Jomvu Member of Parliament Badi Twalib has pledged to support budding cinematographers in his constituency as a way of empowering the youth to explore their talents.
Speaking during the launch of 'Siwema', a film by Big Shark Youth Group, the MP stated that he was ready to offer the youth support through the Jomvu NG-CDF kitty and the Uwezo Fund to assist them cover production costs.
He stated that the film industry at the Coast and the country was growing at a fast rate hence the need to invest into the industry adding that the industry has the ability to create job opportunities for the youth to help tackle the challenge of high unemployment rate bedeviling the youth across the country.
The Sunday event was graced by representatives from the Kenya Film Commission and a number of renowned coast based artists and film producers.
"As an MP I want to assure you my total support, we shall knock every government office that deals with the film industry to ensure that you receive the much needed help you require from equipment to technical support and even marketing and distribution," said Twalib.
"I want to tell you that the film industry pays, just like Hollywood(US), Bollywood (India) and Nollywood (Nigeria). Let us have hope that we can get to those heights. I believe that if we partner with government film agencies we shall be able to make you go far and make money for yourselves," said Twalib.
He further stated that he was going to do more in nurturing other talents like football promising to come up with a trial program that will see youths have the opportunity to go for trials in coastal based teams like premier league tier Bandari FC.
The MP further asked the youth to put effort in the academics even as they explore their talents while cautioning to shun drugs and gangs.
"I want to beseech you to shun violence especially as we approach the next general elections, democracy allows you to support a candidate of your choice, but don't fight because of politicians, politics will come and go," he added.
Also present at the event was Stephen Konde, a renowned coast-based film production manager for the Swahili series 'Pete' who promised to offer technical support to the budding cinematographers.
"I am here today with part of my crew to offer these young lads support, we shall give them technical know how by exposing them on the best equipment and on how to produce standard films, we shall organize a workshop for them to improve their skills," said Konde.
He added that they were wiling to sponsor one of their film to propel them to international standards.
