With advancement in not only mobile photography but also videography, phone camera enthusiasts are able to do more and more with their phones. They’re able to produce relatively high-quality output without having to invest in super expensive gear. Due to high pixel phones from phone manufacturers like Transsion group who are the makers of gadgets like Tecno and Infinix, we are now at a point where we can shoot short films using mobile phones.
One major advantage of this is that Kenyans are now able to tell the Kenyan story without having high cost of equipment as a hinderance. I could walk around with just my phone in my pocket and come back having documented some good stories about my country. So, with good phones and with good partnerships to give incentives, all that is left is for film enthusiasts to get out and film.
The Kenya Film Commission is currently running the third edition of the competition dubbed “My Kenya My Story” and in line with the health pandemic that is being experienced globally, the theme for this year is COVID -19 on staying at Home and Social Distancing.
The submission for the short films started on April 23rd and end on 3rd June, giving quite a bit of time for willing participants. The competition comes with handsome cash prizes, with the best short film standing to win Ksh.200,000, the first runners up Kshs.150,000/- and the second runners up, Ksh.100,000/-. Some much needed money in these times that have seen most people face economic disruptions of epic levels.
And the incentives do not end at cash prizes. Winners will also be getting Tecno Camon 15 devices. And have you seen those gadgets? Let’s just say that with gadgets of upto 64mp cameras, Tecno have outdone themselves this time. We’re currently in the process of doing a full review of the Tecno Camon Premier but in the meantime, go submit your short film before time runs out. What we can promise you from what we’ve seen of the gadgets so far is that once you lay your hands on them, your future photography and videography will only get better from there.
What are the requirements for submission?
– You must be a Kenyan citizen.
– The films submitted must have been produced in Kenya.
– Participants must be 18 years and above.
– The theme must be “Covid-19- Staying At Home and Social Distancing”
– All submitted films must have the tagline ‘My Kenya My Story’
– Films must be 3-5 minutes max including opening and closing credits.
– Films must be in English or any other Kenyan language. English subtitles will be required for ALL submissions, including those with English dialogue.
– There is no set number of film entries per person or group.
– Participants must submit their entries together with a signed release form.
– All documents should be submitted through FilmFreeway i.e release forms, posters, synopsis etc.
Like with any other competition, there are rules and regulations and grounds for disqualifications.
Films will be disqualified if:
– Device used is not a mobile phone.
– They exceeds 5 minutes.
– They features provocative aspects like nudity or extreme violence.
– They are uncensored or of strong language.
– They do not have English subtitles.
– They are of poor quality.