Kenyan filmmakers push for increased funding, copyright reforms -The Standard Health

Kenya’s film industry is enjoying unprecedented international attention.

Local productions are earning places at prestigious festivals, streaming platforms are increasingly seeking African content, and Kenyan filmmakers are collaborating with partners across the world.

Yet behind the growing recognition lies a difficult reality.

Many filmmakers still struggle to finance projects, protect their intellectual property, secure distribution and build sustainable careers.

Industry leaders say talent is no longer Kenya’s biggest challenge. Instead, the next phase of growth will depend on stronger government support, better financing models, effective copyright protection and fair co-production agreements that enable Kenyan filmmakers to compete globally while retaining ownership of their stories.

These issues dominated discussions at the second Docubox International Partnership Summit (DIPS) 2026, where filmmakers, producers, distributors, policymakers and cultural leaders from Africa and beyond explored ways to strengthen Africa’s creative economy.

Docubox East Africa Film Fund Executive Director Susan Mbogo said meaningful partnerships must go beyond funding individual projects and instead strengthen the entire filmmaking ecosystem.

“For us, a meaningful partnership is one where both sides are invested in the long term. It might mean sharing knowledge, opening doors to new markets, strengthening institutions or creating opportunities for filmmakers. The best partnerships don’t just help one project get made, they leave the entire ecosystem stronger than they found it,” she said.

Mbogo also called for greater government support for the industry. She said stronger copyright enforcement, greater awareness of intellectual property rights and transparent policies are essential if filmmakers are to benefit fully from their creative work.

Beyond policy, financing remains one of the industry’s biggest hurdles. Many independent filmmakers continue to rely on grants and donor funding, making it difficult to build sustainable businesses. Industry players are urging governments to recognise film as a key pillar of the creative economy by introducing tax incentives, accessible financing, production rebates and regulations that encourage investment.

Kenyan film and television producer Njoki Muhoho said the country’s film sector has made significant progress over the past decade but remains in what she describes as an “incubation” stage. While Kenyan creatives are increasingly gaining international recognition, she said the industry has yet to unlock its full commercial potential.

International co-productions are increasingly being viewed as part of the solution. By partnering with producers, financiers and distributors from different countries, filmmakers gain access to larger budgets, technical expertise and global markets. However, industry experts caution that such partnerships must be fair.

Mohamed Said Ouma, Executive Director of Documentary Africa, said successful co-productions begin with strong producers who understand contracts, financing and intellectual property. Too often, he said, African filmmakers enter co-production agreements without adequate legal or business advice.

He said years of research, script development and creative work have significant value and should be recognised during negotiations. He also urged the government to make Kenya a more attractive filming destination by strengthening copyright laws, simplifying licensing procedures and introducing incentives that attract quality investment.

Distribution remains another major obstacle. Although streaming platforms have expanded demand for African stories, many Kenyan films still struggle to reach local and international audiences after production. Without reliable distribution networks, filmmakers find it difficult to recover production costs or generate income to finance future projects.

Chike Nwoffia, a Docubox board member and founder of the Silicon Valley African Film Festival, said collaboration has become the industry’s greatest asset. He said partnerships should focus not only on funding but also on sharing expertise, opening new markets and creating long-term opportunities for filmmakers.

As Kenya’s film industry continues to grow, stakeholders agree that success will require more than creative talent. Strong government support, innovative financing, effective copyright protection, better distribution systems and equitable co-production partnerships could transform filmmaking into a thriving creative industry, one where African stories are financed, protected, owned and celebrated both at home and around the world.