PLAY: DR. KIDI – STONE OR SIMPLY THE ART OF DYING
By Oloo Nyamwaya.
This is a story of how some doctors play Russian roulette with their patients by harvesting human organs. As mercy killing negates God’s plan. PASCAL OJOK (LEONARD AKWANYI / JACK OMONDI) is a patient suffering from Manic Depressive Psychosis, a condition that has caused him great “psychological pain” over the years, his personal physician the Marverick Dr. KIDI STONE (CLIF ARAN / HANNINGTONE OSESE) prescribe for him euthanasia as away of solving the problem permanently. Dr. KIDI STONE further convinces him that his death be televised LIVE as a way of sensitising the public to the merits of euthanasia so that it could be legalised. But unknown to PASCAL OJOK (LENARD AKANYI / JACK OMONDI). Dr. KIDI STONE has a lot more up his sleeves ….
Other main characters are: -
Maximila – (Dorothy Awino / Dorah Oloo / Regina Akinyi)
Sister Agatha (Anne Akello / Maureen Samba)
Amos Mulli (Jacktone Hamisi/Tiberius Otieno)
Policeman – (Victor Otieno / Thomas Odero)
All plays are produced and directed by
Akech Obat Masira
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
MISANGO ARTS ENSEMBLE PRESENTS
THE WEB OF LOVE ©
A radio soap opera
By
Oloo Nyamwaya & Obat Masira
EPISODE 1. P1/001/05
SYNOPSIS
Akinyi and Emma leave school late in the evening after attending an extra maths lesson. On their way home, Emma wants them to pass via Alex’s place. Alex is her new boyfriend. Akinyi, a chaste teenager keen on her studies, says no and tries in vain to dissuade Emma from the idea. She says it is risky for young girls like them to visit boys at such a late hour. In her mind she is thinking of the threat of rapists and HIV infections that is ever-present around them. She advises Emma that she needs to change her lifestyle and focus on her studies. But Emma’s hormones are raging and she turns a deaf ear to Akinyi’s counsel. She parts ways with Akinyi as she goes to visit Alex. Alex welcomes Emma into his cabin and is not in a hurry to release her.
Meanwhile, Akinyi reaches home to find her mother fuming with rage. Her son, Otieno, has pinched 300 shillings from her handbag. It’s all the money she got that day from her business selling second-hand clothes at Kibuye Market. Despite Akinyi’s plea that she should talk to Otieno first, she decides to call the police to teach him a lesson once and for all. Otieno, who had gone out of the house and has returned, slips out just as the police arrive. Will the police succeed in arresting him?
CHARACTERS
AKINYI – A 15 year old student.
EMMA – Her age mate and friend.
SARAH – Akinyi’s mother.
OTIENO (OTTI) – Akinyi’s elder brother.
TONY – Akinyi’s younger brother.
ALEX – Emma’s boyfriend and Otieno’s friend.
A radio soap opera
By
Oloo Nyamwaya & Obat Masira
EPISODE 1. P1/001/05
SYNOPSIS
Akinyi and Emma leave school late in the evening after attending an extra maths lesson. On their way home, Emma wants them to pass via Alex’s place. Alex is her new boyfriend. Akinyi, a chaste teenager keen on her studies, says no and tries in vain to dissuade Emma from the idea. She says it is risky for young girls like them to visit boys at such a late hour. In her mind she is thinking of the threat of rapists and HIV infections that is ever-present around them. She advises Emma that she needs to change her lifestyle and focus on her studies. But Emma’s hormones are raging and she turns a deaf ear to Akinyi’s counsel. She parts ways with Akinyi as she goes to visit Alex. Alex welcomes Emma into his cabin and is not in a hurry to release her.
Meanwhile, Akinyi reaches home to find her mother fuming with rage. Her son, Otieno, has pinched 300 shillings from her handbag. It’s all the money she got that day from her business selling second-hand clothes at Kibuye Market. Despite Akinyi’s plea that she should talk to Otieno first, she decides to call the police to teach him a lesson once and for all. Otieno, who had gone out of the house and has returned, slips out just as the police arrive. Will the police succeed in arresting him?
CHARACTERS
AKINYI – A 15 year old student.
EMMA – Her age mate and friend.
SARAH – Akinyi’s mother.
OTIENO (OTTI) – Akinyi’s elder brother.
TONY – Akinyi’s younger brother.
ALEX – Emma’s boyfriend and Otieno’s friend.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Report on the International Film Production Workshop, Kisumu Area Library, October 23, 2010
Introduction
The International Film Production Workshop was organized by the Kenya Film Commission, the American Embassy and the Lake Victoria Basin Film Makers Guild. Mickey Dickoff, a renowned film producer and director from USA was the main facilitator in the workshop. She was accompanied by a delegation from the American Embassy.
The Lake Victoria Film Maker’s Guild, through their chairman Mr. Akech Obat Masira, confirmed their interest in establishing a network with Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology in enhancing creativity and regional film development. The University was represented by a delegation of three from the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication. These were:
1. Lydia Anyonje Chairlady JMC
2. Jared Mudanya Technical Operator - 103.9 MMUST FM
3. Maureen Kaka Student JMC
The delegation from MMUST was registered with the Lake Victoria Film Makers Guild and Jared Mudanya was chosen as the contact person.
This workshop brought together professional film makers, bagging film makers, thespians, play writes, women’s groups, community workers, media students and youth groups. It also provided a platform for individuals to sell their film ideas to the facilitators, who offered professional advice on the best way forward.
Film director and producer Mickey Dickoff displayed her award winning films and documentaries which were used to provide content for discussion during the workshop. Some of her movies on display included Little too late, Mother mother, 2020, The blink of an eye, Our sons, Bushes’ deadly ambition, and Neshoba Trailer.
Key issues that were discussed.
Film production should be driven by the need to positively influence the society
It was noted that many film producers have their own interests at heart when making films. This dilutes the intended purpose of film-making which is to positively influence and change the society. Film production should be viewed in respect of the wider responsibility in society and not driven by the desire to make money. Film making must be guided by the interest of the society, and foster positive change. When producing documentaries, film makers have to research well and identify social issues that directly affect the society. Film producers were discouraged from having their central focus and priority on making moneys.
Films as vehicles of empowerment for marginalized groups in the society
Film makers should identify the marginalized groups in society and help empower them. This will provide a deeper understanding of the groups thus enhance their acceptance. These groups include minority groups such as the gay, lesbians, and HIV and AIDS victims and the affected families.
Justice and truth in documentaries
Production of documentaries is challenging especially when trying to unearth the truth about a particular story. Therefore, no matter how long it takes to find out the truth especially through interviews to build story inserts, film makers must always persist and highlight social injustices. The truth about any matter being investigated has to come out clearly.
Procedures for making good films / documentaries
Apt procedures for making films/documentaries were discussed. The following aspects were discussed in proper film-/documentary-making.
a) The idea – The film maker needs to have an idea that will guide the production process. The idea needs to be an issue of public interest.
b) Narrowing focus – After building on the idea, the film maker must narrow the focus of the idea by identifying the need to have the whole idea explored with minimal complication. This can be done when identifying tension, interesting character, conflict and resolution.
c) Story evaluation – The film maker needs to establish how many characters to use in the movie, develop articulate story building in the most interesting way and identify the uniqueness of the story.
d) Subject matter – The film producer needs to understand exactly what he/she intends to achieve using the film. The producer should also be able to come up with a single direction/angle in the movie to avoid bringing about a congestion of subjects in one idea thus ending up confusing the target audience.
e) Drama – Any film needs to have drama.
f) Structure – Film makers should find the right way to tell their story and build the plot of the story from the beginning to the end.
g) Visualization – Films have to be visual. Producers should figure out the complete story in their minds and see the story before shooting the film
h) Hook – A film maker has to make sure that any storyline in mind, before the real production starts, has a theme that will eventually make the story different from other stories done before. Producers must understand what relates to the people.
i) Accessibility – The film producer needs to identify his resourceful people. For example, for a documentary production, the producer must be able to access interviewees easily.
j) Budget – Film makers must be able to come up with a reasonable budget, putting in mind how funding for the project is to be obtained. Funding for production can be acquired through application for grants or proposal writing to NGOs to support production of the film.
k) Storyboard – The producer should identify how he/she wants the movie to be and merge different types of shots with the script in order to have a good transition in the story.
l) Shooting – The producer should think about the style and theme of the film and bring the subject into an environment that favours the film.
m) Post production – After taking the shots, the producer should edit the movie and apply the necessary transitions, video effects, sound effects and graphics.
Problems encountered in film/documentary production
i. Financing for movie production – Film production is costly and most film producers find it difficult to raise funds to support the transformation of their ideas for films. This has led to slow rate of film production and slow growth rate of the film industry in developing countries.
ii. Patent policies – In developing countries, film makers come up with rich ideas but when they seek assistance from established firms, their ideas are used without their consent. This has resulted in lack of credibility among producers which has led to desperation among smaller/upcoming producers.
iii. Use of movies for financial gain – A good number of film makers make movies for financial gain. This in turn undermines the content and impact of films to social economic development.
iv. Government policies – Some government policies in developing nations do not enhance the thriving of bagging film producers. Such policies inhibit the growth of such producers by making it hard for them to access shooting locations or even make follow-up on sensitive issues that highlight bad governance.
v. Culture – Some communities in developing countries are so reserved, making it almost impossible for film makers to explore and expose sensitive issues without fear of poor reception.
Suggested solutions
a) Courage – Film producers were encouraged to believe in themselves and strive to achieve that which they wish to pursue as long as it is for the benefit of the society.
b) Democracy – The governments in developing countries should be encouraged to provide incentives and conducive environment for film makers to access information. These governments should also embrace freedom of expression.
c) Persistence – For film makers to succeed, they should always find the truth and seek audience with their resourceful people. They should never accept a NO for an answer if they are requesting for interviews.
d) Financial proposals – In order to get financial assistance, a film producer needs to write a good transcript, synopsis and prepare a comprehensive story board to give weight to a well written proposal intended for an NGO. The vetting panel has to be convinced that the film is worth funding. Producers can also access www.Kickstart.com for film budget grants.
Emerging issues in the film industry
Technological advancements have made it so easy for film producers to work on tighter schedules by making film production process faster and easier. For example, Digital Post production equipment such as Avid, Final Cut, Vegas, Adobe Premiere, Dazzle Fusion and Pinnacle non-linear video editing suits have made video editing easier and faster.
Improvisation of equipment such as Dolly and Crane cameras can be done just in case affordability of such equipment is an impediment. For example a wheel chair can replace a rail camera movement.
Recommendations
a) Kenyans must stand up for the truth and tell their stories without fear. A culture of integrity needs to be tightly-knit into the societal fabric.
b) Any film maker must be acquainted to all the production steps i.e. Pre-production, Production and Post production stages.
c) As long as a producer has a good story for the film, any camera available can be used to tell the story. Sophisticated equipments are not a necessity in film production. Therefore being creative is imperative for any film producer to be prosperous.
Conclusion
The discussions during the workshop shed light on real life experiences in film production. This turned out to be a great inspiration to the bagging film makers and professional film producers. It clearly exposed the gap that exists on the level of freedom of expression in the developing countries compared to the United States of America. The issues and ideas that were discussed and shared during the workshop will go a long way in improving efficiency, professionalism and product quality in the film industry in Kenya.
Jared Mudanya
November 2, 2010
The International Film Production Workshop was organized by the Kenya Film Commission, the American Embassy and the Lake Victoria Basin Film Makers Guild. Mickey Dickoff, a renowned film producer and director from USA was the main facilitator in the workshop. She was accompanied by a delegation from the American Embassy.
The Lake Victoria Film Maker’s Guild, through their chairman Mr. Akech Obat Masira, confirmed their interest in establishing a network with Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology in enhancing creativity and regional film development. The University was represented by a delegation of three from the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication. These were:
1. Lydia Anyonje Chairlady JMC
2. Jared Mudanya Technical Operator - 103.9 MMUST FM
3. Maureen Kaka Student JMC
The delegation from MMUST was registered with the Lake Victoria Film Makers Guild and Jared Mudanya was chosen as the contact person.
This workshop brought together professional film makers, bagging film makers, thespians, play writes, women’s groups, community workers, media students and youth groups. It also provided a platform for individuals to sell their film ideas to the facilitators, who offered professional advice on the best way forward.
Film director and producer Mickey Dickoff displayed her award winning films and documentaries which were used to provide content for discussion during the workshop. Some of her movies on display included Little too late, Mother mother, 2020, The blink of an eye, Our sons, Bushes’ deadly ambition, and Neshoba Trailer.
Key issues that were discussed.
Film production should be driven by the need to positively influence the society
It was noted that many film producers have their own interests at heart when making films. This dilutes the intended purpose of film-making which is to positively influence and change the society. Film production should be viewed in respect of the wider responsibility in society and not driven by the desire to make money. Film making must be guided by the interest of the society, and foster positive change. When producing documentaries, film makers have to research well and identify social issues that directly affect the society. Film producers were discouraged from having their central focus and priority on making moneys.
Films as vehicles of empowerment for marginalized groups in the society
Film makers should identify the marginalized groups in society and help empower them. This will provide a deeper understanding of the groups thus enhance their acceptance. These groups include minority groups such as the gay, lesbians, and HIV and AIDS victims and the affected families.
Justice and truth in documentaries
Production of documentaries is challenging especially when trying to unearth the truth about a particular story. Therefore, no matter how long it takes to find out the truth especially through interviews to build story inserts, film makers must always persist and highlight social injustices. The truth about any matter being investigated has to come out clearly.
Procedures for making good films / documentaries
Apt procedures for making films/documentaries were discussed. The following aspects were discussed in proper film-/documentary-making.
a) The idea – The film maker needs to have an idea that will guide the production process. The idea needs to be an issue of public interest.
b) Narrowing focus – After building on the idea, the film maker must narrow the focus of the idea by identifying the need to have the whole idea explored with minimal complication. This can be done when identifying tension, interesting character, conflict and resolution.
c) Story evaluation – The film maker needs to establish how many characters to use in the movie, develop articulate story building in the most interesting way and identify the uniqueness of the story.
d) Subject matter – The film producer needs to understand exactly what he/she intends to achieve using the film. The producer should also be able to come up with a single direction/angle in the movie to avoid bringing about a congestion of subjects in one idea thus ending up confusing the target audience.
e) Drama – Any film needs to have drama.
f) Structure – Film makers should find the right way to tell their story and build the plot of the story from the beginning to the end.
g) Visualization – Films have to be visual. Producers should figure out the complete story in their minds and see the story before shooting the film
h) Hook – A film maker has to make sure that any storyline in mind, before the real production starts, has a theme that will eventually make the story different from other stories done before. Producers must understand what relates to the people.
i) Accessibility – The film producer needs to identify his resourceful people. For example, for a documentary production, the producer must be able to access interviewees easily.
j) Budget – Film makers must be able to come up with a reasonable budget, putting in mind how funding for the project is to be obtained. Funding for production can be acquired through application for grants or proposal writing to NGOs to support production of the film.
k) Storyboard – The producer should identify how he/she wants the movie to be and merge different types of shots with the script in order to have a good transition in the story.
l) Shooting – The producer should think about the style and theme of the film and bring the subject into an environment that favours the film.
m) Post production – After taking the shots, the producer should edit the movie and apply the necessary transitions, video effects, sound effects and graphics.
Problems encountered in film/documentary production
i. Financing for movie production – Film production is costly and most film producers find it difficult to raise funds to support the transformation of their ideas for films. This has led to slow rate of film production and slow growth rate of the film industry in developing countries.
ii. Patent policies – In developing countries, film makers come up with rich ideas but when they seek assistance from established firms, their ideas are used without their consent. This has resulted in lack of credibility among producers which has led to desperation among smaller/upcoming producers.
iii. Use of movies for financial gain – A good number of film makers make movies for financial gain. This in turn undermines the content and impact of films to social economic development.
iv. Government policies – Some government policies in developing nations do not enhance the thriving of bagging film producers. Such policies inhibit the growth of such producers by making it hard for them to access shooting locations or even make follow-up on sensitive issues that highlight bad governance.
v. Culture – Some communities in developing countries are so reserved, making it almost impossible for film makers to explore and expose sensitive issues without fear of poor reception.
Suggested solutions
a) Courage – Film producers were encouraged to believe in themselves and strive to achieve that which they wish to pursue as long as it is for the benefit of the society.
b) Democracy – The governments in developing countries should be encouraged to provide incentives and conducive environment for film makers to access information. These governments should also embrace freedom of expression.
c) Persistence – For film makers to succeed, they should always find the truth and seek audience with their resourceful people. They should never accept a NO for an answer if they are requesting for interviews.
d) Financial proposals – In order to get financial assistance, a film producer needs to write a good transcript, synopsis and prepare a comprehensive story board to give weight to a well written proposal intended for an NGO. The vetting panel has to be convinced that the film is worth funding. Producers can also access www.Kickstart.com for film budget grants.
Emerging issues in the film industry
Technological advancements have made it so easy for film producers to work on tighter schedules by making film production process faster and easier. For example, Digital Post production equipment such as Avid, Final Cut, Vegas, Adobe Premiere, Dazzle Fusion and Pinnacle non-linear video editing suits have made video editing easier and faster.
Improvisation of equipment such as Dolly and Crane cameras can be done just in case affordability of such equipment is an impediment. For example a wheel chair can replace a rail camera movement.
Recommendations
a) Kenyans must stand up for the truth and tell their stories without fear. A culture of integrity needs to be tightly-knit into the societal fabric.
b) Any film maker must be acquainted to all the production steps i.e. Pre-production, Production and Post production stages.
c) As long as a producer has a good story for the film, any camera available can be used to tell the story. Sophisticated equipments are not a necessity in film production. Therefore being creative is imperative for any film producer to be prosperous.
Conclusion
The discussions during the workshop shed light on real life experiences in film production. This turned out to be a great inspiration to the bagging film makers and professional film producers. It clearly exposed the gap that exists on the level of freedom of expression in the developing countries compared to the United States of America. The issues and ideas that were discussed and shared during the workshop will go a long way in improving efficiency, professionalism and product quality in the film industry in Kenya.
Jared Mudanya
November 2, 2010
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
1ST Regional Lake Basin Film/Theatre Awards Project
The Lake Victoria Basin Film Makers (Kenya) seeks to tell new untold stories emanating from the Western Kenya Region.
These stories beg to be heard. It’s against this background that the 1st Regional Film/Theatre Awards was conceived to recognise and reward the outstanding artiste s and film makers based in the region. We seek to reward them for their exemplary work in the film industry.
The region is uniquely endowed with great filmic sites and natural resources that could enhance film industry. We hope that in future the region will be the new of film making hub because it’s already endowed with nature and has untapped talents.
The FILM GUILD realises the critical role human beings play in the development of film industry “people are the most valuable asset. People under the influence of an empowering people are like a paper in the hands of a talented artiste. No matter what they are made of, they can become treasure. Man is made so that whenever anything fires his soul impossibilities vanish” The FILM GUILD seeks to fire the soul of local film makers in the establishment of the regional film industry. A new industry which is based on creativity where sequence outline is well developed, stories with great dramatic implications, relevance, freshness and have practicality and our people could empathise with character on stage - stories with story central spine.
THE AWARDS CEREMONY
The event will be held on the 18th December 2010 at the Kisumu Area Library as from 10.00 a.m. It will showcase the Regional best artistic and creativity. Scripts will also be judged.
We hope that through the annual film/theatre awards the region creativity and film making will be enhanced.
The purpose of this letter, therefore is to kindly seek partnership and support of the well wishers interested in the regional film industry and tourism development.
All supporters will be accorded banner publicity during the event we will also produced a programme magazine and selling advertisement space. Looking forward to your cooperation and support.
Once again, kindly accept our sincere appreciation.
Thank you
Yours faithfully
AKECH OBAT MASIRA
CHAIRMAN
Lake Victoria Film Makers Guild (Kenya)
+254726164954
Email: obatmasira@yahoo.com
http://misangoarts.blogspot.com
These stories beg to be heard. It’s against this background that the 1st Regional Film/Theatre Awards was conceived to recognise and reward the outstanding artiste s and film makers based in the region. We seek to reward them for their exemplary work in the film industry.
The region is uniquely endowed with great filmic sites and natural resources that could enhance film industry. We hope that in future the region will be the new of film making hub because it’s already endowed with nature and has untapped talents.
The FILM GUILD realises the critical role human beings play in the development of film industry “people are the most valuable asset. People under the influence of an empowering people are like a paper in the hands of a talented artiste. No matter what they are made of, they can become treasure. Man is made so that whenever anything fires his soul impossibilities vanish” The FILM GUILD seeks to fire the soul of local film makers in the establishment of the regional film industry. A new industry which is based on creativity where sequence outline is well developed, stories with great dramatic implications, relevance, freshness and have practicality and our people could empathise with character on stage - stories with story central spine.
THE AWARDS CEREMONY
The event will be held on the 18th December 2010 at the Kisumu Area Library as from 10.00 a.m. It will showcase the Regional best artistic and creativity. Scripts will also be judged.
We hope that through the annual film/theatre awards the region creativity and film making will be enhanced.
The purpose of this letter, therefore is to kindly seek partnership and support of the well wishers interested in the regional film industry and tourism development.
All supporters will be accorded banner publicity during the event we will also produced a programme magazine and selling advertisement space. Looking forward to your cooperation and support.
Once again, kindly accept our sincere appreciation.
Thank you
Yours faithfully
AKECH OBAT MASIRA
CHAIRMAN
Lake Victoria Film Makers Guild (Kenya)
+254726164954
Email: obatmasira@yahoo.com
http://misangoarts.blogspot.com
1st Annual Lake Victoria Basin (Kenya) Film Awards
LAKE VICTORIA BASIN FILM MAKERS GUILD (KENYA)
Presents
The First Annual Regional Awards for Film and Theatre
(NYANZA, WESTERN & RIFT VALLEY)
VIDEO / FILM PRODUCTIONS, SCRIPTS & DVDs
FEATURING:
LOCAL VIDEO / FILMS, ARTS EXHIBITIONS & DRAMA
DATE: 18TH DECEMBER, 2010.
VENUE: KISUMU AREA LIBRARY (K.N.L.S.)
TIME: 11.00 AM - 4 PM
Show Casing the Best from The Region
(Open To All Stakeholders)
The Contact
Chairman, the Film Guild
Kisumu Area Library (Kenya)
TEL: +254726164954
EMAIL: obatmasira@yahoo.com
http://misangoarts.blogspot.com
NO REGISTRATION FEE
Presents
The First Annual Regional Awards for Film and Theatre
(NYANZA, WESTERN & RIFT VALLEY)
VIDEO / FILM PRODUCTIONS, SCRIPTS & DVDs
FEATURING:
LOCAL VIDEO / FILMS, ARTS EXHIBITIONS & DRAMA
DATE: 18TH DECEMBER, 2010.
VENUE: KISUMU AREA LIBRARY (K.N.L.S.)
TIME: 11.00 AM - 4 PM
Show Casing the Best from The Region
(Open To All Stakeholders)
The Contact
Chairman, the Film Guild
Kisumu Area Library (Kenya)
TEL: +254726164954
EMAIL: obatmasira@yahoo.com
http://misangoarts.blogspot.com
NO REGISTRATION FEE
Monday, October 4, 2010
The USA-Kisumu Dream
US President J F Kennedy
had this to say
in Ottawa Canada in 1962:
“Geography has made us neighbours.
History has made us friends.
We have shared common values.
The past aspiration for the future
Our future and
The future of all mankind.”
The American corner has made us neighbours.
And American corner has made us friends.
Through American corner,
We have shared common values
And common aspirations
“Writing like all representation is never innocent To write about anything is explicitly or implicitly, to delimit, uphold, expand or challenge how it is perceived and constituted. Never is writing ever natural. We write from a particular position, inhabit particular discourse, which the very act of writing itself seeks to validate.”
The Lake Victoria Basin Film Makers Guild (Kenya) was founded to facilitate the training
of stakeholders in the film industry and equip them with professional skills in scripting and production film in a channel for the promotion marketing and distribution of films from the region. Lastly to identify, preserve and promote filming sites within the region
Our vision is to make Lake Region a centre of excellence in film making. Our mission is to produce competent professionals capable of producing films that match International standards.
I here quote the 6th American President John Quincy Adams. He stated that “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader”
The creation of American Corner has inspired our children. It has prompted us to dream more, to learn more. The American Corner has made reading exciting, enjoyable and pleasurable for the children, learning through audio-visuals has promoted active reading for the children. “What an investment for the children?”
The Lake Victoria Basin Film Makers Guild(Kenya) and the Kisumu Area Library signed a memorandum of understanding to manage resources at the American Corner related to artistic cultural and film making. As a result of the M.O.U the American Corner Management Board was established. The Board seeks to create a forum where noble ideas and talents are recognised and be rewarded The 1st Regional Film /Theatre Awards is planned for the December, 2010.
The Film Guild came into being during the 1st International film workshop in September, 2009 coordinated and sponsored by the US. Embassy and the Kenya Film Commission. We are also today celebrating the birth of the Film Guild and the American Corner Management Board. It has been a long journey. Thanks to the American Embassy.
THE AMERICAN CORNER MANAGEMENT BOARD.
The Board comprises of the seven personalities drawn from a diverse background, mainly, from the Maseno University, Kenya National Library Services and the Lake Victoria Basin Film Makers Guild (Kenya) members are:
1. Mr. Moses Imbayi (Chairman) KNLS
2. Mr. Tobias Odhiambo Oganda (Vice Chairman) KNLS
3. Mr. Akech Obat Masira(Coordinator)The Guild
4. Mr. David Onyango Ondiek (Secretary) the Guild
5. Prof John Midega member (Maseno University)
6. Mr. P. Gitau member (KNLS)
7. Mr. Adams Anyona member (The GUILD)
ARTS AND THE AMERICAN CORNER
Art will play a critical role and generate community participation in the Library’s affairs bringing people to the library for serious public discourse through the medium of public talks, story telling, poetry, workshop ,festivals and exhibitions.
Arts are integral to life of the traditional African society, giving worth to individual and community and therefore reinforcing their identity within their communities. Arts as opposed to the other medium have profound bearing on all aspects of our lives, from spiritual to mundane.
Arts, have since time immemorial have been related to the sustainability of society in its various manifestations. Education, access to it and its practice are vital components of any working society. Education is a vehicle that allows for the development of society and it’s enhancement in various ways.
The Film Guild and the Board seek to promote good writing criteria known as the four C’s- CLEAR, CONCISE, COMPLETE and COURTEOUS. EDUCATION plays an important role in the transfer and transformation of cultural values and practices and Paulo Freire stated Literacy therefore........ is to understand what one reads and to write what one understand”
The film form will be utilised in the transfer and transformation of education and cultures in our countries.
Then what is film?
A film is a story that comprises of two critical issues that is the DESIRE and the DANGER, what then is desire? Desire is human kind’s yearning for happiness, while the danger is something that threatens life. And emotion is actually the inner driving force that powers action. Thus, the drive of desire is life’s blood of every film and the danger the heartbeat.
THE BOARD strives to promote film industry as new form of employment creation for the youth. This industry needs support of the well wishers. For the films to have effectiveness, they must have freshness, dramatic implications and emotions. We would want to tell our stories candidly and authoritatively of the stories not told before. Films enabling us to learn more and we will do more.
We are happy today as we are celebrate the 1st Anniversary of the American Corner, the American Embassy has inspired us and have made us to dream more. The former president John Adams Quincy stated before. The regional film industry no longer is a daunting task, now that American Embassy has come to our aid. We need to harness the local talents. The new industry is now going to be realisable.
The region is endowed with unique and spectacular filming sites. The Board needs documentation facilities to realise its vision and mission. Film and theatre have become major forces in the education and development. The industry will go along way in empowering the people with critical information, opportunities and chance to examine attitudes through active learning methods. “The art provide a whole range of feelings and its knowledge is as a culture bound as language.”
CHILDREN AND STORYTELLING CULTURE
American corner has created a forum where children could tell stories more often than not. Stories have an amazing ability to stimulate our imagination. Through stories we travel to distant places and see strange and wonderful sites.
“We take part in adventures and feel the joys and sorrows that are a part of them.”
Story telling includes fables, fairy tales, folk tales, myths and legends.
The story is one of the oldest human inventions.
EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE READING SKILLS
The American Corner Management Board seeks to improve reading skills among children through criteria known as reading efficiency index (R.E.I) we intend to work on the rate and comprehension
INTERNATIONAL FILM WORKSHOP
The FILM GUILD and the Management Board express their sincere appreciation to the American Embassy for having coordinated and facilitated the two international film workshops last year the local film makers in the region. Maseno University was also a beneficiary of the workshop. We yearn for more stimulating workshops. The workshops will enhance our skills in film making points with pictures instead of struggling vainly to translate images into verbiage.
Our American film facilitator’s last year were Prof. M.K. Asante, Mr. Scott Galloway, Madam Erin Persley and lastly, Mr. Giancalos Esposito.
Drama, like all other arts forms is ideological, conveys values which either questions or support those prevailing in the society, more than that, drama is not only a product of society but created to influence that very society “asserted Prof. C.J. Odhiambo.”
The FILM GUILD and the Board will utilise effectively the four powers of human communication namely, reading, listening, writing and speaking. The film industry will thrive through quality scripting and new film productions.
PROPOSED PROGRAMMES
The Board and the GUILD have lined up programmes for the American corner. These activities are planned for both children and adults as from October to December 2010
THE MAGAZINE
Their is need to establish a new magazine to promote creative expressions. It will act as a vehicle for written exchange between counties and international artistes, film makers, children demonstrating and encouraging regional tourism.
THE WORKSHOP
TOPICS
v The children’s literature: The gender question
v The role of media in the promotion of reading culture among children
v Film scripting and production
THE FESTIVALS
v Children’s festivals of reading and creativity
v Regional drama festivals
v Story telling and poetry festivals
THE PUBLIC TALKS
v Monthly public talks on topical issues to promote awareness on good governance, gender equity and development.
FILM/THEATRE AWARDS
v To recognize and reward local film makers for their exemplary works in creativity and film making.
THE EXHIBITION
v To host photo and arts exhibitions to a wider public
THE CULTURAL EXCHANGE
v The Film Guild and the Board seeks to explore means and ways of establishing cultural exchange programmes with other stakeholders nationally and internationally - A forum for exchange of styles and techniques.
THE CONCLUSION
In conclusion I here quote a famous Japanese philosopher who stated that “The creative mind will do wonderful thing but unless the public attaches value to what has been created, they will always be reduced to toys and jokes. It’s important for those who create ideas, products and unique services, to ensure that the people see value in their creation .This calls marketing and publicity to be realised so that what we do are not reduced to toys and jokes
We are also confident that through the American Embassy our creation will not be reduced to toys and jokes. The film Guild and the Board would like to utilise the power of persuasion and words to promote book culture in Kisumu city and beyond by making the library not only as place of borrowing and reading but also a place for cultural and artistic expressions - A place where discussion, discourse and exchange of views thrives.
The Board will host bi-monthly meetings to review and assess creativity and cultural development. We hope our partnership will flourish and yield sweet fruits for the counties.
Lastly, I would also like to quote the 44th American president Barrack Obama in is speech he presented to the Chicago Council of Global Affairs on the 23rd April, 2007 and he stated that “This was the time when we brought opportunity to those forgotten corners of the world. And this was the time when we renewed the America that has led generations of weary travellers from all over the world to find opportunity and liberty and hope and hope on our doorstep “We the Guild and the Board states here that the American Embassy has bought opportunity and hope on our door step through the creation of the American Corner.
Mahtma Gandhi is a great philosopher once said “You must be the change you wish to see in the world. “ The American corner is the new change from illiteracy to literacy makes the library a living museum a new city where residents value books and cultural expressions. This is the Kisumu we yearned for - the Kisumu we want. We are a new family. As a family we must stand firmly. Let us light up the new American – Kisumu dream.
By Akech Obat Masira
The Chairman
Lake Victoria Basin Film Makers Guild (Kenya)
The Coordinator
American Corner Management Board
Presented during the 1st Anniversary of the American Corner at the Kisumu Area Library on the 29th September, 2010
Contact:
Email: obatmasira@yahoo.com
Tel. +254726164954
had this to say
in Ottawa Canada in 1962:
“Geography has made us neighbours.
History has made us friends.
We have shared common values.
The past aspiration for the future
Our future and
The future of all mankind.”
The American corner has made us neighbours.
And American corner has made us friends.
Through American corner,
We have shared common values
And common aspirations
“Writing like all representation is never innocent To write about anything is explicitly or implicitly, to delimit, uphold, expand or challenge how it is perceived and constituted. Never is writing ever natural. We write from a particular position, inhabit particular discourse, which the very act of writing itself seeks to validate.”
The Lake Victoria Basin Film Makers Guild (Kenya) was founded to facilitate the training
of stakeholders in the film industry and equip them with professional skills in scripting and production film in a channel for the promotion marketing and distribution of films from the region. Lastly to identify, preserve and promote filming sites within the region
Our vision is to make Lake Region a centre of excellence in film making. Our mission is to produce competent professionals capable of producing films that match International standards.
I here quote the 6th American President John Quincy Adams. He stated that “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader”
The creation of American Corner has inspired our children. It has prompted us to dream more, to learn more. The American Corner has made reading exciting, enjoyable and pleasurable for the children, learning through audio-visuals has promoted active reading for the children. “What an investment for the children?”
The Lake Victoria Basin Film Makers Guild(Kenya) and the Kisumu Area Library signed a memorandum of understanding to manage resources at the American Corner related to artistic cultural and film making. As a result of the M.O.U the American Corner Management Board was established. The Board seeks to create a forum where noble ideas and talents are recognised and be rewarded The 1st Regional Film /Theatre Awards is planned for the December, 2010.
The Film Guild came into being during the 1st International film workshop in September, 2009 coordinated and sponsored by the US. Embassy and the Kenya Film Commission. We are also today celebrating the birth of the Film Guild and the American Corner Management Board. It has been a long journey. Thanks to the American Embassy.
THE AMERICAN CORNER MANAGEMENT BOARD.
The Board comprises of the seven personalities drawn from a diverse background, mainly, from the Maseno University, Kenya National Library Services and the Lake Victoria Basin Film Makers Guild (Kenya) members are:
1. Mr. Moses Imbayi (Chairman) KNLS
2. Mr. Tobias Odhiambo Oganda (Vice Chairman) KNLS
3. Mr. Akech Obat Masira(Coordinator)The Guild
4. Mr. David Onyango Ondiek (Secretary) the Guild
5. Prof John Midega member (Maseno University)
6. Mr. P. Gitau member (KNLS)
7. Mr. Adams Anyona member (The GUILD)
ARTS AND THE AMERICAN CORNER
Art will play a critical role and generate community participation in the Library’s affairs bringing people to the library for serious public discourse through the medium of public talks, story telling, poetry, workshop ,festivals and exhibitions.
Arts are integral to life of the traditional African society, giving worth to individual and community and therefore reinforcing their identity within their communities. Arts as opposed to the other medium have profound bearing on all aspects of our lives, from spiritual to mundane.
Arts, have since time immemorial have been related to the sustainability of society in its various manifestations. Education, access to it and its practice are vital components of any working society. Education is a vehicle that allows for the development of society and it’s enhancement in various ways.
The Film Guild and the Board seek to promote good writing criteria known as the four C’s- CLEAR, CONCISE, COMPLETE and COURTEOUS. EDUCATION plays an important role in the transfer and transformation of cultural values and practices and Paulo Freire stated Literacy therefore........ is to understand what one reads and to write what one understand”
The film form will be utilised in the transfer and transformation of education and cultures in our countries.
Then what is film?
A film is a story that comprises of two critical issues that is the DESIRE and the DANGER, what then is desire? Desire is human kind’s yearning for happiness, while the danger is something that threatens life. And emotion is actually the inner driving force that powers action. Thus, the drive of desire is life’s blood of every film and the danger the heartbeat.
THE BOARD strives to promote film industry as new form of employment creation for the youth. This industry needs support of the well wishers. For the films to have effectiveness, they must have freshness, dramatic implications and emotions. We would want to tell our stories candidly and authoritatively of the stories not told before. Films enabling us to learn more and we will do more.
We are happy today as we are celebrate the 1st Anniversary of the American Corner, the American Embassy has inspired us and have made us to dream more. The former president John Adams Quincy stated before. The regional film industry no longer is a daunting task, now that American Embassy has come to our aid. We need to harness the local talents. The new industry is now going to be realisable.
The region is endowed with unique and spectacular filming sites. The Board needs documentation facilities to realise its vision and mission. Film and theatre have become major forces in the education and development. The industry will go along way in empowering the people with critical information, opportunities and chance to examine attitudes through active learning methods. “The art provide a whole range of feelings and its knowledge is as a culture bound as language.”
CHILDREN AND STORYTELLING CULTURE
American corner has created a forum where children could tell stories more often than not. Stories have an amazing ability to stimulate our imagination. Through stories we travel to distant places and see strange and wonderful sites.
“We take part in adventures and feel the joys and sorrows that are a part of them.”
Story telling includes fables, fairy tales, folk tales, myths and legends.
The story is one of the oldest human inventions.
EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE READING SKILLS
The American Corner Management Board seeks to improve reading skills among children through criteria known as reading efficiency index (R.E.I) we intend to work on the rate and comprehension
INTERNATIONAL FILM WORKSHOP
The FILM GUILD and the Management Board express their sincere appreciation to the American Embassy for having coordinated and facilitated the two international film workshops last year the local film makers in the region. Maseno University was also a beneficiary of the workshop. We yearn for more stimulating workshops. The workshops will enhance our skills in film making points with pictures instead of struggling vainly to translate images into verbiage.
Our American film facilitator’s last year were Prof. M.K. Asante, Mr. Scott Galloway, Madam Erin Persley and lastly, Mr. Giancalos Esposito.
Drama, like all other arts forms is ideological, conveys values which either questions or support those prevailing in the society, more than that, drama is not only a product of society but created to influence that very society “asserted Prof. C.J. Odhiambo.”
The FILM GUILD and the Board will utilise effectively the four powers of human communication namely, reading, listening, writing and speaking. The film industry will thrive through quality scripting and new film productions.
PROPOSED PROGRAMMES
The Board and the GUILD have lined up programmes for the American corner. These activities are planned for both children and adults as from October to December 2010
THE MAGAZINE
Their is need to establish a new magazine to promote creative expressions. It will act as a vehicle for written exchange between counties and international artistes, film makers, children demonstrating and encouraging regional tourism.
THE WORKSHOP
TOPICS
v The children’s literature: The gender question
v The role of media in the promotion of reading culture among children
v Film scripting and production
THE FESTIVALS
v Children’s festivals of reading and creativity
v Regional drama festivals
v Story telling and poetry festivals
THE PUBLIC TALKS
v Monthly public talks on topical issues to promote awareness on good governance, gender equity and development.
FILM/THEATRE AWARDS
v To recognize and reward local film makers for their exemplary works in creativity and film making.
THE EXHIBITION
v To host photo and arts exhibitions to a wider public
THE CULTURAL EXCHANGE
v The Film Guild and the Board seeks to explore means and ways of establishing cultural exchange programmes with other stakeholders nationally and internationally - A forum for exchange of styles and techniques.
THE CONCLUSION
In conclusion I here quote a famous Japanese philosopher who stated that “The creative mind will do wonderful thing but unless the public attaches value to what has been created, they will always be reduced to toys and jokes. It’s important for those who create ideas, products and unique services, to ensure that the people see value in their creation .This calls marketing and publicity to be realised so that what we do are not reduced to toys and jokes
We are also confident that through the American Embassy our creation will not be reduced to toys and jokes. The film Guild and the Board would like to utilise the power of persuasion and words to promote book culture in Kisumu city and beyond by making the library not only as place of borrowing and reading but also a place for cultural and artistic expressions - A place where discussion, discourse and exchange of views thrives.
The Board will host bi-monthly meetings to review and assess creativity and cultural development. We hope our partnership will flourish and yield sweet fruits for the counties.
Lastly, I would also like to quote the 44th American president Barrack Obama in is speech he presented to the Chicago Council of Global Affairs on the 23rd April, 2007 and he stated that “This was the time when we brought opportunity to those forgotten corners of the world. And this was the time when we renewed the America that has led generations of weary travellers from all over the world to find opportunity and liberty and hope and hope on our doorstep “We the Guild and the Board states here that the American Embassy has bought opportunity and hope on our door step through the creation of the American Corner.
Mahtma Gandhi is a great philosopher once said “You must be the change you wish to see in the world. “ The American corner is the new change from illiteracy to literacy makes the library a living museum a new city where residents value books and cultural expressions. This is the Kisumu we yearned for - the Kisumu we want. We are a new family. As a family we must stand firmly. Let us light up the new American – Kisumu dream.
By Akech Obat Masira
The Chairman
Lake Victoria Basin Film Makers Guild (Kenya)
The Coordinator
American Corner Management Board
Presented during the 1st Anniversary of the American Corner at the Kisumu Area Library on the 29th September, 2010
Contact:
Email: obatmasira@yahoo.com
Tel. +254726164954
Knowledge and cultural transformation in Kenyan counties
FOSTERING LOCAL TALENTS
We salute the first Anniversary
Of a public utility we all admire
The American Corner - fit for celebration
By enthusiastic junior and adult readers
We salute the American Embassy
For refurbishing the junior readers section
Of the Kenya National Library Services - Kisumu Branch
To make reading and writing smooth
We salute the American Embassy
And the Kenya Film Commission
For having mooted a great idea-
A film Industry in the region
The Lake Victoria Basin Film Makers Guild (Kenya)
We salute the American Embassy
To avail a great intellectual opportunity
To Nyanza, Western and Rift Valley Provinces
To turn the Lake Region into a centre of excellence
Specifically in the area of film making
To maintain international film making standards
We salute the American Embassy
For coming to our assistance readily
We thank you for having provided
Training services in film making
Plus according the American corner with
Certain vital facilities
The Film Guild signed an M.O.U with the
Kisumu Area Library
To make possible the American Corner
Management Board
This has made us very proud.
We can now smile for a thing well done
The pride to read and write
The pride of a living, vibrant museum
That could offer boundless open windows
For a region endowed with talents
Alongside picturesque filming locations
As recipes for a vibrant film industry
Which is on spot and ripe for development
But who can assist us to mine this gold?
Gold in vast untapped, potential human talent?
If not our major benefactor-the American Embassy
Who will provide us with skills, and
Who will give us professional equipment?
Besides those who have all along mentored us?
We salute the American Embassy
For its magnanimity and her big heart
In all the assistance it has accorded us
And we wish to affirm our cooperation
To make our great dreams a reality
Thanks to Michael Rennanbeger, The American
Ambassador,
Madam Ellen the Cultural Attaché
And our friends in film making and cultural development.
Who foster the extension of our cooperation?
We thank the America Embassy
For fostering this cross-generational endeavour
To open window for talents development
To accord us a grand stand in excellence
That we can compete internationally
To highlight vital aspects of our society
The new America -Kisumu dream
Kudos Madam Ellen.
Kudos the American Embassy
Kudos the new American –Kisumu dream.
By Akech Obat Masira
We salute the first Anniversary
Of a public utility we all admire
The American Corner - fit for celebration
By enthusiastic junior and adult readers
We salute the American Embassy
For refurbishing the junior readers section
Of the Kenya National Library Services - Kisumu Branch
To make reading and writing smooth
We salute the American Embassy
And the Kenya Film Commission
For having mooted a great idea-
A film Industry in the region
The Lake Victoria Basin Film Makers Guild (Kenya)
We salute the American Embassy
To avail a great intellectual opportunity
To Nyanza, Western and Rift Valley Provinces
To turn the Lake Region into a centre of excellence
Specifically in the area of film making
To maintain international film making standards
We salute the American Embassy
For coming to our assistance readily
We thank you for having provided
Training services in film making
Plus according the American corner with
Certain vital facilities
The Film Guild signed an M.O.U with the
Kisumu Area Library
To make possible the American Corner
Management Board
This has made us very proud.
We can now smile for a thing well done
The pride to read and write
The pride of a living, vibrant museum
That could offer boundless open windows
For a region endowed with talents
Alongside picturesque filming locations
As recipes for a vibrant film industry
Which is on spot and ripe for development
But who can assist us to mine this gold?
Gold in vast untapped, potential human talent?
If not our major benefactor-the American Embassy
Who will provide us with skills, and
Who will give us professional equipment?
Besides those who have all along mentored us?
We salute the American Embassy
For its magnanimity and her big heart
In all the assistance it has accorded us
And we wish to affirm our cooperation
To make our great dreams a reality
Thanks to Michael Rennanbeger, The American
Ambassador,
Madam Ellen the Cultural Attaché
And our friends in film making and cultural development.
Who foster the extension of our cooperation?
We thank the America Embassy
For fostering this cross-generational endeavour
To open window for talents development
To accord us a grand stand in excellence
That we can compete internationally
To highlight vital aspects of our society
The new America -Kisumu dream
Kudos Madam Ellen.
Kudos the American Embassy
Kudos the new American –Kisumu dream.
By Akech Obat Masira
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