What ails the film industry in Nakuru?

Nakuru County is fast becoming a hub for filmmakers and actors, with many locals contributing to notable productions.

However, Nairobi remains a magnet for filmmakers seeking better opportunities, drawing talent away from Nakuru's budding film industry.

Despite this trend, a growing number of young creatives in Nakuru are committed to building a vibrant local film scene at home.

Martin Ngugi, a filmmaker in Nakuru with three years' experience, sees immense potential in Nakuru, but acknowledges critical challenges, particularly funding.

"Filmmaking is very expensive and most young people can't afford to fund entire productions," explains Ngugi. "There are government grants, but private investment is limited."

Another major obstacle is the lack of infrastructure and skilled professionals. Although some young people have received training, many graduates lack the practical experience needed to succeed in the industry.

Limited access to essential equipment and facilities further hampers efforts to produce quality films.

Ngugi stresses the importance of training programmes and mentorship opportunities to help filmmakers hone their skills and gain practical experience.

Dennis Mwangi, an emerging filmmaker and poet, highlights the lack of local distribution networks as another major obstacle.

"Most emerging filmmakers focus on short films, but these often don't go beyond YouTube. Many do not know how to distribute their work to a wider audience," Mwangi notes.

He also points to the challenge of wearing multiple hats, which can dilute focus and hinder effective execution.

"Filmmaking thrives on collaboration," says Mwangi. "Balancing a director's creative vision with the contributions of financiers and collaborators is a delicate but essential process."

Mwangi emphasises that filmmaking is a collective effort, with actors, directors, cinematographers, editors and others all working together to ensure the success of a project.

Both Ngugi and Mwangi urge the government to invest in infrastructure and foster a supportive ecosystem to attract investment, boost production and create job opportunities for young people in Nakuru.

Mwangi also calls on local filmmakers to embrace Nakuru's rich culture and history in their storytelling.
"Telling authentic stories about Nakuru not only attracts audiences but also promotes a positive image of the county and its people," he says.