Cohort 3 of the AFFC Storytellers Film Lab brought together 17 emerging filmmakers, ranging from beginners to intermediate-level practitioners, for an immersive development programme focused on storytelling, performance, and cinematic craft.

The cohort’s training was hosted at Park Place Business Centre, with additional sessions held at the Kenya National Theatre, where participants also conducted headshots, auditions, and casting exercises. Over 50 actors attended an open casting call, with casting facilitated through AFFC’s partner RafikiHub, strengthening the bridge between filmmakers and performers within the local industry.

The programme culminated in a sold-out red-carpet premiere at the Kenya National Theatre on 22 April, themed Enchanted Bloom: A Kenyan Wonderland. The showcase attracted an audience of over 100 guests, reflecting the strong momentum the cohort built in promoting their work and engaging audiences.

The showcase was also attended by Sanaa Post, as well as key industry figures including acclaimed filmmaker Likarion Wainaina and Peter Kawa, Chairman
of the Kenya Actors Guild, among other notable guests from the industry.

As with previous cohorts, a special screening for filmmakers aged 35 and above was included, alongside continued participation from the Kenya Film Commission, reinforcing AFFC’s
commitment to intergenerational storytelling and industry engagement.

A defining feature of Cohort 3 was its distinguished jury panel, which included:

● Enos Olik — Cinematographer, filmmaker, and educator whose work spans acclaimed projects such as Supa Modo, 40 Sticks, Crime and Justice, and Nishike. With over a decade of experience shaping visual storytelling across East Africa, his work is recognised for its strong visual language, atmosphere, and narrative depth.

● Wame (Executive Director, SHUGA Global) — A leader in entertainment-education storytelling, she oversees impactful initiatives such as MTV Shuga, using film and popular culture to address critical issues affecting young people. Her work continues to shift narratives, challenge stigma, and drive social change globally.

● Rahab Njeri is an Acquisitions and Marketing Specialist with over eight years of experience in the African film industry, working across the sourcing, positioning, and distribution of films and series for VOD and digital platforms globally. Her work focuses on how stories travel—how they are discovered, positioned, and connected to the right audiences—while consistently championing African storytelling across the continent and beyond. Together, the jury brought a powerful perspective on storytelling for impact, audience engagement, and the role of film in shaping culture.

The cohort’s films demonstrated clear growth in storytelling, production value, visual language,
and ambition. From intimate dramas to psychologically charged narratives, the showcase highlighted a strong new wave of creative voices.

Beyond the showcase, Cohort 3 has already begun to extend its impact. A group of alumni have come together to form Femme Frames, a filmmaker-led screening initiative designed to continue showcasing their work and building audiences.

Their first event featured a panel discussion with AFFC co-founder Kate Snow, and the collective continues to host screenings that generate audience engagement and income through ticketed events.

Cohort 3 represents a clear evolution of the Storytellers Film Lab—demonstrating increased confidence, industry readiness, and the emergence of filmmaker-led communities extending the life of their work beyond the programme.

17 Filmmakers. Bold Voices. A Growing Creative Movement

PARTICIPANT HEADSHOTS

Cohort 3 participants’ headshots, courtesy of RafikiHub / Eric Muiru

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FILM POSTERS