the center of the Great of Lakes Region and therefore the new hub of commercial and industrial development, tourism, cultural expressions and by large film industry. The various arts in the region are therefore in the process of decline because they have been relegated to position of unprofitable enterprises. This is because it has been realized that although there is abundant talent in the region. The challenge has been limited exposure, poor marketing strategies and related factors have reduced our film makers and artists to marginal positions in the society. It’s hoped that in the in the process the various artistic activities (film /theatre/gospel) will attract the most talented people in the region and increase financial viability of artistic and endevour. It is our belief that only self sustaining artistic expressions can promote film industry and cultural development of the Western Kenya region. A regional film/ theater/gospel/ video awards is the best vehicle for maintaining and promoting film industry and cultural development. It’s the intention the LAKE VICTORIA BASIN FILM/THEATER/GOSPEL VIDEO awards is to invigorate film industry and regional cultural development and therefore increase publics interest and consciousness of film and arts by providing organizational frame work that will market the regional film makers and artists both nationally and internationally. THE JUSTIFICATION FOR THE AWARDS. The justification for rewarding artists in film making in Western Kenya Region is self evident. The region has produced the most interesting, vivid and memorable performing artists in Kenya even before independence up to date. The greatest entertainers in Kenya. The history of Kenya arts and cultural activities is decorated by great talents in various artistic and cultural spheres from the region. These included areas like traditional and pop music, drama, cultural, writing, visual art, crafts and sports (Gor Mahia/AFC Leopards)Mashemeji tournament of love and rivalry. Unfortunately, such talents emerged spontaneously and without organized local or national support consequently some of the best talents in the Lake Basin region have been “forced” to retire early into oblivion after a short period of success. This has led to the falling of regional cultural standards. THE THEME. “STRIVE FOR ARTISTIC EXCELLENCE IN FILM MAKING AND DEVELOPEMENTIN THE LAKE VICTORIA BASIN.” The Awards will be held in the Kisumu Social Centre in Kisumu City, Kenya, to screen film made within the region. We also intend to screen film from the Coast Province. A few selected theatre artists will be invited to perform. Paper presentations will be delivered by film/ theatre scholars from the regional universities. A jury of judges will be drawn from the two public Universities, namely, Maseno and Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology. Media Houses and Theatre personalities. During awards ceremonies we will also use the occasion to pay tribute to the fallen great artist (VICTOR OGOLLA NYANGORE) formerly of Misango Arts Ensemble. He died mid this year. THE EXHIBITIONS. During the event we will also host art exhibitions (painting, sculpture, curvings and textile.) The items will be for sale. THE MANAGEMENT OF THE REGIONAL AWARDS. The management of the Lake Victoria Basin film/ theater/gospel video awards will be hired by the Department of Education. City Council of Kisumu (Mr. Emmanuel Obiero) other members are drawn from Maseno University, The Lake Victoria Basin Film Makers Guild (Kenya.) The event will also explore means and ways of how to improve and enhancing the best techniques for creativity in film and gospel video productions in the region. THE SPONSORSHIP. The organization is seeking well wishers and partnership with various organizations to support the Lake Victoria Basin film industry. The sponsors will be given banner publicity before and during the event. We are therefore appealing to the corporate society and charitable organizations to come forward and support the event. (publicity, transport, organizational costs and marketing, banners, artists fee, trophies/certificates ,cash sponsors to the awardees. The interested sponsors should contact the chairman. Thanks. AKECH OBAT MASIRA. CHAIRMAN. LAKE VICTORIA BASIN FILM MAKERS GUILD (KENYA) P.O BOX 3599-40100 KISUMU, KENYA (EA) TEL; +254726164954 Email;obatmasira@yahoo.com

ADVANCING DEMOCRACY: ARTS FOR SUSTAINABLE PEACE BUILDING AND NATIONAL RECONCILIATION

MISANGO ARTS ENSEMBLE P.O.BOX 3599-40100, KISUMU KENYA Email: obatmasira@yahoo.com. TEL: +254 726164954 http/misangoarts.blogspot.com 16th July 2012 PRESS RELEASE THE PEACE EDUCATION, PEACE BUILDING AND DEMOCRATIZATION ARTS FESTIVAL IN KISUMU. The Misango Arts Ensemble is Kenya’s vibrant education and developmental theatre. A theatre that its purpose is to create space where all people have the possibility and the right to be heard. It brings the people together to openly discuss a problem and encourage participation and self-expression, especially from those who often go unheard. THEME: ADVANCING DEMOCRACY: ARTS FOR SUSTAINABLE PEACE BUILDING AND NATIONAL RECONCILIATION. The organization seeks to use the medium of arts in the quest for the national cohesion, reconciliation and healing. The festival will solidly address the challenges of a holistic peaceful transformation and therefore easily provide accessible and creative platform for peace education, peace building and democratization process in Kenya. The peace education, peace building and democratization arts festival will therefore provide a rich forum for peace reflection. It will be a proactive learning process to reduce political tension and tribal animosity in the region, therefore promoting democratization and peace. Drama is the most exciting method of message dissemination. People learn better while they are happy. The Western Kenya region, so to speak, is usually a politically charged area in Kenya, and with the impending general election there is need to arrest the situation. The festival will therefore, enhance regional debates on the devolution, peace and democracy. The festival is dubbed ‘’THE VICTOR OGOLLA NYANGORE PEACE ARTS FESTIVAL’’ ,to be held in Kisumu City as from the 7th_8th December 2012 at the Kisumu Social Centre, a centre that propelled Victor to fame in artistic world. The festival will feature performing and visual arts, symposia (paper presentations on democracy and peace building) films and photo exhibitions. The late Victor Ogolla Nyangore was greatly involved in peace building initiative and peace education through the medium of arts both in Kenya and in Sudan. He participated in various peace education in creative arts performances and training in Mount Kenya District during land clashes supported by Action Aid Kenya.(1994_1995)He was part of the Kenya delegation sponsored by UNESCO to Sudan for interactive workshop and the launch of the Africa Association of Drama for Peace(A.A.D.P),an organization which focuses on the use of drama/theatre and peace education/peace building and seeking sustainable reconciliation amongst all peoples in Africa. The Misango Arts Ensemble therefore seeks the national and international development partners interested in a holistic peaceful transformation through the medium of arts to promote democratization process. The festival therefore will be a forum for actively engaging the community in a unique, creative, stimulating, memorable and thought provocative way. We hereby appeal to well wishers and development partners to support THE VICTOR OGOLLA NYANGORE PEACE ARTS FESTIVAL. AKECH OBAT MASIRA DIRECTOR.

SINCERE APPRECIATION AND WELL WISHES

MISANGO ARTS ENSEMBLE P. O. BOX 3599 – 40100 KISUMU Email: obatmasira@yahoo.com / http/misangoarts.blogspot.com. Tel: +254726 164 954. Google search: Obat masira. RE: SINCERE APPRECIATION AND WELL WISHES. Kindly accept my sincere appreciation and good will from Kisumu City. It’s unfortunate we haven’t been communicating as we used to do before. Kindly, lets rekindle our communication spirit. I believe you are ok. I am also alright. Currently, my energies are on film making. I have attended a number of international film workshops. I believe I will exhibit some of my new films (in the making) at the various international film festivals in different parts of Africa. Our main challenge is lack of film equipments. We don’t mind second hand film equipments, kindly explore possibility of support. I here would like to appeal to you to kindly support me. I hope my request will receive your usual kind attention. My daughter Phoebe Obat was admitted at the Western College of Hospitality and Professional Studies. Her tuition fee is high. The fee per year is Kshs. 160,000. I shall be most grateful if you could kindly consider supporting me in any way possible for the 2nd semester that starts in June 2012. Kindly, link us to film making companies, organization and institutions. Good day. Hoping to hear from you soon. Once again thank you. AKECH OBAT MASIRA.

PRESS RELEASE: SIMBI NYAIMA ABUOR FILM PRODUCTION

LAKE VICTORIA BASIN FILM MAKERS GUILD (KENYA) – KISUMU

A NEW FILM PRODUCTION.

SIMBI NYAIMA “ABUOR FILM PRODUCTION.
the Lake Victoria Basin Film Makers Guild (Kenya) is an umbrella body of film makers (script writers, artistes, designers, directors and producers based in the western Kenya region. the movement was founded to reduce artists exploitation by film makers, to patent works of local artistes to promote quality film making through good scripting and acting.

the western Kenya region is god endowed with unique sceneries and heritages, monuments like thim lich ohinga, kit mikayi, uyoma peninsula ,winam gulf, mfangano islands etc. these unique sceneries make film making memorable. Film scholar’s state “that film exists as an economic and cultural good”. we film makers based in the region intend to that, film making will create job opportunities in the region and therefore create a forum for professional acting ( training of acting skills.
Film is a unique work and in its uniqueness brings pleasure and people together by creating space for fun and escapism for people and a medium for enjoyable learning, it mirrors people lifestyles as they watch the screen the laugh at their follies and make the necessary adjustments vis-vis the character on the screen.

In the recent past,film makers based in the region want to be at the centre of film making through quality scripting and acting. We must tell our stories and our stories must be heard.We have develop a new film script based on the Luo mythology titled SIMBI NYAIMA- ABUOR by Otumba Ouko of Maseno University.

SIMBI NYAIM ABUOR film production will feature Kenya international film stars namely Olita Joseph and Oliver Litondo. They will pray major roles ,other artistes who will feature in the same films are Philip osula, Kennedy kibet. the film auditions will beheld on 15 April 2011at the Kisumu Area Library – the auditions start as from 10.00am- 5pm. On the 20th April, 2011 the Film Guild will host a simbi nyaima abuor film press conference at 3pm at the same venue-guest speakers will also include olita Joseph and Oliver Litondo’The film to be directed by Akech Obat Masira (he is also the chairman to the Lake Victoria Basin Film Makers Guild (Kenya)
We appeal to well wishers- corporate society to support film making outside Nairobi. Film making must take rest in western Kenya.

The organization in 2010 organized a successful western Kenya regional film/theatre awards. The organization in collaboration with the American Embassy has coordinated international film festival (Kisumu Library) and international film festival (Silver Bird Cinema, Mega City in Kisumu).

Kudos to the American Embassy for donating film books to film makers in western Kenya
These books will enhances our skills in film making.

Akech Obat – Masira
Chairman. Lake Victoria Basin Film Maker’s Guild (Kenya)
Tel:+254726164954.
Email:obatmasira@yahoo.com