• The jury was tasked with finding films that illuminated the pressing issues of climate change and advocated for a sustainable future for the current generation. 

In the face of the global climate crisis, the Kenyan film industry has taken a proactive stance by championing climate awareness and action. In April 2024, the Kenya Film Commission launched the 7th edition of its "My Kenya My Story Mobile Phone Film Competition," inviting participants aged 18 and above to submit films on the theme of "Climate Change: Lights, Camera, Planet - Films that Shape Our Climate Agenda."

During the award ceremony on June 29, 2024, Susan Gatimu, a representative of the jury selected for the competition, said, "We realized that climate change is a global crisis that affects us in many ways, and because of climate disasters like drought and floods, many sectors in Kenya are negatively impacted."

The jury was tasked with finding films that illuminated the pressing issues of climate change and advocated for a sustainable future for the current generation. The jury noted that the film submissions also helped to address misconceptions about environmental pollution and climate change within the community.

"We felt that this is a gap that needs to be addressed, and stakeholders can take this opportunity to educate filmmakers and the public about the realities of climate change," Gatimu added.

The Principal Environment Officer of the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), who attended the award event, further emphasized the importance of urgent climate action. According to him, climate change is not a one-time problem but a recurrent issue that requires a proactive approach.

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"We cannot run away from the impacts of climate change because it is there, and we are still going to experience it unless we take positive action to address the causes," he said.

The film industry was urged to play a crucial role in creating awareness about climate change, its impacts, and how humanity can mitigate or adapt to the challenges.

Timothy Owase, the CEO of the Kenya Film Commission, lauded the exceptional creativity and commitment to environmental conservation demonstrated by the competition participants. "Through your innovative storytelling, you have showcased Kenya's natural beauty and sparked important conservation elements about climate change," he said.

Recognizing the power of storytelling for social and economic change, Owase encouraged filmmakers to use their influence wisely to contribute to Kenya's growth and environmental sustainability.

The event's guest speaker, Mr. Vincent Onyango, the Acting Director of the Department of Film Services, emphasized the vital role of technology, particularly mobile phones, in driving change in the face of escalating environmental challenges.

"These devices are not just tools for communication, they are platforms for innovation and transformation," he said, highlighting the significance of the mobile phone film competition in addressing the climate crisis.