No, we are not chasing away Hollywood film makers - Government responds to Caroline Mutoko's attack

The government has denied that it has been chasing away Hollywood and other international film makers who want to shoot movies in the country.Former radio host Caroline Mutoko attacked the government and accused it of frustrating international film makers intending to shoot in the country.According to Mutoko, an upcoming film called "Crown" was moved to South Africa after the Kenyan government frustrated the producers."In the case of the TV show "The Crown" the reasons the producers opted to film the Kenyan scenes, in South Africa are understandable. South Africa offers a tax rebate of 35 percent on spends of up to the equivalent of Sh43 million and 25 percent for spends past that mark. However, filming in Kenya is legally restrictive and the government does not give competitive incentives, so much so that it’s cheaper to build a mini-Kenya in another country for a movie scene," she quoted a Daily Nation article in her Vlog.Ezekiel Mutua, the Chief Executive Officer of Kenya Film Classification Board(KFCB),however, denied the claims saying Kenyan supports film making.In a long letter the CEO explained how they operate and why Kenya is just as good as South Africa.I have had time to listen to the commentary by Caroline Mutoko, alleging that a film based on the life of Kenyan community organiser and entrepreneur Kennedy Odede will be filmed in South Africa and not Kenya.In the video, Mutoko claims the alleged choice of South Africa over Kenya is because filming in Kenya is prohibitive. She further attributes this development to corruption in Government, suggesting that Government officials ask for kickbacks so as to render services.This is an insult to the diligent and hard working public servants. It’s a demeaning generalisation and a deliberate misrepresentation of facts by someone who should know better.To suggest that every Government officer is corrupt is offensive and an insult to the public service. Mutoko should therefore withdraw the statement and apologise for making claims that she cannot corroborate with evidence. Not every government official is corrupt; just like not every journalist is corrupt. The insinuation is, therefore, both malicious and unfair.But Having duly listened to the commentary, let me set the record straight on substantive issues raised as follows:1. There is no evidence that the film will be shot in South Africa and not Kenya. Ms Mutoko’s sentiments are based on rumours and information that could be incorrect.2. The producers have not approached KFCB for a filming licence and denied an opportunity to film in the country.3. Several other international films have been shot on location in Kenya, and the country is considered among countries with the best filming locations in the world. If the filmmakers opt for South Africa, it is not because of prohibitive filming costs in Kenya but unique preferences considered by the producers that have nothing to do with costs.4. The KFCB filming licence issued to local filmmakers is the same issued to international filmmakers.5. While the claim that the film will be shot in South Africa is yet to be verified, the choice of South Africa (if true) can only be attributed to an individual producer preference of the location, influenced by the nature of his script and the way he wants it to come out. It has nothing to do with the false suggestion that the regulatory environment in Kenya is prohibitive.6. Granted, South Africa has better film policies and technology. But one of the key challenges we have in Kenya is multiple licences issued by County Governments. Film licensing is a national function and the sole mandate of the Kenya Film Classification Board in line with the Film and Stage Plays Act, CAP 222 of the laws of Kenya.Yet, some of the County Governments are chasing away film makers by charging illegal fees. We hope to address this matter comprehensively and conclusively through the review of Cap 222 but also the ongoing discussions with the Council of Governors.Dr. Ezekiel Mutua, MBS Chief Executive Officer Kenya Film Classification Board