Blacksand Pictures, a Screen Australia Enterprise-supported production company renowned for its commitment to authentic storytelling and cultural exchange, is excited to announce its expansion to East Africa with the launch of its presence in Kenya.
Founded and led by CEO Kauthar Abdulalim of Kenyan heritage, Blacksand Pictures has established itself as a trailblazer in fostering cultural connections between Australia and Saudi Arabia.
With a focus on promoting diverse narratives and commercial opportunities, Blacksand Pictures is poised to make a significant impact on the Kenyan and more broadly, the Sub-Saharan film industry.
During her tenure in Australia, Kauthar Abdulalim has spearheaded groundbreaking initiatives, including the introduction of Australia's first Inclusion Rider and Muslim-specific Cultural Safety Policy within the screen sector.
Under her leadership, Blacksand Pictures has garnered acclaim for its exceptional storytelling, earning accolades such as the 'Best Short Film' award at the VMC Film Festival for 'The Ninth Tower,' which was also officially selected for the Academy-Award qualifying 69th Melbourne International Film Festival.
The launch in Kenya marks an exciting new chapter for Blacksand Pictures, as it seeks to collaborate with local talents and filmmakers, contribute to the growth of the Kenyan film industry, and showcase the rich culture and heritage of Africa to global audiences.
Speaking about the expansion, CEO Kauthar Abdulalim expressed her enthusiasm, stating, "We are thrilled to bring Blacksand Pictures to Kenya and embark on this journey of creative collaboration and cultural exchange.”
Adding “Kenya boasts a vibrant and diverse cultural landscape, with a growing film industry and we are eager to explore opportunities to support and collaborate with local talents, share stories that resonate with audiences worldwide, and contribute to the success of the Kenyan film industry."
In response to the expansion, John Gregory, the Commercial Affairs Officer at Blacksand Pictures, stated, “Alongside the Middle East, the Sub-Saharan African region stands as one of the world’s fastest-growing sectors for screen production, and Blacksand Pictures is well-positioned to make a significant contribution to content creation in this dynamic market.”
Blacksand Pictures will officially commence operations in late 2024 in East Africa, with plans to establish a head office in Nairobi.
The company aims to engage with local filmmakers, production houses, and industry stakeholders to create meaningful partnerships and produce compelling content that reflects the richness and diversity of Kenyan and East African culture.
