Leisure 

Monday, March 24, 2014 

E.A. Film Stakeholders Form New Network

ARUSHA, Tanzania - The First Preparatory Forum of  East African Film Festivals and Film Producers has formed a new body—East African Film Network (EAFN) —and has elected an interim leadership to spearhead promotion and development of the East African film industry in the region. Inaugural meeting in Arusha agreed that full leadership to be in place in a year’s time.

The three-day meeting, which was held 12-14 March in Arusha, the Headquarters of the EAC, resolved that full elections will be convened in a year’s time. Earlier, the forum had requested the EAC Secretariat to support the operationalization of the new body, which is partly fulfilment of the Treaty’s Article 119 (c).

During the period, the Interim leadership, which is chaired by Mr. Leonce Ngabo, President of Festival International du Cinema et Audio Visuel du Burundi (FESTICAB), has been tasked with registration, setting up of the interim Secretariat in Bujumbura, which has already offered an office space, and create awareness and visibility of the new regional body.  

According to a press release the interim leaders are: Vice-President-- Professor Martin Mhando from Tanzania (CEO/Festival Director ZIFF); Secretary General—Mr. Feisal Malik from Kenya (Director, Visual Africa Productions); Treasurer—Mr. James Owaranga from Uganda (Specialist Film, Video and Cinematography). 

The Country Representatives are: Ndikumana Papy Amani, Director/Producer of Burundi Film Centre; Ogova Ondego, Creative Director Lola Kenya Screen; Tresor Senga, Director General A Thousand Hills Academy Awards (Rwanda); Mary Birdi, Festival Manager Arusha Film Festival (Tanzania); and Francis Ojede, Executive Director Uganda National Cultural Centre.

By EABW Reporter, Monday, March 24th, 2014