Kalasha Awards is Back! Kenya Film Commission Unveils 2026 Nominees for 14th Edition

The Kenyan film and television industry is once again in the spotlight following the official unveiling of nominees for the 14th edition of the Kalasha International Film and TV Awards.

The announcement was made by the Kenya Film Commission during a ceremony held at Anga Cinema Panari, setting the stage for one of the region’s most anticipated creative industry events.

Often regarded as the Commission’s flagship initiative, the Kalasha Awards celebrate excellence in film and television while recognizing the creativity and innovation shaping Kenya’s storytelling landscape.

This year’s edition carries the theme “Innovating Tradition, Re-inventing Storytelling One Frame at a Time,” reflecting a growing shift toward modern, diverse, and globally competitive narratives.

Speaking during the unveiling, Timothy Owase underscored the role the awards continue to play in nurturing local talent and elevating Kenya’s presence on the global creative stage.

He noted that the 14th edition builds on a legacy that has consistently pushed for higher standards in production quality, creativity, and professionalism across the industry.

In a significant boost for creatives, all nominees this year will receive a cash prize of Kshs. 200,000 per category.

The Commission has also expanded its scope to reflect changing industry trends by introducing two new categories dedicated to digital content creators, an acknowledgment of the growing influence of online storytelling and new media platforms.

On the policy front, Sudi Wandabusi revealed that the Commission is working closely with the government to establish a National Film Studio.

The initiative, aligned with a presidential directive, will see film studios integrated into affordable housing projects across the country, an ambitious move expected to significantly improve infrastructure and access for filmmakers.

This year’s competition attracted 185 submissions across 40 categories, highlighting the continued growth and vibrancy of Kenya’s film sector.

Out of these, 18 categories will be subjected to public voting, which opened on March 25, 2026, giving audiences a direct voice in recognizing their favorite productions.

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According to Ledama Sempele, the quality of submissions remains encouraging. He pointed out that categories such as Feature Film, Short Film, Indigenous, and International entries demonstrated notable strength, signaling increased confidence and dedication among Kenyan filmmakers.

The awards are part of a larger industry gathering, the Kalasha International Film & TV Market, Festival and Awards, scheduled to take place from April 28 to May 2, 2026 at the iconic Kenyatta International Convention Centre.

The multi-day event serves as East and Central Africa’s premier platform for screen content, bringing together filmmakers, investors, policymakers, and innovators for dialogue, collaboration, and showcasing of cutting-edge work.

Winners of the 14th edition will be announced during a glamorous gala ceremony on May 2, 2026, marking the culmination of a celebration that continues to define and shape the future of storytelling in Kenya and beyond.

Check out full nominees below: