Our first day in Nairobi was both exciting and meaningful. We had an insightful meeting with the FilmAid Kenya Team, where Whispers was officially confirmed as one of the selected films to screen at this year’s FilmAid Kenya Festival. The team welcomed us warmly and shared their vision for how the festival continues to grow and support young filmmakers across the region.
We also learned that the Awards Gala this year is strictly by invitation. We’re honored to have received an invite, but due to a very tight schedule, we may not be able to attend. Even so, we’re deeply grateful to be included among such a talented and passionate community of filmmakers and storytellers.
A major topic during our discussions was the future direction of the festival—whether to keep the current “academy-only” competition model, where only films from FilmAid’s own academy can compete, or to open the festival to the general public. This is a key moment for the festival, as recent Gen Z-led protests in Kenya have brought new awareness and rules around copyright and film ownership. It’s now required that student films get full legal permission before being shown publicly, which is shaping how young creatives will work moving forward.
The festival officially begins tomorrow, and the lineup is full of exciting and creative activities. There will be cultural performances, film screenings, and several masterclasses focusing on film directing, distribution, and the intersection of music and film. These sessions will be led by respected experts Mugambi Nthiga, Ibrahim Sidede, and Chloe, who will share their experiences and advice with upcoming filmmakers.
Beyond learning, the festival will also offer networking sessions where filmmakers, producers, and artists can connect and share ideas. The evening will close with a musical showcase by Karun, bringing together film and music in one powerful celebration of creativity and culture.
It’s a proud moment for us to see Whispers take this step on an international stage. We’re looking forward to learning, sharing, and connecting with other storytellers from across the continent.
We can’t wait to be part of this journey and share Whispers with the world.
