Kitale Film Week is Western Kenya’s premier film festival, dedicated to building audiences, nurturing new talent, and amplifying African stories that matter. Held in the vibrant town of Kitale, the festival combines world-class screenings with education, community engagement, and industry dialogue.

Now entering its fourth edition (22 February – 1 March 2026), Kitale Film Week has grown into a regional hub for film culture. Our mission is to create a space where cinema sparks conversation, inspires young people, and connects local stories to global audiences.

What makes us unique:

Audience First – From open-air mobile cinemas to school screenings, Kitale Film Week reaches thousands of young viewers who are discovering cinema for the first time.

Education Driven – We run one of Africa’s most innovative Film in Education programmes, bringing films directly into classrooms and launching the Youth Critics Circle.

Regional Identity – With special categories for East African films, African language cinema, and stories from Trans Nzoia, we champion films that celebrate cultural identity.

Industry Engagement – The festival brings together filmmakers, policy leaders, and partners to shape the future of African film distribution and audiences.

Filmmakers submitting to Kitale Film Week become part of a growing movement to build a sustainable African screen ecosystem. Selected films are screened before diverse audiences, receive media attention, and compete for awards judged by both industry professionals and youth critics.

Above all, Kitale Film Week is a festival with heart and vision: rooted in its community, committed to African filmmakers, and open to global voices who believe in the power of cinema to change society.

Join us in Kitale, where stories spark movements.

For more information, visit KitaleFilmWeek.org.

Awards & Prizes

FROM 2026 ONWARDS

1. Core Artistic Awards

Best Narrative Short Film
Awarded to the most outstanding short fiction film (under 40 minutes) demonstrating strong storytelling, direction, and cinematic craft.

Best Documentary Short Film
Recognises a short non-fiction work that offers a compelling perspective, investigation, or creative documentary style.

Best Animated Short Film
Honours innovation and creativity in animation, regardless of technique (2D, 3D, stop-motion, hybrid).

Best Narrative Feature Film
Awarded to the best feature-length fiction film (over 60 minutes) with excellence in direction, writing, acting, and production.

Best Documentary Feature Film
Recognises the most impactful feature-length documentary that combines strong cinematic storytelling with social or cultural relevance.

2. Regional & Cultural Identity Awards

Best East African Film
Celebrates the finest film (short or feature) directed or produced by a filmmaker from East Africa, spotlighting the region’s creative leadership.

Best African Language Film
Awarded to a film that foregrounds African languages, strengthening linguistic and cultural identity through cinema.

Best Debut Director (First-Time Filmmaker)
Recognises an exceptional first-time director whose work signals a promising career in filmmaking.

Best Trans Nzoia / Western Kenya Film
Celebrates local talent by awarding the best film made in or about Trans Nzoia and Western Kenya.

3. Audience & Emerging Voices Awards

Audience Choice Award
Selected by festival audiences, this award highlights the most popular film of the festival across all categories.

Best Student Film
Awarded to the best short or feature film made by a student, fostering the next generation of filmmakers.

Best Film in Education
Recognises a film effectively used in classroom or community settings, demonstrating impact on learning and civic engagement.

Youth Critics Award
Given by trained youth critics, recognising a film for artistic merit, relevance, and resonance with young audiences.

4. Special Recognition
Innovation in Film Award
Celebrates a filmmaker or project that pushes creative or technological boundaries (e.g., experimental formats, climate storytelling, VR, or cross-media projects).

Impact Storytelling Award
Recognises a film that drives civic dialogue, advocacy, or measurable social change (e.g., Freedom of Expression, Climate Justice).

Rules & Terms

Kitale Film Week 2026 – Rules & Terms

1. Eligibility
Films must have been completed after January 1, 2024.
Both short and feature films are accepted.
All non-English films must include English subtitles.
We welcome films from across the world, but priority is given to African and Global South filmmakers.

2. Submission
Submissions are accepted exclusively through FilmFreeway.
Only completed films will be considered (no works-in-progress).
Each film must be entered into one main category, but may be eligible for additional awards (jury’s discretion).
Student films must provide proof of enrolment during production.

3. Selection
All entries will be reviewed by the Kitale Film Week selection committee.
Selected films will be notified via FilmFreeway.
The festival reserves the right to program films in a category different from the one submitted, if more appropriate.
Due to the large number of submissions, feedback cannot be guaranteed.

4. Screening Formats
Accepted formats: Digital file (MP4 or MOV).
If selected, filmmakers must provide a high-quality screening copy by the deadline communicated.
The festival may create a watermarked screener for internal jury and press preview purposes.

5. Awards & Jury
Films are eligible for awards based on their category (see “Submission Categories”).
The festival juries are composed of African and international industry professionals.
Audience Choice and Youth Critics Awards will be determined by public and youth jury voting.
Jury decisions are final.

6. Rights & Permissions
By submitting, filmmakers confirm they own or have cleared all rights for images, music, and content (including certification and rating for Kenyan Audiences through the Kenya Film Classification Board).
The festival may use up to 2 minutes of clips, posters, or stills for promotion.
Screening at Kitale Film Week does not affect a film’s copyright ownership.

7. Accessibility & Community
Kitale Film Week aims to support African filmmakers, especially youth and first-time directors.
Submission fees are kept affordable, and waivers may be granted for filmmakers from marginalised backgrounds or underfunded contexts (case-by-case).
Selected filmmakers will be invited to participate in panels, workshops, and education programmes during the festival.

8. Agreement
By submitting, filmmakers agree to the festival’s Rules & Terms.

The festival reserves the right to update these rules where necessary, while remaining fair and transparent to filmmakers.
13 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Glady Mwende

    Thank you for the opportunity to be part of this magical experience

    March 2026
    Helpful
  • Koussé Yssouf

    A fantastic festival. See you with the next film.

    July 2025
    Helpful
  • Samuel Wanjohi

    A growing festival with so much passion and zeal for the Kenyan and African film spectrum. The future is bright with them in the space. I am grateful to have participated with my film!

    February 2025
    Helpful
  • Ciku Films

    I had an amazing time. To many more!

    February 2025
    Helpful
  • HASIFAH NAKITENDE

    It was a pleasure pur first film getting selected and screened!

    February 2025
    Helpful