Full List: Kalasha Awards 2021 Nominees Feature Big Names In Film

The Kenya Film Commission on 3rd November unveiled nominees for the 11^th edition of the Kalasha International Film and TV awards. The Chairperson of the Kalasha Awards nomination committee, Ms Valentine Zikki, noted they had received 706 entries from which a shortlist of five (5) nominees per category has been generated.

“The vetting process this year was as thorough as in the other previous years. With the help of our seven-member Jury Academy, all drawn from the film industry, we narrowed down to 145 nominees,” Ms Zikki said.

The unveiling of the nominees sets the stage for public voting which opened on 3^rd November 2021 and closes on 3^rd December 2021, just in time for the awards ceremony on 10^th December, 2021. Public voting constitutes 30% of the vote, while the jury holds 70%.

The jury members included Valentine Zikki (Kenya Actors Guild), Moses Wamalwa (Kenya Scriptwriters Guild), Emmah Kibunja (Jambowood), Earnest Livasia (Association of Animation Artists in Kenya), Simiyu Barasa (Riverwood Ensemble), Leo Mutisya (Media Council of Kenya) and Sheila Murumba (Communication Authority of Kenya).

Speaking at the launch event, the Kenya Film Commission CEO, Mr Timothy Owase, reiterated its commitment towards ensuring that Kalasha International Film and TV Awards continue to recognize and award local talent. “We remain aware of the need to continually create avenues for local film makers to be recognized for their efforts in moving the industry forward,” Mr Owase said.

With the 11^th edition, he said the Kenya Film Commission had re-affirmed its commitment to drive this agenda through the next decade and, in collaboration with industry players, ensure that local talent is showcased at home and beyond.

The Kalasha International Film and TV awards was launched 10 years ago and is held annually to recognize film makers in Kenya.

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Kalasha Awards categories for public vote

1. FILM CATEGORY: Best Feature Film; Best Short Film; Best Documentary; Best Lead Actor in a Film; Best Lead Actress in a Film; Best Supporting Actor in a Film and Best Supporting Actress in a Film.
2. TV CATEGORY: Best TV Advertisement; Best TV Drama, Best TV Comedy; Best TV Documentary; Best Host in a TV Show; Best Performance in a TV Comedy; Best Lead Actor in a TV Drama and Best Lead Actress in a TV Drama.

1. SPECIAL CATEGORY: Best Student Film; Best Student Documentary; Best Animation Production; Best Children Production.

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