Kalasha Festival and DISCOP Africa promote intra-African trade

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Kalasha Festival and DISCOP Africa promote intra-African trade --

Tue, 08 Sep 2015 14:29

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Basic Lead, organisers of the twice-yearly multi-platform content market and co- production forum DISCOP Africa, which is based in Johannesburg and Abidjan, has announced a new partnership with the Nairobi-based Kalasha International Film and TV Festival and market.

Organised by the Kenya Film Commission, Kalasha International s inaugural edition is set to take place from 26 to 30 October, specifically targeting independent producers, commissioning and distribution executives and other key players driving content business within the East African region.

The new partnership between Kalasha and DISCOP Africa is designed to stimulate co-production and distribution opportunities between Eastern, Western and Southern Africa and underscores the critical importance of intra-African trade to develop and strengthen sustainable content production and distribution industries across the continent.

Independent producers will be provided with incentives to take part in Kalasha Nairobi, DISCOP Africa Abidjan and DISCOP Africa Johannesburg, and join the DISCOPRO Academy Programme a live opportunity for independent producers to pitch, learn and meet with buyers, sales agents, financiers and sponsors.

Kalasha International s primary objective is to showcase Kenya as a major regional hub for film and TV production, and distribution across all platforms and genres, while also reinforcing the uniqueness of Kenya as a shooting location, says Lizzie Chongoti, CEO of the Kenya Film Commission. It is evident that a vibrant film and TV industry will contribute to shaping Kenya s image on an international level, foster the quality and quantity of local content produced, sharpen the requisite skills and enhance tourism; thus creating wealth and employment for the country.

Launched in partnership with the French Embassy in Kenya, Kalasha International aims to position Kenya as a world-class production hub, with the ability to service a rapidly growing cross-border and cross-cultural multi-platform content production and distribution industry.

The creative industry is essential for the economy and its growth, and Kenya has a lot to offer and to promote. Kenya s prolific arts and cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, languages, innovations and fast technical development are massively appealing for foreign investors, producers and creators, said Mr R mi Marechaux, ambassador of France in Kenya.

DISCOP Africa s mission is to effectively help established up-and-coming producers market ideas, broaden knowledge and connect with potential partners across the world, commented Patrick Zuchowicki, general manager of DISCOP Africa, who added, Joining forces with Kalasha will provide both organisations with reinforced resources to bring independents from Kenya, Cote D Ivoire, South Africa and other neighbouring countries together several times a year, help them get their projects financed and rub shoulders with production, commissioning, distribution and advertising executives playing a key role in Africa s booming television ecosystem.

During Kalasha International s inaugural edition, which takes place six weeks from now, workshops and matchmaking sessions will put a special emphasis on strengthening relationships between Kenya and South Africa and will serve as a stimulus of further collaboration between the two countries with the aim of reviving the current co-production memorandum of understanding (MOU).

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