Film makers at the coast are appealing to the government to offer incentives to promote local film makers as they also promote the region as a top tourism destination.
They also want film regulatory agencies in the country to align their taxation policies to cushion them from multiple taxation that are levied by county and national governments.
This they said has locked out potential film makers outside.
Speaking on the sidelines of a production set tour at the Funzi Island in Kwale county, PETE producer Daudi Otieno Anguka, says the industry growth was promising but expressed disappointment on the tough and exorbitant fees charged by the devolved units.
“The governments needs to look into the matter of levies, we are suffering as film makers because county governments are charging us and also we are forced to pay hefty fees for licenses at the Kenya Film Agencies, what we are calling for is at least a reduction or incentives for showcasing our destinations,” said Anguka.
Globally, film makers showcase unique tourist destinations as well as the rich traditional culture through Movies, consequently attracting revenue for the country through promoting tourism sector.
In Kwale County for instance, the once forgotten gem located in the Indian Ocean is now on the limelight for its rich traditional Swahili heritage and culture after attracting regional film makers.
Funzi Island, located 70 kilometers south of Mombasa, ‘a couple of kilometers’ into the deep sea off the Coast from a small village knows as Bodo is now home of ‘PETE’, a show which airs on Maisha Magic East.
“We are experiencing influx of tourists, since we got an opportunity to showcase our rich traditional Swahili culture of the Funzi” says Anguka.
Maisha Magic East child, PETE is a new Swahili soap opera led by Daudi Otieno, who is the producer of the show and a veteran cinematographer with over seven years experience.
This was evident when viewers of PETE, a show which airs on Maisha Magic East had a rare opportunity to visit Funzi Island seen as one of the local tourism opportunity that offered the indigenous communities a lifeline to make money from selling their wares.
Funzi is a well-kept gem located in the Indian Ocean and carries rich traditional Swahili heritage that lends PETE its authenticity.
“We are on the take off of the film Industry, a lot is being needed to make this industry a global business venture. If the government can lessen the levies or create a breeding environment for upcoming actors, then our dreams could be realized,” said Gilly Owino,alias Mzee Msiri an actor of the show.
The winners had an all-expense paid trip to the world of PETE where they interacted with the cast and crew and watched the live making of the show.
Winners also got the full island experience which included a boat cruise followed by sundowners as well as an authentic island meal.
Channel Head Margaret Mathore said, “Maisha Magic is happy to offer its loyal DStv and GOtv viewers this exciting and rare opportunity to interact with the TV stars they love.
