Kenya’s growing film industry is getting ready for an exciting year in 2025, with many short film festivals planned to showcase new storytelling talent from the country.
As more people enjoy local stories, these festivals will give both experienced and new filmmakers a chance to show their creative short films to eager audiences across Kenya.
The Kenya Short Film Festival will kick things off from June 12 to 15 in Nairobi. This event, organised by the Kenya Film Commission, will celebrate the variety of Kenyan stories, focusing on films that are 30 minutes or shorter.
Amina Hassan, the festival director, shared that this year’s festival will highlight important social topics like climate change and helping young people, showing how Kenya’s culture is changing.
Filmmakers can send in their films starting May 1, and early signs show that there will be many entries this year.
In Kisumu, the Lake Victoria Short Film Festival will take place from August 20 to 23, shining a light on local talent from western Kenya.
Now in its fifth year, this festival is known for discovering genuine voices from filmmakers who may not have a lot of resources.
Organisers expect to show more than 50 short films at Dunga Hill Camp and will also offer workshops to help improve skills in making films and writing scripts. Festival coordinator James Otieno said, “We’re creating a creative space by the lake.”
Mombasa will have the Coast Short Film Showcase from September 10 to 13, a newer festival that is becoming very popular.
This event will be held at the historical Fort Jesus and will feature stories from the coast that mix Swahili culture with modern ideas.
Last year’s first showcase attracted 2,000 people, and they hope to reach even more in 2025 thanks to new partnerships with local art groups. Filmmakers can send in their works, which should be under 20 minutes, until July 15.
Meanwhile, the FilmAid Kenya Film Festival will take place from October 15 to 20 in Nairobi, with additional screenings in Kakuma and Dadaab refugee camps. This will be the 18th year of the festival.
Known for giving a voice to those who are often overlooked, this festival will show short films made by refugee filmmakers alongside those made by Kenyan professionals.
“These films are more than just entertainment—they are a way to connect,” said Leila Njoroge, the program manager for FilmAid.
People in the film industry believe that Kenya’s short film festivals are becoming more popular because of the rise of digital platforms and a young, creative population.
Though the exact films that will be shown are still being decided, festival organisers say that the lineup will include different styles, like stories, documentaries, and experimental films.
Tickets will be affordable, with some prices starting as low as KSh 200, and there will also be options to stream the films online, making it easier for everyone to enjoy.
