Dr Jamezany James
Cultural Ambassador and Head of the Azania Filmmakers Association (Pan-Africa)
Nollywood/Africa’s film Voice
Introduction
Kenya’s Riverwood, the vibrant, grassroots film scene producing over 1,000 productions annually is a hidden powerhouse of African storytelling.
Nigeria’s Nollywood now a $3 billion industry, offers a ready model for scale, distribution and market access
By forging a strategic partnership we can amplify Riverwood’s reach, create jobs, and advance a truly integrated African film industry.
Why a Nollywood-Riverwood Alliance Makes Sense
Opportunity:
What Kenya Gains
What Nigeria Gains
Co‑productions Access to larger budgets, technical expertise and post‑production facilities.
Fresh narratives, new talent pools and regional authenticity.
Distribution: Entry into West African markets diaspora platforms, and global streaming services Diversified content portfolio and reduced reliance on single‑market sales.
Training & Mentorship: Workshops led by Nollywood veterans on acting techniques,scriptwriting, production management and marketing Exposure to low‑budget efficiency, innovative storytelling styles.
Tourism Tie‑ins Promote iconic Kenyan locations ( Maasai Mara, Lamu, Rift Valley) in films boosting tourism showcase diverse African landscapes, attracting international investors.
Policy Advocacy: Unified voice to push for favorable tax incentives, reduced tariffs on equipment and anti‑piracy laws Strengthened continental position in global forums like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Pillars of the Partnership
1.Joint Production Funds:
– Create a Kenya‑Nigeria Film Fund seeded by both governments, private investors, and development partners.
– Prioritize projects that feature Kenyan locations and multilingual scripts (English, Swahili, Yoruba, Hausa).
2. Talent Exchange Programs*
– Short‑term residencies for Kenyan directors at Nollywood studios.
– Internships for Nigerian technicians on Riverwood shoots.
3. Distribution Networks*
– Nollywood’s existing channels (e.g., YouTube, DSTV, Netflix) can host curated Riverwood selections.
– Reciprocal premieres: Kenyan festivals showcase Nollywood films; Nigerian festivals feature Riverwood picks.
4. Infrastructure Sharing*
– Use Nairobi’s growing post‑production labs and Kenya’s natural backdrops for Nigerian productions.
– Encourage equipment leasing schemes to lower costs for both sides.
5. Cultural Promotion*
– Embed Kenyan cultural motifs, languages, and tourism assets into Nollywood narratives.
– Joint participation in local and international film markets (e.g. Cannes,FESTACWOOD,FESPACO) under a unified African banner.
A Call to Action
– To Governments:* Fast‑track bilateral agreements on film permits, tax breaks, and co‑production incentives.
– To Industry Players:* Form a joint task force comprising Azania Filmmakers Association, the Nigerian Film Corporation, and Riverwood Guild to draft a roadmap.
– To Hon. Raila Odinga (of blessed memory):* Leverage your legacy of Pan‑Africanism to champion this cultural integration as a pillar of economic diplomacy.
Closing Thought
Riverwood’s authentic stories and Nollywood’s scale are complementary forces. When we align creative ambition with strategic cooperation, we don’t just grow two film industries — we shape a unified African cinema that speaks to the world.
_Let us turn screens into bridges._
Attached picture; Ghana Ambassador Stephen Sackey, Kenyan’s Cultural enthusiast Barrister Dorcas Osabwa with DrJamezany James, Cultural Ambassador and Head of the Asania Filmmakers Association (Pan-African) Nollywood/Africa’s film voice
