Aga Khan Primary School, Kisumu wins several awards at the Kenya National Drama and Film Festival 2023
In April, students and staff from the Aga Khan Primary School (AKPS), Kisumu took part in the annual Kenya National Drama and Film Festival in Mombasa, in which they won a number of awards including ‘Best Picture’, ‘Best Sound’ and more.
The competition took place over nine days with the last two days dedicated to celebrating the winners’ pieces showcased at a concert. In attendance were the Cabinet Secretary of Education Honourable Ezekiel Machogu and the Cabinet Secretary of Youth Affairs, Sports and Arts Honourable Ababu Namwamba.
AKPS, Kisumu students and staff won and were runner ups in several categories, including ‘Best Picture’; ‘Best Sound’; ‘Best Actress’; ‘Best Supporting Actor’; ‘Best Actor in a Non-Student Role’; ‘Best Executive Producer’; ‘Best Script’; ‘Best Cinematography’; and more.
Additionally, “The Rising Star”, a feature film directed by the school’s Performing Arts Teacher Peter Magina and produced by the Head Teacher Kerry Ouma, was selected for the gala. The judges of the festival called “The Rising Star” one of the best films ever made by a primary school in Kenya.
“The process of filmmaking was very cumbersome,” Kerry described. “It entailed hiring different scenes and long hours of shooting; braving the early morning cold weather. All in all, there was good support from the parents, the school and unequalled commitment from the cast.”
The cast also reflected on the enjoyable but challenging filmmaking process.
“At first, I was nervous but also jolly,” said ‘Best Actor’ runner up and Grade 7 student Andy Felix. “I realised many actors have gone far with opportunities like this so I took up the role. Many think it is an easy thing to do, but you have to give it your all. It was hard but my crew and I had a lot of fun shooting ‘The Rising Star’. It was sensational.”
Parents of the school were thrilled to see their children participating in this festival.
“It was such a wonderful and exciting experience for our daughter, Alma,” said parent of ‘Best Actress’ winner and Grade 7 student Alma Yegon. “We really appreciate the school for providing a platform for nurturing the students’ talents and development for the young ones.”
Photos (top to bottom):
- AKPS, Kisumu student film crew
- 'Best Actress' winner and Grade 7 student Alma Yegon
- The students during filming
