About Us
Kitale Film Week is an annual 8-day celebration of cinema held every February in Kitale, Kenya. The festival showcases diverse films from around the world, with a special focus on African storytelling and emerging talent. Beyond screenings, Kitale Film Week features workshops, panel discussions, and networking events designed to inspire and connect filmmakers, audiences, and industry professionals. Since its inception in 2023, the festival has become a vibrant hub for cultural exchange, creativity, and the development of Kenya's film industry.
Vision
To establish Kitale as a global hub for film and creativity, inspiring a new generation of storytellers and building a sustainable film culture that contributes to the social and economic development of the region.
Mission
To celebrate and promote the art of storytelling through film, empowering filmmakers and audiences in Kenya and beyond by fostering creativity, cultural exchange, and the growth of the local film industry.
Core Values
Our core values are creativity, inclusivity, collaboration, and excellence. We are committed to celebrating diverse voices, empowering emerging talent, fostering community engagement, and promoting the transformative power of film to inspire, educate, and connect people.
History & Achievements
Kitale Film Week began in February 2023 with a vision to position film as a tool for sustainable development in Trans Nzoia County. Founded by a team of passionate individuals from Kitale, including filmmakers with national and international experience, the festival has rapidly grown into a vibrant cultural event.
Key Achievements:
- Successfully hosted two editions (2023 and 2024), reaching over 6,000 attendees in 2024.
- Screened 95 films in 2024, showcasing diverse narratives from Kenya, Uganda, and beyond.
- Conducted impactful school screenings, engaging over 3,200 students with inspiring films like Supa Modo and Liyana.
- Hosted outdoor screenings in community spaces, promoting accessibility and cultural exchange.
- Organized masterclasses and workshops led by top industry professionals, nurturing local filmmaking talent.
- Launched a competition for filmmakers with awards recognizing excellence in various categories.
- Strengthened regional collaboration, with submissions and participation from Uganda and across the African continent.
- Partnered with key organizations, including the Kenya Film Commission, to provide quality programming and enhance local film infrastructure.
With its focus on storytelling, skill development, and cultural exchange, Kitale Film Week continues to inspire filmmakers and audiences while contributing to the region's creative and economic growth.
Our Team
Kitale Film Week Management
Peter Pages Bwire
Founder & Festival Director
With a strong commitment to empowering storytellers and fostering cultural exchange, Peter has played a pivotal role in transforming Kitale into a vibrant hub for film and creativity. His leadership and dedication have been instrumental in shaping the festival into a platform that celebrates diverse voices, nurtures emerging talent, and drives regional development through the power of cinema.
Wangui Ngunjiri
Competition Manager
With her expertise in curating and evaluating cinematic works, Wangui plays a crucial role in ensuring the festival's competition highlights exceptional talent and storytelling. Her dedication to promoting creativity and collaboration has been vital in fostering artistic excellence and celebrating diverse voices in the film industry.
Joel Tugaineyo
Festival Coordinator
With a focus on fostering regional collaboration, Joel has been instrumental in strengthening ties between filmmakers in Kenya, Uganda, and beyond. His thoughtful curation and dedication to showcasing impactful stories have helped elevate the festival as a platform for cultural exchange and creative growth.
Kitale as a host city
Nestled in the scenic highlands of western Kenya, Kitale is a charming town known for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant community, and stunning natural landscapes. As the agricultural hub of Trans Nzoia County, Kitale offers a unique blend of rural charm and urban energy, making it an ideal setting for creative expression and storytelling.
Home to iconic landmarks such as the Kitale Museum and Mount Elgon National Park, the town provides a picturesque backdrop for the Kitale Film Week. Its growing infrastructure, welcoming hospitality, and central location have made it a hub for filmmakers, tourists, and cultural enthusiasts alike.
Kitale’s commitment to nurturing creativity is further reflected in its aspiration to become a UNESCO Creative City of Film. Through the Kitale Film Week and other initiatives, the town is positioning itself as a dynamic cultural destination, where art and storytelling drive social and economic transformation.