DISCOP Africa Partners with Kenya’s Kalasha International

NAIROBI/JOHANNESBURG: Basic Lead, which organizes the twice-yearly DISCOP Africa events, has partnered with the Kenya-based Kalasha International Film & TV Festival & Market to promote and encourage intra-African trade.

The new partnership between the markets is designed to stimulate co-production and distribution opportunities between Eastern, Western and Southern Africa. Independent producers will be provided with incentives to participate in Kalasha Nairobi, DISCOP Africa Abidjan and DISCOP Africa Johannesburg, as well as to join the DISCOPRO Academy Program, a live opportunity for independent producers to pitch, learn and meet with buyers, sales agents, financiers and sponsors.

Organized by the Kenya Film Commission, Kalasha International’s inaugural edition is set to take place from October 26 to 30. It will target independent producers, commissioning and distribution executives and other key players driving the content business within the East African region.

“Kalasha International’s primary objective is to showcase Kenya as a major regional hub for film and TV production and distribution across all platforms and genres, while also reinforcing the uniqueness of Kenya as a shooting location,” said Lizzie Chongoti, the CEO of the Kenya Film Commission, who added, “It is evident that a vibrant film and TV industry will contribute to shaping Kenya’s image on an international level, foster the quality and quantity of local content produced, sharpen the requisite skills and enhance tourism, thus creating wealth and employment for the country.”

“DISCOP Africa’s mission is to effectively help established and up-and-coming producers market ideas, broaden knowledge and connect with potential partners across the world,” commented Patrick Zuchowicki, the general manager of DISCOP Africa. “Joining forces with Kalasha will provide both organizations with reinforced resources to bring independents from Kenya, Cote D’Ivoire, South Africa and other neighboring countries together several times a year, help them get their projects financed and rub shoulders with production, commissioning, distribution and advertising executives playing a key role in Africa’s booming television ecosystem.”