The proposed the Film, Stage Plays and Publications Bill 2016 by the Kenya Film and Classification Board (KFCB) has serious implications and affects industries such as film, publishing, advertising, theatre, gaming, and online businesses. It also undermines freedom of expression, freedom of the media and, most importantly, the bill will stifle creativity.
Organizations such as the Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ), HEVA Fund, Kwani Trust, Producers Guild of Kenya, Kenya Actors Guild, among others have expressed their reservations on the bill. Our statement on the bill asked that meaningful public participation be allowed so that a law that is owned by all stakeholders can be brought forth.
A committee, comprising of stakeholders and chaired by George Gachara of HEVA Fund, was formed to fast track revision of the bill. The committee position is that the Bill is flawed and needs to be trashed or replaced. The committee plans to come up with a new bill which addresses all the concern of all the stakeholders.
As those efforts are ongoing, we have partnered with the Nation Media Group (NMG) on a forum that will think through the implications and deliberate on what’s next as far as this bill is concerned. The forum will be at The Nailab, Bishop Magua Centre and will start at 5.30pm.
The forum will feature a presentation by Clifford Machoka, a lawyer who is also the Head of Corporate & Regulatory Affairs, NMG.
They will also be a panel that will be moderated by Shitemi Khamadi, Programs Manager at BAKE and the founder of shitemi.com and dhahabu.co.ke.
The panelists are:
- Mwende Ngao – Founder kiketele.com, mwendengao.com and film company Matotoya Films
- Wanuri Kahiu – Award winning filmmaker who has written & directed six films.
- Clifford Machoka – Head of Corporate & Regulatory Affairs, NMG
- Dr. Njoki Ngumi – Head of outreach and partnerships at The Nest
- Chris Kamau – Chairman, Kenya Actors Guild
Details
What: What’s next for the Film Bill
When: Tuesday, 8th November 2016
Time: 5.30pm – 8.30pm
Location: Nailab, 4th Floor, Bishop Magua Centre (opposite Uchumi Ngong Road)