The Kalasha awards are in their first year and already have some heavy hitters on their nominee role.  The brainchild of the Kenyan Film Commission (KFC), they are dedicated to recognizing the growing industry that is blossoming and thriving.

Some of the films nominated have already won other awards and are strong contenders for more.   The films include From A Whisper, Malooned, Killer Necklace, Formula X, By Any Means Necessary, and Benta. Included in the categories is a little known category known as the Riverwood film category.  Named after River Road, the dusty, crowded street where the films are sold, is the hub of the country’s fledgling movie industry and is finally gaining some recognition.

Voting lines will be open from 25th May,2009 to 24th June,2009. The awards, slated to take place on June 27, 2009  will include the following:

1. A showcase of Kenyan animators’ skills.
2. A theatrical journey through the history of film in the country.
3. Performances by leading entertainers.
4. A spectacular indoor firework display.
5. Cutting-edge laser shows and lights displays.
6. Hilarious skits and sketches.
7. A late-night after party at the Carnivore grounds.

THE FILM AWARDS NOMINEE LIST:

Best Leading Actor

I. Peter King [Formula X]
II. Mburu Kimani [The Race]
III. Godfrey Odhiambo [Malooned]
IV. Ken Ambani [From a Whisper]

Best supporting Actor

I. Abubakar Mwenda [From a Whisper]
II. Peter Kinuthia [Unseen Unsung Unforgotten]
III. Melvin Alusa [Formula X]
IV. Paul Njoka [By Any Means Necessary]

Best Leading Actress

I. Nice Githinji [All Girls Together]
II. Karen Lucas [Dance For Wives]
III. Janet Kirina [Benta]
IV. Corine Onyango [From a Whisper]

Best Supporting Actress

I. Mumbi Maina [Unseen Unsung Unforgotten]
II. Wambui Murima [Backlash]
III. Lydia Gitachu [Unseen Unsung Unforgotten]
IV. Mama Njeri [Village Cassanova]

 Best Cinematography

I. Unseen Unsung Unforgotten
II. Formula X
III. From a Whisper
IV. Killer Necklace

Best Editing

I. From a Whisper
II. Uncovering the Media
III. Unseen Unsung Unforgotten
IV. Formula X

 Best Scriptwriter in Original Screenplay

I. Cajetan Boy [Backlash]
II. Wanuri Kahiu [From a Whisper]
III. Steve Ominde [Formula X]
IV. Mona Ombogo [Unseen Unsung Unforgotten]

Best Film Overall

I. From a Whisper
II. Benta
III. Backlash
IV. Unseen Unsung Unforgotten.

Best Director

I. Wanuri Kahiu [From a Whisper]
II. Judy Kibinge [Killer Necklace]
III. Robby Bresson [Help]
IV. Mona Ombogo/ Njoki Mbuthia [Unseen Unsung Unforgotten]

Best Documentary Feature

I. Mo & Me
II. Uncovering the Media
III. A Voice in the Dark
IV. Unquiet

Best Short film

I. The Killer Necklace
II. Dance For Wives
III. Wale Watu
IV. Zeinabu Rudi Nyumbani

Best Riverwood film

I. The Race
II. Machangi
III. Family Betrayal
IV. Village Cassanova

TELEVISION AWARDS:

Best Actor in a Television Series

I. Arabron Osanya [Mother-in-Law]
II. Joseph Kinuthia [Tahidi High]
III. Tony Njuguna [Makutano Junction]
IV. Charles Bukeko [Papa Shirandula]

Best Actress in a Television Series

I. Linet Atieno [Wash and Set]
II. Jackline Nyaminde [Papa Shirandula]
III. Elizabeth Wanjiru [Mother-in-Law]
IV. Lucy Wangui(Judge) [Vioja Mahakamani]

Best Performance in a Comedy

I. Charles Bukeko-[Papa Sirandula]
II. Daniel Ndambuki-[Churchill]
III. Benson Wanjau(Ojwang)-[Vitimbi]
IV. David Mwambili (Inspekta Mwala)- [Inspekta Mwala]

Best TV Drama

I. Makutano Junction
II. Heartbeat FM
III. Tahidi High
IV. Better Days

Best Comedy Program

I. Churchill live
II. Papa Shirandula
III. Vioja Mahakamani
IV. Vitimbi

Best Talk Show

I. The Woman’s Show
II. Time Yetu
III. Agenda Kenya
IV. Hatua

Best TV Program Overall

I. Makutano Junction
II. The Woman’s Show
III. Destination Kenya
IV. Churchill Live

Best TV Script

I. Wamaitha Thairu [Tahidi High]
II. Mwenda Njoki[Kenya’s Secret History]
III. Natasha Likimani/Wanjiru Kairu[Tabasamu]
IV. Jennifer Gatero[Better Days]

Best TV Producer

I. Catherine Wamuyu Nguku [Mother-in-Law]
II. Tony Mwite [Wash and Set]
III. Irene Mukonyoro[Makutano Junction]
IV. Anthony Lukhwile [Churchill Live]

Best TV Director

I. Victor Gatonye [Makutano Junction]
II. Edwin Nyongesa [Wakilisha]
III. Mudegu Kibwana Onguso [Papa Shirandula]
IV. Rajeev Jain [Heartbeat FM]

Best TV Documentary

I. Making of a Nation
II. Kenya’s Secret History
III. Nobel Pokot Girl
IV. Rite of Passage

To learn more about these awards, and cast your vote, visit the website.