By Ogova Ondego
Published April 1, 2014
Filmmakers in East Africa have till April 17, 2014 to submit proposals for feature-length films to an East African Kiswahili television channel.
Nairobi (Kenya)-based Wananchi Group is looking for film producers it may commission to make 90-120-minute long films for broadcast on its Zuku Swahili Movies that it says is “the only TV channel dedicated to showcasing the best of Swahili films 24/7.”
RELATED: Poverty-Busting Preachers Invade Kenyan Television in Eye-Pleasing Choreographed Shows
“The channel seeks to respond to strong consumer demand for Africa-produced and Africa-themed programming and prides itself on the quality of its output, “Wananchi says in a statement. “We are looking for submissions that are bold, ambitious, unique, original and [that] bring a fresh outlook to East African television content.”
Asking producers to come up with concepts with “a broad viewer appeal” and “ability to travel across the continent”, Wananchi stresses that the cast of the envisaged films should be fluent in spoken Kiswahili.
To be considered, the films must have a strong theme, a significant and realistic story, a compelling plot, seamless continuity and unforgettable characters.
Additionally, the films must have a well-chosen setting and an appealing visual style with a strong selling point besides being unique, original, fresh and entertaining.
Though proposals can target either ‘family’ or ‘mature audience’, they must contain a synopsis, full Script, biographies of cast, detailed treatment, production Schedule, information on main production personnel and a preliminary budget.
RELATED: Human Trafficking-Themed Film Returns to Kampala National Theatre
Proposals are sent to:
The Commissioning Editor
Wananchi Programming Ltd
Gateway Business Park, Block E, Mombasa Road
P. O. Box 10286-00100 Nairobi, Kenya
Email: zukuswahilimovies@ke.wananchi.com.
