Kitale Film Week has appointed Peter Mudamba as its new festival director for the 2026 and 2027 editions.
Mudamba, who is currently the programme director at Docubox – East Africa’s documentary film fund – brings more than a decade of experience in film curation, arts programming and institutional leadership. He has been involved with the Kitale Film Week since its first edition in 2023, advising on programming, mentoring young filmmakers and supporting its growth from a local showcase into a nationally recognised cultural event.
Stay ahead of Kenya & East Africa’s film and TV.
Get our stories in your inbox — Subscribe to our newsletter now.
Founded by Peter Pages Bwire in May 2022 as one of the few film festivals in Kenya (and notably outside Kenya’s capital Nairobi), Kitale Film Week has steadily built a reputation for championing independent African cinema, expanding film culture beyond major urban centres and becoming a vibrant cultural event in Western Kenya. The eight‑day festival now showcases over 90 films and engages thousands of attendees across schools, community venues and outdoor cinemas.
In this new role, Mudamba will oversee the 2026 edition, set for 26 February to 1 March, and will continue through the 2027 edition. According to founder and outgoing festival director Bwire, Mudamba brings both institutional memory and a vision for deeper community engagement, thematic coherence and strategic partnerships.
“We are delighted to have someone who knows the festival from the inside and has shaped its growth,” said Bwire. “Mudamba brings continuity, passion and proven leadership. His work at Docubox has championed marginalised voices, supported groundbreaking African documentaries and expanded access to cinema in rural and underserved communities.”
“We are entering a critical phase where Kitale Film Week must do more than screen films, we must shape audiences. Our goal is to cultivate a discerning, critical film public that values authentic, thought-provoking storytelling. We have seen remarkable growth through our school partnerships, and now we are building that same momentum at the community level through short film grants, filmmaker labs and targeted programming. We are also investing in the next generation of film critics, training young voices to engage deeply with African cinema and amplify its impact through rigorous, accessible criticism,” Mudamba said.
He added: “The themes for 2026 – freedom of expression and climate justice – are not abstract ideals. They are urgent lived realities. We believe film is the most powerful medium to confront them, and Kitale, as a cultural and agricultural heartland, must lead that conversation. With the support of our partners, we intend to deliver a focused, high-quality festival experience that leaves a lasting imprint on the region and the continent.”
Now entering its fourth year, Kitale Film Week aims to further decentralise cinema access in Trans‑Nzoia County, deepen ties with educational institutions, and continue building a sustainable platform for African storytellers. Its core pillars remain film exhibitions, youth engagement, policy discussions, and mobile community programming and strengthening legacy programmes such as the Youth Critics Circle.
EDITOR’S NOTE:
All reporting, interviews, and reviews on Sinema Focus are protected under international copyright law and the Kenya Copyright Act, 2001. No part of this publication may be reproduced, rewritten, republished, or redistributed in any form by media outlets without prior written consent. For reprint or syndication inquiries, contact editorial@sinemafocus.com.
©️ 2026 Sinema Focus / African Film Press. All rights reserved.
Never miss a moment.
Get the latest stories from Sinema Focus delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe to our newsletter now.
