Loyalties Attend Film Aid's Annual Film Festivals
By Fr. Odomaro Mubangizi, SJ
Film Aid, an international organization that harnesses the power of films to project hope and transform the lives of refugees and their host communities in Kenya, held its 17th edition of its Annual Film Festival, with a theme: “Protecting Hope. Changing Lives.” The festival kicked off on Tuesday 24th September, 2024, by showcasing films produced by refugees. The venue of this fantastic celebration was the Forum for Women Educationists (FAWE) compound, a few minutes’ walk from Loyola House.
Courtesy of Ms. Beatrice Koroit, Admin & HR Manager of Film Aid Kenya, film enthusiasts from Loyola Community, that included, Frs. Peter Otieno, James Lomulen, Atakelt Tesfay and LAP reporters, graced the event. Hundreds of students from Day Star University and USIU, and several dignitaries attended the film festival. Four films were showcased, the most moving being: ” Is it because I am girl?”, featuring a young South Sudanese girl who defied gender stereotypes and developed her artistic talent, dance, and drama, to become a celebrity. This documentary movie was among those most appreciated.
Speaker after speaker praised the creativity among refugees, and called for better policies to harness such talents in host countries. Creative industry was singled out as a game changer since with digital media and some bit of training young refugees can create content that can easily earn them income.
The climax of the 17th Annual Gilm Festival was the award ceremony held on 26th September, 2024, at Tribe Hotel near Village Market, in Gigiri. A few Loyalties had the rare opportunity of being invited to attend this high-level Award Giving event. The team was led by Fr. James Lomulen, Director of Jesuit Hakimani Centre, accompanied by two other Hakimani team: Frs. Atakelt and Paschal Isimwamu. A LAP correspondent also attended the event to cover the proceedings.
Fr. Isimwamu was the able driver who navigated the Kiambu complex road-network, assisted by a GPS. As soon as the team approached Gigiri, the lash neighbourhood of the UN Headquarters for UNEP, GPS could not identify “Tribe” Hotel! AI indeed has its own shortcomings. The team resorted to Africa AI, and sure enough, Tribe Hotel was found in no time.
The magnificent international hotel, The Tribe, was awash with activity, VIPs arriving in sleek new models of cars. The Loyalties too were geared for the event.
As soon as the MC had introduced the purpose of the event — to honor refugees who had produced films reflecting their life experiences in Kakuma and Dadaab refugee camps, refreshments were served.
Live Jazz music was played, to sooth the spirits of guests. Among the key dignitaries present were representatives from UNHCR, ILO, WFP, WFP, Golde. Glibe, Foundation, and CS Youth, Sports and Social Welfare, Hon. Kipchomba Murkomen.
HAKIMANI took this as an opportunity to network and benchmark on how to engage social issues creatively.
The award ceremony was the climax of the event, with best talents rewarded with trophies. The audience voted as the best film: “Is it because I am a girl?”.
The celebration concluded with some more refreshments of all kinds. Guests talked about the festival as a resounding success. The organizers asked by show of hands, who would like to attend next year’s film festival. The Loyalties without hesitation raised their hands in unison, alongside many others. The team headed back talking about the excellent film festival, with a promise to attend next year, and to bring along other Jesuits.
