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

TOM MBOYA: THE AFRICAN PARAGON

BY: OMAR .A. NASSAR & AKECH OBAT MASIRA

From a very humble background
A towering genius was born
To sow the seeds of nationalism
In a world shrouded in ideological war
That threatened our universe with instability.
Tom Mboya:The African paragon

Tom Mboya was a personality alive
Who created a living moment
In his time and social milieu
With a legacy that transcends time

A politician, statesman, poet and musician,
Tom Mboya was a born intellectual
Who mingled with the small and the mighty
To excell as a towering Trade unionist.

As a parliamentarian and in public life,
He was a paragon of efficiency and civility
Whose aura spoke so miraculously
And so compellingly to those around him
That masses were drawn to himself
Live moths to an electric bulb.
Tom Mboya:The African paragon

Tom Mboya was an African socialist
Who cherished and gave value
To the institution of the extended family
Ever present as the “good Samaritan”
And dreaming of the African well-being:
And struggling to realize his goal-

Tom Mboya was a prodigy
And because of his magnetism
People always congregated around him
Like stars orbiting the sun-

A colossus who never stayed away
From the nests of problems
Around him that required fixing
Because he wasn’t a pretender-
Tom Mboya:The African paragon

A larger – than – life figure
Tom Mboya stood, a stalwart
Above every general mediocrity
A sublime pillar in his deeds
And lofty in his thoughts:
A committed son of the soil-

The son of Ndiege’s integrity
Was his standard of rectitude:
He respected his own virtue
And he was always himself-

Tom Mboya was above tribalism
And petty prejudices; a man
With a reputation for liberality
Who regarded the nation as an organism

Tom Mboya pioneered education
And helped airlift thousands
To the USA for further education
To create a nation intellectual base-

Barrack Obama SNR was one of them
Beside Prof. Wangari Maathai.
And many others of academic repute
Barrack Obama JNR is USA President
Thanks to Tom Mboya’s magnanimity
To give education due prominence.
Tom Mboya:The African paragon

For Tom Mboya believed
In self – cultivation and self- authentication
Constructed within a value framework
A diplomatic African with discipline
Of cardinal virtues
Synergetic, care-free and self – assured

Tom Mboya did not envisage
A nation sank in barbarism and
Rendered stagnant as if by nature’s decree
Neither moving forward or backward
Tipped into the dustbin of social history
And bedeviled instability and poverty
Tom Mboya:The African paragon

He had the key to people’s hearts
And he knew the mainspring
Of his own motive for power:
To uplift the lives of the rabble-

Tom Mboya believed firmly that
Sociability and social practice
Were the sine qua non
Of being truly a whole human

That all committed Africans
Must shed off the dependency syndrome
And strive hard to control
Their own productive destinies
To reach the enriching ends
And to have their highest needs met,
Within the ideals of social provision
Good economics and social protection

Tom Mboya fostered integrative politics
That fertilized the African soul
And gave inspiration to many
And fertilized the politics of the day-

He believed in a culture
That generated resilience
And nurtured consciousness
That developed new insights

In moments of adversity
He was ever tranquil
While radiating assurance
And he never showed doubt
And never lost dignity
Tom Mboya:The African paragon

Self – educated he was dedicated
To the enhancement of others
Organizing the airlift to the USA
To create manpower for the nation

As a trade unionist
He fought for the workers rights
Straddling Africa and the World
To create industrial justice everywhere.

And without a hood of deception,
Tom Mboya volunteered to do good
For which he was rudely rewarded
With cruel bullets in his bossom.
At the Government road

In 1969, Tom Mboya died a hero
Whose life was cut short
By a conspiratorial madness
That robbed a Nation of an intellectual
Whose contributions shall never die
But remain flourishing in many hearts
Tom Mboya: the African Paragon



They killed wuod Ndiege
Who acknowledged that Human Rights
Are the foundation of the rule of law
And that the rule of law
Is a mandatory imperative:
That people want to live in peace;
Secure in their liberties and possessions

They killed a great MAN who believe
That people future must be made calculable
And that to attain this and be fluid,
Was necessary within the polity.
T.J you are not dead for you live in us again

They felled the love of the masses
And left thousands
Drowned in seas of heartbreak
When a nation lost its spark of reason
Because a free- thinker was no more:
An astute legislator with power of oratory.

Tom Mboya who acknowledged
That people were the engine of growth
Reacting to each other’ needs
And behaving like one organizing
Always focused and interdependent
In the satisfaction of their needs

He was not prone to isolation
But,
Always went for positive affinities
Associating with the generous
While he befriended the gregarious
President J.F. Kennedy, Dr. Martin Luther Kings
And Madam Coretta Kings as his best friends.

Lo! Tom Mboya died a hero:
A man with deep inner vision
About the Nation’s inner secrets
Which we can only learn in dreams

As we remember Tom Mboya
With memories so alive
With every moment cherished
In hearts rekindled with new spark

Yes, Tom Mboya was consumed
By a cruel, wicked World
Eating at its own edges:
A World always not satisfied.
A World that was roaring
And filled with vile passions
And dancing to its own tune:
The tune of death and oblivion.
Tom Mboya:The African paragon

FOREVER WE REMEMBER TOM MBOYA:
THE AFRICAN PARAGON

Ends

MISANGO ARTS ENSEMBLE
Kisumu City.-– 19th August 2011

Pamela The Tac - Angelic

When power of the arts
With unique magic touches hearts
Like nova, you Pamela Ohonde shine
Among those you have elevated to cloud nine

A champion of orphaned children cause
Being a veteral orphan yourself
Oh Pamela, talented daughter of Ugenya
With what praise can we salute you
For your hearty contribution to the unknown
Orphaned children of fate far, far away…………..

Your fame will echo across- the seas
As your kindness resonates with orphan woes
Feeling the pulse of your help to unknown
In far away in Usigu-Yimbo and Ukwala Ugenya
Where the HIV/ AIDS pandemic has ravaged many
Robbing homes and cropping orphnas everywhere

Oh Pamela, your vision is a worthy mission:
Indeed a hostilic approach to child development
Through reading writing to child development
Harnesing talents of great value to society
When - the power of the arts
With its unique magic touch hearts

The daughter of Nzoia, daughter of Ugenya
You are an angel with a heart of gold
And that’s why your tale must be told
To promote the arts to foster development:
To control, reduce and manage hive/ aids
To consolidate the role of Kenyans in the Diaspora
From the new road Baptist Church, Oxford City
To pay school fees for our orphans education
And to create home based health care for all:
You’re most worthy contribution to the unknown

Oh nyar Siranga, a rare star in our galaxy
What song of praise can we compose for you ,
That would be most fitting for your sacrifice
To the orphaned children of Usigu and Ukwala
The focus of your benevolence and selflessness,
Great attributes that few have,
And yet attributes that very few use………….
To care fro the needy, the lonely and forgotten

Your efforts insulate many from the future disasters
Often child labour, prostitution and molestation
Often opening a Pandora’s box of human cruelty
Where the orphan is stigmatized without sympathy-

Oh Pamela Ohonde, daughter of Siranga
Nyar duke wahinde mar Siranga
Where the mighty river Nzioa brings delight,
We salute you fro your magnamity
And for your open mind
We salute you!!!Pamela the Tac:- angelic

AKECH OBAT – MASIRA
KISUMU CITY, KENYA
@ AUGUST 2007