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October 7th, 2024
KITALE FILM WEEK ANNOUNCES THREE NEW MEMBERS OF ITS 2025 SELECTION
COMMITTEE AND OPENS FILM SUBMISSIONS ACROSS AFRICA
Kitale, Kenya – Kitale Film Week, Kenya’s rapidly growing 8-day film festival held in Trans
Nzoia County, is excited to announce the addition of three renowned film industry
professionals to its 2025 selection committee: Tosh Gitonga, Pierrick Chabi, and Cassandra
Onwualu. These respected experts will play pivotal roles in shaping the festival’s lineup,
ensuring it continues to be a leading platform for African filmmakers as the festival continues
to expand its reach and impact. The third edition will run from Sunday, February 2nd to
Sunday, February 9th, 2025.
Tosh Gitonga, a celebrated Kenyan filmmaker and founder of Primary Pictures, has over two
decades of experience in the industry. Known for directing the critically acclaimed Nairobi
Half-Life, Kenya’s official submission to the 85th Academy Awards, and the Netflix hits
‘Disconnect ‘ and ‘Disconnect: The Wedding Planner’, Tosh is a driving force in Kenyan
cinema. His involvement in the selection committee is set to elevate the festival’s quality and
influence across Africa.
Joining Tosh is Beninese-French entrepreneur Pierrick Chabi, the founder and CEO of
Wakatoon, a groundbreaking platform revolutionizing children’s content through interactive
and creative AI-powered animation. Pierrick’s innovative approach to animation and media
technology will offer fresh perspectives on content creation, opening new opportunities for
African animators to showcase their work on a global stage.
“Enabling people to unleash their creativity is my favourite challenge,” Pierrick said.
Cassandra Onwualu, a Nigerian film producer, marketing, and distribution strategist, brings a
wealth of experience in promoting and distributing African films to international markets.
She has been instrumental in the success of films like ‘The Wait’ and ‘Gwoza’, and is
currently leading the release of ‘The Weekend’ —the first 100% Nigerian-funded film to be
selected for the Tribeca Film Festival. Cassandra’s expertise will be instrumental in
highlighting bold, captivating African stories at the Kitale Film Week. Her knowledge of
global film distribution and marketing will also enhance the festival’s ability to attract
international attention to African stories.
“I am honoured to be a part of the selection committee for this festival,” she said. “Every
filmmaker dreams of having their work seen, discussed, and appreciated. Regional festivals
like Kitale Film Week are essential for spotlighting and celebrating the compelling films being
created across Africa.”
These three distinguished professionals join a seasoned team of industry leaders, including
festival competition manager Wangui Ngunjiri, festival director Peter Pages Bwire, Ugandan
film curator Joel Tugaineyo, and Tunga Media Afrika founder Makandi Mbae. Together, this
experienced team will curate a lineup of films that reflect the diversity, creativity, and
boldness of African storytelling.
Call for Submissions
Kitale Film Week has officially opened its submission portal, welcoming entries from
filmmakers across Africa. For the first time, the Kitale Film Week is accepting submissions
from filmmakers across all African regions, marking a significant step toward greater
continental representation. Submissions are open until November 15th, 2024, and
filmmakers can access the submission portal at filmfreeway.com/kitalefilmweek. The festival
encourages entries that reflect diverse, socially engaged, and bold storytelling that speaks to
both local and global audiences.
Supported by the County government of Trans Nzoia, the Kenya Film Commission, Docubox
EADFF, and the embassies of France and the Netherlands in Kenya, Kitale Film Week
provides a unique platform where African filmmakers can share their stories, engage in
conversations on filmmaking, and contribute to community development through the arts.
About Kitale Film Week
Launched in 2023, Kitale Film Week is an 8-day celebration of African cinema, featuring film
screenings, filmmaker workshops, and school programs designed to nurture the next
generation of filmmakers and critics. The festival also hosts outdoor events and discussions
on key community issues, moderated by filmmakers, media personalities, and students. The
festival has rapidly grown in stature and has become a key cultural event in Kenya,
attracting local and international attention.
For more information and updates, follow Kitale Film Week (@kitalefilmweek) on social
media or visit our website at kitalefilmweek.org .
