Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL), through its Tusker brand, has teamed up with acclaimed filmmakers Primary Pictures for a mentorship program aimed at nurturing 27 emerging talents in the film industry.
As part of the partnership, the brand has committed Ksh. 17 million through its ‘Nexters’ platform through which it has committed to providing a stepping stone for aspiring film professionals under the guidance of renowned Kenyan cinematographer Tosh Gitonga. As a part of this initiative, Primary Pictures, with Tusker’s support, has produced the TV Series ‘Volume’ scheduled to premiere on Netflix on 20th December 2023.
Speaking during the partnership announcement in Nairobi, Wanjiru Murage, Tusker Brand Representative said that the program is part of the brand’s long-term commitment to supporting the next generation of stars in various fields. She highlighted the evolution of Tusker Nexters from a celebration of Tusker’s centenary milestone to an expansive platform encompassing music, sports, and now, the film industry.
“When we launched the Tusker Nexters platform last year as we celebrated Tusker’s centenary milestone, we sought to create a platform for youth to shine and exhibit their talents in music and sports. It was a stage for the next generation of stars to shine and propel their dreams forward. This collaboration is therefore a continuation of our commitment to fostering talent, and we are delighted by the progress we have made so far, by expanding the program to support the film industry. In alignment with our brand values, our aim is to emphasize the potential of young talents when given a unique opportunity, and that’s why the Tusker Nexters platform is very important to us,” said Wanjiru.
“Our collaboration with Primary Pictures under the leadership of Tosh Gitonga has resulted in the mentorship of 27 budding cinematographers and we are already seeing the fruits with the production of ‘Volume,’ which is not just a source of entertainment but a representation of our commitment to nurturing the next generation of filmmakers, and while at it, ensuring inclusion and diversity takes center stage,” she added.
Scheduled to premiere on Netflix on 20th December 2023, ‘Volume’ is poised to make a lasting impact on Kenya’s cinematography landscape. Tosh Gitonga, renowned for his contributions to the film industry sees this collaboration as a transformative force shaping the future of cinematography in Kenya. He lauded KBL’s support for the program, noting that it will go a long way in supporting emerging talents in the film industry:
“In the filmmaking industry, supporting the growth and development of emerging talents is very important. The ‘Volume’ series and the mentorship program stand as testament to the incredible potential that lies within our youth. Tusker’s commitment to this cause is commendable, providing a platform for these aspiring filmmakers to learn, create, and shine. This partnership exemplifies the unyielding optimism needed to propel the industry forward, and I am truly excited to witness the impact it will have on shaping the future of cinematography in Kenya.'”
Tosh Gitonga, popularly known as Tosh, is a celebrated Kenyan filmmaker and cinematographer known for his contributions to the East African film industry. He gained recognition for his work on the critically acclaimed Kenyan film “Nairobi Half Life,” which was Kenya’s official submission for the Best Foreign Language Film category at the 85th Academy Awards. Among his other notable productions include Disconnect (2018) and The Nairobians (2022).
