In 2010 KIFF will be celebrating 5years since its inception; in its 5years of operation KIFF has experienced remarkable growth, with each edition being better than the last. A lot of hard work, sacrifice, and teamwork has been put in by the Director, trustees, sponsors and the team and this is what has made the festival a success and at the same time contributing immensely to the continuous film development in the region.

The theme for the 5th edition is ‘Creating Linkages and Connecting People'. The adage, ‘no man is an island', also holds true in the film industry, thus: no filmmaker is an island. Film is not only a source of entertainment but can also serve to change perceptions and inform, consequently, film has become an important facet of society read mor



Awards Year 2010
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2010 KENYA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL AWARDS

Best Short: Lezare
Ethiopia
Director; Zelalem Woldemariam
for offering a tightly crafted and poetic tale of a boy, his community and the environment.

Special mention for the short : Why Now?
Kenya
Director; Guy Wilson
for its original approach to documenting the post-election violence in Kenya.

Best Student Film: Catafalque
Austria
Director; Christopher Rainer
for its arresting narrative of domestic abuse through a nuanced use of sound, space and symbolism

Special mention for Student Film : One Goal, One Hope
Kenya
Director; Jeff Mohammed
for a sensitive portrait of an inspirational athlete.

Best documentary: Shungu: The Resilience of a People
Zimbabwe
Dir: Saki Mafundikwa
for presenting a balanced and textured portrayal of contemporary life in Zimbabwe

Best Actress: Ruth Nirere (The Day God Walked Away)
for her poignant and moving performance

Best Actor: Samson Odhiambo (Soul Boy)
for his fresh, funny and mature performance

Best Director: Philippe van Leuw (The Day God Walked Away)
for the power, stark simplicity and humanity of his vision

Best East African Film: Soul Boy
Kenya
Dir: Hawa Essuman
for its beautifully realized, inspirational tale of children leading change in their communities.

Special Jury Prize: Ndoto za Elibidi
Kenya
Dir: Kamau wa Ndungu/Nick Reding
for speaking powerfully and critically across class, gender and national divides, perfectly realizing the theme of this year's festival of "Connecting People and Creating Linkages"

Best Feature Film: The Day God Walked Away
Belgium
Dir: Philippe van Leuw
for its powerful use of image and silence to tell the story of one woman's struggle to survive.