Image: ADMC from Pixabay
A recent report by the Kenya Film Commission (KFC) indicates that local Kenyan movies and songs still struggle with low viewership.
According to KFC, only 40 percent of respondents in their survey have ever watched a local film, compared to 87 percent who have viewed international films.
The question arises: why do a significant number of Kenyans prefer international content over local movies and songs?
To gain insights into this issue, The Star interviewed several Kenyans.
Maggie Owande expressed her dissatisfaction with the quality of content produced by the Kenyan film industry.
"The local film industry lacks good content in terms of picture quality. We still have a long way to go technologically to produce high-quality content. This is why Kenyans are not drawn to local content," Owande remarked.
Another respondent, Maggie Wanjiku, criticized Kenyan films for their predictability and lack of uniqueness.
Wanjiku noted that these films often follow repetitive storylines, such as the cliché plot of a poor girl meeting a rich boy and falling in love.
She also highlighted the limited distribution channels available for Kenyan movies, both domestically and internationally.
"This could include fewer theaters screening Kenyan films, limited availability on streaming platforms, and inadequate marketing efforts to reach a wider audience," Wanjiku explained.
James Kimani pointed out the stiff competition Kenyan films face from popular international movies, especially those from Hollywood and other major film industries.
These international productions typically have larger budgets, extensive marketing campaigns, and well-known actors, making them more attractive to audiences.
Kevin Maina suggested that there might be a perception among audiences that Kenyan films are not as engaging or entertaining as their international counterparts.
