Kibera Film School Blog

Tropfest Australia Comes To Nairobi

noreply@blogger.com (Kibera Film School) — Tue, 18 Mar 2014 11:10:00 +0000

Tropfest Australia comes to Nairobi!

Tropfest Australia Events* Open to the Public
at no charge

23 March Sunday 6 pm Kamukunji Grounds, Kibera Short Films Screening

25 March Tuesday 10:30am Screening & Workshop Hot Sun Foundation

*sponsored by the Australian High Commission Nairobi

25 March Film Screening and Workshop at Hot Sun Foundation with Michael Laverty, Managing Director, TropFest Australia http://tropfest.com/au/

Topics

· The aim of Tropfest - encouraging film production and providing an audience

· Key thoughts on the making of short films from a Tropfest perspective

· Encouraging and inspiring emerging filmmakers to share their stories

· Tips on organising successful short film festivals

Tues. 25 March 10:30 am to 3:30 pm

No charge but space very limited

MUST Reserve your place

Send an email to info@hotsunfoundation.org

Hot Sun Foundation has moved!

We are at Rubia Estate, House 968, Kitengela Rd Langata near Oil Libya and Langata Hospital Matatu # 15 from Railways 0710 624 638 mobile

Tropfest

is Australia's most prestigious short film festival and one of its most iconic cultural events. It is also the largest short film festival in the world. Tropfest provides unique platforms for talented filmmakers through its events and initiatives promoting new talent and developing new audiences.

http://tropfest.com/au/

Foundation in Filmmaking

Dreaming of becoming a filmmaker? Hot Sun Foundation is the place for all aspiring filmmakers, in East Africa

Our hands-on approach is unique in East Africa. From the beginning of our training, trainees are making short films.

Our Foundation in Filmmaking course is four months, full time intensive training in all aspects of filmmaking.

Our fees are the most affordable in East Africa. Every applicant who is accepted in our Foundation in Filmmaking program pays only 1/3 of the actual costs of the training.

Join our community of creatives! Apply now ! Limited Space

accounts@hotsunfoundation.org for fee schedule and application

Hot Sun Foundation PO Box 30933 Nairobi, Kenya info@hotsunfoundation.org

To support the great youth of the Kibera Film School, please visit our Global Giving Page

Kisumu Film Workshop.

noreply@blogger.com (Kibera Film School) — Thu, 27 Feb 2014 06:26:00 +0000

Hot Sun Foundation and Ignite Afrika Trust, jointly held a film workshop in #Kisumu held 20-24 Feb 2014. Over 23 participants attended the 5 day workshop led by a team of creatives from Hot Sun Foundation, the participants learnt script writing, videography and production. Kisumu has always been the hub of stage theatre. This was the first film workshop of its kind, and the creative youth of Kisumu really enjoyed.

Participant making a presentation

So this is how you hold a camera!

A participant practices some camera moves

Hot Sun Foundation team member showing participants how to use a camera!

Tired limbs

To support the great youth of the Kibera Film School, please visit our Global Giving Page

Never Give Up

noreply@blogger.com (Kibera Film School) — Thu, 20 Feb 2014 17:15:00 +0000

My name is Michael Kuria. I am a trainee at Kibera Film School. I study film and I am focusing on editing.

The very first film I have ever made is called INVISIBLE SCARS. I wrote and directed the film. Then I edited it for almost two weeks. The reason why I edited for so long was because my film is in black and white, so I had to color correct.

After I finished editing my film on Final Cut Pro, I exported it in the wrong ratio. When you export in the wrong ratio, all the characters in the film look short and fat.

My trainers refused to evaluate the rough cut of my film until I corrected the aspect ratio. I had to wait until the next evaluation.

One morning, - it was on a Thursday - I was going to film school when I was attacked by thugs. They took my phone, my money and my hard drive. My film was on the hard drive. I had no other back up.

I was so devastated that I almost gave up. I went home and stayed from Friday to Saturday thinking about what to do. My mother encouraged me. She gave me money to return to film school.

On Sunday I went back to the Kibera Film School to reedit my whole film. Luckily the school still had the unedited version. I spent the whole night editing. Surprisingly I finished it in one night.

When my film INVISIBLE SCARS was evaluated on Monday morning, all the staff said the film was outstanding and told a powerful story. I was surprised at that evaluation. There were no major mistakes in my film.

I am so glad that I didn't give up.

Mike Kuria with fellow trainees in a practical lesson

To support the great youth of the Kibera Film School, please visit our Global Giving Page

What It Takes To Be A Filmmaker!-Foundation In Filmmaking

noreply@blogger.com (Kibera Film School) — Fri, 14 Feb 2014 10:07:00 +0000

FOUNDATION in FILMMAKING

The Foundation in Filmmaking course developed out of years of filmmaking in East African communities. Our approach is unique among training institutes in Kenya. From the first week, trainees learn through hands-on projects all aspects of filmmaking, from scriptwriting, storyboarding, production, directing, camera, sound, editing, marketing, distribution, film festivals, entrepreneurship, and social networking.

Over 60% of our graduates are working in the Kenyan media industry. In a series of outdoor community screenings, we have shown our films to more than 30,000 people.

Working with the Spanish Embassy in Nairobi, we are co- founders of the annual Slum Film Festival. At the 2011 Filamu International Student Film festival, Kenyatta University, Hot Sun Film School won all the major awards (11 in all).

Kibera Film School Trainees in a scriptwriting class

Evaluation is based on competency. Each trainee is evaluated on her/his skill on each type of equipment and software before proceeding to the next level. Industry professionals work as instructors assisted by past graduates of the Foundation in Filmmaking course.

Tuition and Fees are the least expensive for comprehensive filmmaking training in Kenya and represent one third of the actual cost of the training of the five months intensive full-time training.

Registration (upon acceptance): Kshs 6,000/-. Monthly:Kshs 11,000/- Fees can be paid in installments.

Deadline: Next Application: April 2014. Full time for four months.

Applications available at accounts@hotsunfoundation.org

Foundation in Filmmaking: TOPICS

• Introduction and Orientation

• Introduction to Visual Storytelling

• Social Networking: facebook, twitter, blogs, vimeo, youtube, other tools

• Photography

• Photoshop: manipulate photos, basic design elements

• Storytelling: Story development, Research, Script writing

• Pre-Production: Planning and preparation

• Directing: Treatment and storyboard, how to direct actors

• Production: Production management, planning resources necessary to make film

• Cinematography: Stills, Flip cameras, DV camera & semipro camera

• Post-production: Data capture and management, Offline editing on Final Cut Pro

• Sound: Recording sound on shoot, music and sound design in post production

• Weekly film screenings with discussion and critique

• Life Skills and Entrepreneurship: film festivals, audience, marketing, distribution

Trainees review their promotional script

Foundation in Filmmaking PROJECTS The video projects for the twenty weeks Foundation in Filmmaking course are:

• Project One: 2 minute, individual. Genre: personal experience, drama (My World), drama

• Project Two: 2 minute team Genre: Documentary. Story on art, sports, young entrepreneurs.

Trainees on set with Spanish Filmmaker during past visit

www.hotsunfoundation.org info@hotsunfoundation.org ©Hot Sun Foundation 2014

Hot Sun Foundation's Vision is social transformation through media and art.

Our Mission is to identify and develop youth talent to tell their stories on film.

Community participation is fundamental to our programmes and training.

To support the great youth of the Kibera Film School, please visit our Global Giving Page

The Black Butterfly Effect.

noreply@blogger.com (Kibera Film School) — Thu, 30 Jan 2014 14:35:00 +0000

Words of Dorothy Kang’ethe

Just how influential can a stranger be on a persons life with a single encounter. For me it’s just about how much you are ready to listen and learn. The chance to be at Hot Sun Foundation presents many opportunities to learn if you know where to look and break your walls down. That’s not always easy, but totally worth it especially with Tazim. She’s a hybrid between a life coach and a real woman who’s been through hell and back, here to attest that’s it’s not the definition of life.

Tazim in KFS #MotivationTalk session

Given the fact that the day’s session was a 1^st for the new trainees at Kibera Film school trainees the session was pretty mellow. Despite being together for over a month trainees got to delve deeper into each other’s personalities with Tazim as a guide. My first time was similar to this but what I learnt, but in each session there is need to be honest with yourself then everything else will fall in place.

However what I can say is that a seed was planted to be a better version of ourselves after hearing Tarzim’s story and how she is constantly working on herself. So with two sessions under my belt I have felt the ‘black butterfly effect’ from Tazim Elkington’s wisdom and guidance.

Ask a question!

Group Pose with Trainees and staff

To support the great youth of the Kibera Film School, please visit our Global Giving Page

Days At Kibera Film School.

noreply@blogger.com (Kibera Film School) — Tue, 21 Jan 2014 05:48:00 +0000

What does it take to become a filmmaker at Kibera Film School?

Below some trainees sum up their experiences!

Shirley Akinyi

It was a very tense day I wasn’t sure of what I was going to do but deep down my heart I knew it was the beginning of a new experience in my life.

Michael Mwangi

Meeting new friends in a very strange environment, people with diverse attitudes…that was a challenge.

Wambui Kaggai

My biggest challenge was how to connect the ‘Mac minis’ I feared I may connect them wrongly and be compelled to pay. ‘these equipment’s are expensive’

Michael Kuria

I have come to realize that being a filmmaker is all about organizing your self. This has always been a challenge.

Wawira Njeru

My biggest challenge has always been putting my film ideas on paper, thanks to Kibera Film School now I know what to write and how to structure it.

Mariah Abongo

Being a filmmaker is wow hectic! You have to be super organized and that you must always have a small writing pad to put all your thoughts. As a young mother this is a huge task but am up for the challenge.

Saumu Mohammed

Before joining Kibera Film School I was what you call ‘a green horn’ now I am confident enough to say what film is. My biggest challenge was when our production tutor asked us to name, names of famous film directors…. sadly I knew none!

Matthew Louis

Editing’ this was a challenge and half…. how to make those tiny beautiful cuts, woven creatively together to make an award winning film.

Douglas Mwangi

How do you tell a 2-minute story of ‘My World’! Seriously! This I had a huge argument. However everything is possible at Kibera Film School. This school is unique, hands-on.

Trainees of Kibera Film School on their way to past shoot.

And lets smile

To support the great youth of the Kibera Film School, please visit our Global Giving Page

Announcing 1/2 Million Shilling Documentary Grant Winner

noreply@blogger.com (Kibera Film School) — Tue, 17 Dec 2013 09:15:00 +0000

Press release 17 December 2013

Hot Sun Foundation in collaboration with Influence Film Foundation is proud to announce that Kevin Kiarie Kamau is the recipient of the first Influence Film Grant for his short film Destruction for Survival about deforestation of the Ngong Forest in Nairobi.

The Influence Film Grant awards promising documentary filmmakers only at the Kibera Film School.

The grant is a unique opportunity for first time young directors to get a start in their career through

intensive mentorship and funding.

The Influence Film Grant is for 500,000 Kes to make the film and 100,000 Kes to market the film widely.

My hope is that my film Destruction for Survival will create an awareness among the people of Kibera about the negative effects of deforestation and the importance of conserving the Ngong Forest, which borders the slum. Kevin Kiarie Kamau

To learn more about Influence Film
visit influencefilmfoundation.com/
To learn more about Kibera Film School, subscribe to
their blog at kiberafilmschool.blogspot.com
Follow them on facebook (kiberaschool)
twitter (@slumfilmschool)
To apply for the next Kibera Film School intake,
email projects@hotsunfoundation.org
For more information or to interview Kevin, contact Roy Okello at

projects@hotsunfoundation.

Kibera Film School, please visit our Global Giving Page

Coming To Terms With Technical Aspect Of Filmmaking.

noreply@blogger.com (JOSPHAT KEYA) — Sat, 30 Nov 2013 08:46:00 +0000

My name is Wambui Wanjoi,

Iam 34 years of age and I live in Syokimau on the outscasts of Nairobi

I learnt about Kibera Film School through social media

Why did you join KFS?

I have always wanted to study flmmaking because its been my passion, just to tell my stories…Kenyan stories in my own way.

Describe your experience at KFS?

I have gotten to learn so much about filmmaking and the art of photography. I have also gotten to know so much about editing. It actually surprised me that I would be interested in this very technical aspect of filmmaking.

Your most challenging moment so far?

My most challenging moments I would say technical work.

The training at Kibera Film School been an eye opener to me.

Describe KFS in 3 words?

Educative

Fun

Interesting

To support the great youth of the Kibera Film School, please visit our Global Giving Page

From Uganda To 'Kibera Film School' To Study Filmmaking.

noreply@blogger.com (Kibera Film School) — Mon, 18 Nov 2013 09:02:00 +0000

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My name is Lewis Mathew

I am 21 years.

I come from Jinja-Uganda

Lewis Mathew

I got to know KFS while volunteering for the 3^rdedition of Slum Film Festival

Why did you join KFS?

The reason why I joined Kibera Film School is because I want to be a good video editor and camera person…be the best Ugandan filmmaker.

Describe your experience at KFS?

At KFS, I have done a lot of networking, I have met many focused talented souls. I have gotten the chance to interact with caring, talented creatives who really love what they do. The trainers are willing to share what they know to us the trainees, the experience is fun and challenging.

Your most challenging moment so far?

Scriptwriting has been my major challenge. Having to come up with a 2-minute final script has been a challenge, but am on the right track.

Describe KFS in 3 words?

Encouraging, Unique, Fun.

Mathew in red sweater with some of his classmates

Some of Mathew's classmates in Videography class

To support the great youth of the Kibera Film School, please visit our Global Giving Page

Have Fun.

noreply@blogger.com (Kibera Film School) — Sat, 16 Nov 2013 11:00:00 +0000

Yes Have fun!

Filmmaking is never that serious ...and apart from learning the skills trainees at Kibera Film School are encouraged to simply Have Fun!
Why?

Discuss what you want in terms of cause, not effect. Not “I want you to look away from him” but “Your character can’t stand to look at him.” It will make more sense to them.

If there’s something that needs doing and not enough people to do it...DO IT.

It is not cool to waste somebody else’s money

Don’t short-change yourself

Learn about budgets

Trainees practicing how to frame shots

KFS trainees all smiles.

HaveFun!
Simply Have Fun!

To support the great youth of the Kibera Film School, please visit our Global Giving Page

A Donation Befitting A Journalism Student.

noreply@blogger.com (Kibera Film School) — Tue, 05 Nov 2013 08:41:00 +0000

Happy moment's for Evans Mikel a journalism student at Zetech College after receiving a hard drive donation from Hot Sun Foundation, for his school work.

Evans Mikel all smiles

To support the great youth of the Kibera Film School, please visit our Global Giving Page

What makes a great short film?

noreply@blogger.com (Kibera Film School) — Mon, 04 Nov 2013 10:33:00 +0000

What makes a great short film?

As part of the 5 months hands-on film training trainees create two minute "My World" short films. Awhile back Heinz Hermanns, from Interfilm Berlin visited us and we had a discussion on what makes a good short film.

Preproduction and feedback are CRUCIAL to filmmaking

Filmmakers in Kenya need to be more critical. Exchange your ideas, scripts: get and give feedback. Must have a great story or you don't have a film. Get feedback from the beginning of the concept.

Short film: must have an audio visual concept, seduce the spectator to take part emotionally and intellectually

Short film: must work immediately, grab attention of audience, something interesting,

Must be visual.

Story development: must work. Can make NO mistakes (feature films can have some)

Short film must be more original than a feature film, have something special. Very little time to tell the story

MUST BE COMPLETE: with an ending… not just stop

Components of a great short film:

Plan:the look of the film

Color concept: palette

Mood

Intensity

Sound: must develop the audio concept before shooting. MUST have quality sound.

Suggest: Be careful with music, especially piano music which can overwhelm the visual.

Casting: Actors key

Camera: must hold attention of audience

Every frame is a composition like a painting

Some elements of bad short films

• Too long

• Do not care about your audience

• TV aesthetics

• A copy of another film or story

• Choose team carefully

• Seduce not provoke audience

• Accept criticism

• Don't make it too personal

• Not a slide show of a series of stills

• MUST have good sound and sound concept

Desperate Hours For A Script Student.

noreply@blogger.com (Kibera Film School) — Tue, 29 Oct 2013 05:05:00 +0000

Well!

Every deserving screenplay eventually finds a buyer to option or purchase the material. There are no exceptions. Peter Kim

As a trainee writing a screenplay for the first time is a challenge. You don't know what to say where, where to bring a twist, climax or ending. As time goes by with consistent writing and reading you get to grasp how to write a compelling screenplay. After undergoing a rigorous scriptwriting class you get to know how to:-

Each story needs a hero, he or she must undergo an ordeal to seize his prize.
Every story is incomplete without a villain
all heroes always refuse the call to action at some point
Sum up your plot in 30 words or less when telling it to friend, critics or pitching
Make your first line of your story compelling otherwise you'll loose most readers
Give your character a mentor to help them through their problems
Every story has a turning point and your hero has to complete the task
Your story must have an underlying message some refer to them as themes
Most people enjoy a feel-good story, once in a while write one.

Trainees in class writing their scripts

Script instructor Florence Anyango listens to a trainee plot

Dwayne Johnson-Cochran Hollywood screen writer, producer, director during script power workshop

By the end of the day a hands-on training is the best way to learn how to write screenplays. Enroll at Kibera Film School.

To support the great youth of the Kibera Film School, please visit our Global Giving Page

Lighting Kit Gift From ARRI For Trainees At Kibera Film School.

noreply@blogger.com (Kibera Film School) — Thu, 24 Oct 2013 05:50:00 +0000

By Joash Mageto

Light is light and does not change as we change formats and locations. Lighting is more than just lamps and hardware. It is about controlling and shaping the light. The behind-the-scenes production of any film, large/small, relies on the work and careful detail of several key crew members who help make the production possible. Among that crew is the "lighting crew." You definitely do not realize it when you watch a film, but each scene required several minutes (if not hours) of carefully placed lights to make the scene look great on film.

A few weeks back a team from ARRI, Thomas Binsert, Harth Muth and Nyokabi Kahura, producer and managing director at African Visuals media ltd came to visit Kibera Film School. After touring the office and watching short films by trainees they promised to donate lights and they kept their promise. With this gift trainees at Kibera Film School will be able to make the scenes of their sets look realistic and help establish mood. 

Hart Muth Glaser at the reception

Nyokabi Kahura producer and managing director African visuals media ltd

Thomas Binsert...Arri sales director Africa

Trainees with the light kit donated by ARRI

We thank you for these amazing gift.

To support the great youth of the Kibera Film School, please visit our Global Giving Page

Think Safety First.

noreply@blogger.com (Kibera Film School) — Thu, 17 Oct 2013 10:11:00 +0000

Why is fire safety and first aid training important to filmmakers?

Fire fighting is one of the most essential services of an organized society.

Less fire safety, more risk, fire safety training , no risk
Fire safety on, accidents gone
Accident brings tears, fire safety brings cheers
Be alert avert fire
Practice an escape plan from every room in the house-everyone to stay low to the floor when escaping from fire and never to open doors that are hot
Never overload circuits or extension cords. shut off and unplug appliances that spark or emit an unusual smell, have them professionally repaired or replaced.

Film sets are the most disaster prone environments. We had an opportunity to prepare our trainees and staff through fire safety and first aid training.

Fire instructor shows.. fire extinguishers have different applications

The fire fighting pose

First aid tips

Aida tries her hand as a fire fighter

The fire fighting team

Roy Okello

The life of a filmmaker and his/her equipment are the key to him/her achieving a great picture. Its prudent to train them in case of an emergency.

Anne Mwaniki

This would ensure that filmmakers have secure sets and incase of anything they know how to take care of it.

To support the great youth of the Kibera Film School, please visit our Global Giving Page

Nathan Abusho 'Kibera Film School' my second home.

noreply@blogger.com (Kibera Film School) — Thu, 10 Oct 2013 09:08:00 +0000

On 25^thMarch, 2013 which was on a Monday was my first day in Kibera film school, we started our day with orientation and Anne took us through the whole building then we settled down. Anne and Josphat took us through the code of conduct where we enjoyed every part of it then later in the afternoon we signed the contract forms and this marked a new page in my life.

Nathan with fellow trainees WaKaggai and Charles

The next day was 26^thMarch where Joash, introduced us to the equipment where I learnt about various equipment like how to connect Mac minis, cameras, how to care for the equipment etc, this was the most practical lesson that I enjoyed every part of it.

Later we were then taken through social networking session by Pamela where we were introduced on how social websites work how to be active in social networking websites.

I came to understand 'what is a story?' now I can write unlike in the past, where I would scribble a few lines, thanks to our script writing teacher Florence.

Over the last six months the amazing, film training unrivaled in the country has not only opened my eyes but turned me from a novice to a filmmaker. I have learnt that:

   . While shooting i have learnt always to slate my shorts.
   . Write compelling scripts.
   . Work as a team.
   . Passion without hard work is a pipe dream.

7th class trainees

To support the great youth of the Kibera Film School, please visit our Global Giving Page

Tips for Slum Filmmakers

noreply@blogger.com (Kibera Film School) — Mon, 16 Sep 2013 07:25:00 +0000

DON’T NEGLECT THE BASICS. Audiences will forgive a lot of technical flaws in your film if your story is compelling, your actors are engaging or your jokes are funny—but there’s still a threshold point where the technical mistakes start to get in the way. That point is usually when they’re no longer able to clearly see, hear or follow what’s going on. So get to know your equipment, and practice with it. Learn the basics of shot composition. Do your best to record quality sound, and if that’s beyond your means, make a silent movie—there’s too much talking in most movies anyway.

EMBRACE LIMITS. The limitations of teenage filmmaking can often be discouraging. How the hell are you supposed to make a great film when all you’ve got is this crappy camera and your stupid friends? Well, the first step is to change your attitude. There’s an old French filmmaker named Robert Bresson who said, “Someone who can work with the minimum can work with the most. One who can with the most cannot, inevitably, with the minimum.” In other words, you should be celebrating the fact that all you’ve got is a crappy camera and some stupid friends: that means all your solutions to the problems you encounter are going to have to be creative ones, and as Robert Rodriguez wrote, “that can make all the difference between something fresh and different and something processed and stale.”

DON’T GIVE UP. If you haven’t failed at filmmaking yet, then you probably weren’t being ambitious enough. If you have, congratulations; you’re on way to becoming a great filmmaker. Just keep at it, and as Beckett put it, “fail better” next time.
Finally, the über-rule which contradicts all the other ones:

DON’T LISTEN TO ANYONE. Hollywood screenwriter William Goldman famously said of the film world that “nobody knows anything”; and it’s true. That doesn’t mean you should ignore everything anyone tells you, but if you’re really passionate about a project, don’t let anyone talk you out of it. Make the film that you want to make—not the film you think people want to see, or the film your teachers or your parents want you to make. Most of all, don’t listen to people who say that you can’t do something, or that what you’re aiming for isn’t possible. I’ve argued above that limitations are your friend, but the types of restrictions that really get in the way are the ones that you let get stuck inside your own head. Who says films have to cost a certain amount, look a certain way, be made a certain way, or contain this element or that one?

To support the great youth of the Kibera Film School, please visit our Global Giving Page

Tips For young Filmmakers.

noreply@blogger.com (Kibera Film School) — Fri, 13 Sep 2013 09:56:00 +0000

STUDY FILMS. A lot of the mistakes that young filmmakers make could be avoided if teenagers actually just paid attention to their favourite films. Pick a movie you love and watch it with the sound down; look closely at the camera angles, the editing and the lighting. Watch short films on Youtube and see how an effective story can be told in five minutes. You won’t be able to match the production value of these films—and you don’t need to, anyway—but oftentimes the craft of good filmmaking doesn’t cost any money. You just have to actually watch films.

PUSH YOURSELF. Every film you make should teach you something you didn’t know before, and achieve something you didn’t know you were capable of. This doesn’t mean you have to go out every time and do something that you have no idea how to do. You should draw on the skills and techniques you’ve already learned—but if you’re not building on them, if you’re not pushing yourself further in some way, you’re playing it safe. It will show.

YOU CAN’T BEAT HOLLYWOOD. Tempting as it may be to try to imitate the style and gloss of your favourite blockbusters, let’s face it; the game is rigged in their favour. You can try, and your failure may be unique and interesting (or at least funny) in its own right—but you can also just do your own thing, and try something that the studios wouldn’t have the balls or the imagination to do in the first place.
KEEP IT SHORT.

WORK WITH WHAT YOU’VE GOT. Don’t write that epic crowd scene unless you know there’s a festival happening next week that you can steal as a backdrop. Play to your strengths. There’s probably something unique that you or your family have access to that you can use in your movie. If your dad has a tractor, write a movie around that. If he doesn’t, don’t.

To support the great youth of the Kibera Film School, please visit our Global Giving Page

Arri Team Visit

noreply@blogger.com (Kibera Film School) — Tue, 03 Sep 2013 08:26:00 +0000

A great person attracts great people and knows how to hold them together...Von Goethe

The Arri Group is the largest world wide supplier of motion picture film equipment.

During a recent visit to Kibera Film School Thomas Binsert...Arri sales director Africa and Hart Muth Glaserthey shared alot with trainees and staff.

Thomas Binsert...Arri sales director Africa

Nyokabi Kahura

Godfrey a graduate of KFS explains to Thomas Binsert...Arri sales director Africa what the training entails

Thomas Binsert...Arri sales director Africa,,,, at Hot Sun Foundation reception

Josphat Keya program manager and Thomas Binsert

Anne Mwaniki financial manager, Nyokabi Kahura and Aida Achieng KFS coordinator.

To support the great youth of the Kibera Film School, please visit our Global Giving Page

Kiibera Film School at the Arterial Network

noreply@blogger.com (Kibera Film School) — Thu, 29 Aug 2013 05:59:00 +0000

Story by Dorothy Kangethe

On Saturday the 17^th of August 2013 an impressive delegation of Hotsun representatives attended the Arterial Network Artists workshop held at the Kenya Cultural Center, at the Kenya National Theatre.

The Arterial Network defines itself as a dynamic network of individuals, organizations, donors, companies and institutions engaged in the African creative and cultural sector. The Kenya chapter is one of several regional secretariats that are geared towards changing the working conditions and to deliver real and substantial benefits to artists on the ground.

The Arterial Network seeks to create awareness on what’s happening in the country and the world about artists and grants. It’s a Pan-African based in South Africa and is a network of artists that supports art.

The key speakers from a wide range of artistic backgrounds in attendance included the likes of;

Gakunju Kaigwa (a Kenyan sculptor)

Silvia Gishia (Director of Kuona trust)

Judy Kibinge (Filmmaker / Founder of East African Documentary Film Fund-DOCUBOX)

Buddah Blaze (Events promoter)

What I can say I learnt from the workshop was the basics of becoming an artist, believing in your dream and surviving in the budding Kenyan art scene. You’ve got to love what you do so that it gives you a reason to wake up in the morning because it’s all about passion.

Speakers emphasized the fact that it takes a lot of sacrifice to take up a practice. As well as the need to talk to people, communicate, learn more, be open-minded and network with people. This ensures that artists, whether freelance or employed have a consistent source of income and a manageable schedule. We as artists need to see beyond jobs that earn money to greater tasks in other sectors that will be more rewarding in the long run.

As for collective advice shared by advice

Don’t hold yourself back; don’t be afraid to start small.

Learn to open up, share, be ready for criticism

Success is not as overnight process, one has to start from somewhere

Quotes

Gakunju Kaigwa, a Kenyan sculptor

Passion is the main thing to get you going.

Judy Kibinge, Filmmaker / Founder of East African Documentary Film Fund-DOCUBOX

Learn to share your idea/film, be ready for criticism and always share your fears

with the people you’re working with.

Being an artist, whether on the stage or behind the camera can seem like one of the most daunting tasks but this workshop definitely made a difference for novices and experts alike. We shared a commonality that needs to be emphasized so that we can feel united and actually make an impact in the arts. I will definitely sign up for the Subscribe to the arterial Networks newsletter to keep intouch with my fellow artistes.

For more information on the Arterial Network visit www.arterialnetwork.org

To support the great youth of the Kibera Film School, please visit our Global Giving Page

A COUNTRY WITHOUT A DOCUMENTARY IS LIKE A FAMILY WITHOUT A PHOTO ALBUM

noreply@blogger.com (Kibera Film School) — Mon, 19 Aug 2013 10:23:00 +0000

Report by Kevin Kiarie

A country without a documentary is like a family without a photo album--Patricio Guzman

On Thursday 8^th August at Shalom House on Ngong Road was a beehive of activity as various filmmakers joined together for the prelaunch of Docubox website. Docubox is a website for a film fund for documentaries, an idea by Judy Kibinge, a renowned film and documentary director.

Docubox will provide a platform for documentary filmmakers from the East African region to showcase their scripts with unique and compelling stories that will appeal through trans-national lines. After submission, a panel of judge s will go through the scripts and grant will be given to the stories they believe are worth to be told.

Apart from the grant, interested filmmakers will be trained by international filmmakers on documentary filmmaking and production.

The goal of Docubox is to encourage filmmakers to continue making documentaries and telling the untold stories.

Hot Sun Foundation encouraged the idea and the student and trainers have already started compiling great stories to submit to docubox. It doesn’t come easy my fellow filmmakers let us all work hard. If you really want something and you have passion for it, spend quality time on it.

Judy Kibinge

Trainees set up to cover the event.

Kabash

FilmmakerBob Nyanja

To support the great youth of the Kibera Film School, please visit our Global Giving Page

KIBERA FILM SCHOOL ALUMNI DAY.

noreply@blogger.com (Kibera Film School) — Mon, 12 Aug 2013 08:27:00 +0000

By Kaberia Kibuthania

Without a family, man, alone in the world, trembles with the cold.....Andre Maurois

For a first time as an event planner, it is a bit hectic planning something meaningful. It takes time and dedication. Having put the Alumni day on a Sunday, it would be a bit hectic getting people together especially the fact that I had only a few days to prepare and contact all the Kibera Film School Alumni.

As the day started, it was a bit chilly and it persisted throughout the day. The organizing team got everything ready for the visitors- KFS alumni- who would be streaming in from 2 pm. The sign in sheets were ready, bitings were in plenty and music played to set the mood and at 2.30 pm the first alumni came in for the event. There was a continuous flow of visitors up till 3.30 pm when the program started.

The MC for the day, Roy Okello did a splendid job keeping everyone alert and the session interactive. First there was the ‘know what class so and so was in’, then there were various speakers from every class. These sessions were to the benefit of the current class. They were challenged on various aspects of film and networking.

“The film industry is all about who you know and how good you can prove you are” Victor Oluoch- 1st KFS class

Victor Oluoch

“You would rather drop a camera and in future every film maker will know that you are a camera person, than take a bad shot” Vincent Oduor- 3rd KFS class

These were sentiments shared by various alumni who stepped up to share some of their experiences during and after KFS. As the day went on plenty was said but what was clear is that all these alumni expressed passion as what drove them.
As a current KFS trainee, what have you achieved so far? Where are you headed and do you have the passion to drive you in your film career ahead?

To support the great youth of the Kibera Film School, please visit our Global Giving Page

My first Tazim talk!

noreply@blogger.com (Kibera Film School) — Tue, 06 Aug 2013 07:55:00 +0000

Words of Dorothy Kang'ethe.

'The will to win, the desire to succeed, the urge to reach your full potential... these are the keys that will unlock the door to personal excellence....Confucius'

I wasn't expecting much from this mythical Tazim Elkingngton (Tazim Elkington) but like every determined woman she was a force to reckon with. I don't know how she
did it but she made an impact .

It wasn't a typical motivational session, she handpicked a few of us and used out what was on our minds. kind of like a group therapy session with people I had only known for less than a month.

What I feel Tarzim did for us was show a common thread that we all share, common vulnerability that we need to be strong. Issues were addressed and each of us were held responsible for each others personal challenges. Because no one is a complete package and we're all trying to find our way in life. Tazim is a live example of the trials life throws at us and how to draw strength and keep yourself motivated.

Kibera TV interns

Trainees all ears

Friends of Tazim

Javier Moreno a filmmaker volunteer from Spain listens.

A guest who accompanied Tazim

To support the great youth of the Kibera Film School, please visit our Global Giving Page

What is Copyright!

noreply@blogger.com (Kibera Film School) — Wed, 31 Jul 2013 09:42:00 +0000

Story by Kaggai Wambui
When one hears about Copyright what goes through their minds? Firstly Copyright is one form of Intellectual Property (IP). IP is an area of law that protects and promotes the creations of mind. The other form of an IP is Industrial Property, which entails protection of trademarks, service marks, utility models, patents even industrial designs. Copyright on the other hand relates to literary, artistic and musical works.

So what is Copyright? It refers to an exclusive bundle of rights granted by law to creators. Creators can be authors of literary works, producers of audio-visuals works and films, architects, performers, broadcasters and even photographers.

The importance of Copyright protection to the creators is to balance the interests of the public and those of the creators. It is important to keep the creators motivated so that they may continue to promote their creativity activity for cultural, social and industrial progress for themselves and the state as well.

Copyright protects the expression of an idea from being copied without authority; it does not however protect the concept or idea.

The first owner of a Copyright work is its Creator, for example Musical works- Producer, Photographs- Photographers and Cinematographic work- Producer. Copyright protection offers a Rights owner with the following;

Economic Rights, the rights to;

Reproduce in any material form

Distribute to the public by way of sale, rent, lease, and hire loan.

Perform the work in public.

2. Moral Rights. This entitles the author to claim authorship of the work and object

to distortion or mutilation prejudicial to his honors or reputation.

3. Related Rights. The Rights of producers of sound recordings.

Broadcasters’ Rights and Performers Rights.

The Copyright protection in majority instances lasts for the life of the creator plus 50years. If the creator is unknown the period of protection is 50 years from date published. Audio-visual works, photographs, sound recordings and broadcasters are protected 50 years from the date of publication.

The KENYA COPYRIGHT BOARD (KECOBO) is a state corporation established under section 3 of the Copyright Act CAP 130 of the laws of Kenya its mandate is to administer and enforce Copyright and related rights in Kenya.

Located in NHIF Building in Nairobi, Kenya authors of varies works can get their publications copyrighted for as low as 1000 shillings per work.

When going to register one requires the following

2 original copies of the work. The work must be in tangible form including digital form for example CD, books etc.

The work must be of original authorship it must not be copied.

A dully-completed form duly filled, signed and commissioned.

Once the registration takes place the process takes about 7 working days.

To support the great youth of the Kibera Film School, please visit our Global Giving Page

Passion is what drives me!

noreply@blogger.com (Kibera Film School) — Mon, 22 Jul 2013 11:22:00 +0000

Story by Nathan Abusho

Passion is what drives me. Though it has never been put into real practice until I was expected to do it on 23th June, 2013, it sounded a bit ambiguous for I never knew this time will one day come but as the lay man say time will always speak. Everything I had learnt for the past three months had to be put into practice, which only made me nervous but it was clear I had to prove that my stay at Kibera Film School was not a waste of time but there was real account of time.

Time was now I had to either be a filmmaker or not, it was unusual day to me, My World-Destiny I believed I had gone through pre production well which consisted of script writing, casting and distributing the release forms; my crew and cast were ready to put every word on the script to a real action that was to be visualized, the set was designed, everything and everyone waiting for the director who was me to call it on.

Everything went as planned though the handycam that I was to use developed some mechanical problem but I was helped by trainers who were always there to help in every situation that was a bit difficult, it was a day that has always remained in my memory just like a new paint always, every day I feel that Kibera Film School is the right place for me and all that have a passion for filmmaking for I, you get to learn and practice all the aspects of film making.

To support the great youth of the Kibera Film School, please visit our Global Giving Page