Local filmmakers and other industry players will soon pay lower regulatory fees if stakeholders adopt a Government proposal to reduce licensing charges applicable in the film sector.
While addressing filmmakers and other stakeholders during a consultative forum, held at the Kisumu Hotel, on Friday, 5th May 2023, the Board’s Ag. CEO, Christopher Wambua, said the Government through the Ministry of Youth Affairs, the Arts and Sports, has proposed a 15% reduction in filming fees for local filmmakers.
Wambua, however, said that the licensing fees for foreign filmmakers will remain the same.
“The proposed Films and Stage Plays Act Regulations and Guidelines that have since been subjected to public participation are meant to spur the film sector by encouraging investment as well as creating more opportunities for local filmmakers to monetize their talents”,
the Ag CEO said.
Wambua added that the proposed regulations are in line with the wider Government’s policy of putting money in the pockets of content creators.
“We subjected the proposed regulations and guidelines to stakeholder participation that lapsed on 28th April 2023,”
he said, adding that the consultative forum aimed at collecting additional stakeholders’ input, comments and recommendations.
“Kisumu is among the regions with vibrant content creators and we reiterate the Board’s commitment to creating a facilitative regulatory environment for the film sector to thrive,”
the CEO said.
On the proposed self classification, Wambua stated that the Board will provide an oversight role as well as training to exhibitors of audio-visual content, especially on VOD and OTT platforms.
Other proposals in the draft regulations include imposing lower examination and classification fees on cinema operators, video shops, and dens with more screens.
A new film rating, PG 13, has also been proposed in a move to bridge the huge rating gap for content targeting children aged between 10 and 16.
The current local film ratings include the General Exhibition (GE), Parental Guidance (PG), 16, 18 and Restricted.
The proposed regulations and guidelines include: Film and Stage Plays (Film Classification) Guidelines, 2023, Films and Stage Plays (Self-Classification) Regulations, 2023, Films and Stage Plays (Film Distribution and Exhibition) Regulations, 2023, Films and Stage Plays (Film Censorship) Regulations, 2023 and the Films and Stage Plays (Cinematograph Films) (Forms and Fees), Regulations, 2023.
