The Kenya Film Commission (KFC) has made a call for submission of public views towards the formulation of The EAC Film & Audiovisual Co-Production Treaty and its accompanying Protocol. The board is looking for written comments and recommendations from the public submitted to info@filmingkenya.go.ke by Tuesday 14th July 2026 by 5:00pm.
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KFC Invites Public Input on Landmark East African Film Co-Production Treaty
The Kenya Film Commission (KFC) has invited filmmakers, producers, broadcasters, investors, creatives and members of the public to submit their views on the proposed East African Community (EAC) Film & Audiovisual Co-Production Treaty and its accompanying Protocol.
The public participation exercise presents a good opportunity for stakeholders to help shape what could become one of the most significant policy frameworks for the East African film and audiovisual industry. Written comments and recommendations are being sought before the submission deadline of Tuesday, 14 July 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
According to the draft proposal, the treaty seeks to establish a common legal framework that will enable filmmakers and production companies from EAC Partner States to officially collaborate on film, television and other audiovisual productions. If adopted, qualifying co-productions would be recognized as national productions in participating countries, opening the door to broader financing opportunities, improved market access and stronger regional collaboration.
What the treaty aims to achieve
The proposed treaty is designed to strengthen East Africa's creative economy by:
- Promoting official cross-border film and audiovisual co-productions.
- Improving access to regional financing, grants and investment opportunities.
- Harmonizing policies governing film production across EAC Partner States.
- Strengthening copyright protection and anti-piracy measures.
- Simplifying the movement of cast, crew, equipment and production services across borders.
- Encouraging investment in training, research and the preservation of East Africa's audiovisual heritage.
- Establishing common standards on labour practices, child protection, ethical production and data privacy.
For many industry players, these measures could reduce the administrative and financial barriers that have historically limited regional productions, making it easier for East African stories to reach continental and global audiences.
Building on regional cooperation
The proposed EAC treaty does not emerge in isolation. Kenya has already taken steps toward strengthening international film partnerships, including a bilateral audiovisual co-production agreement with South Africa signed in 2022. That agreement was intended to expand financing opportunities, facilitate skills exchange and increase market access for productions in both countries.
Across Africa, there is growing momentum towards formal co-production agreements. Industry trackers indicate that more than 20 African countries now participate in official film or audiovisual co-production agreements, reflecting an increasing recognition of the creative economy as a driver of cultural exchange, employment and economic growth.
Globally, countries continue to modernize their co-production frameworks to attract investment and expand access to international funding. Recent examples include the updated Canada–South Africa Audiovisual Co-Production Treaty, which came into force in January 2026 and gives qualifying productions access to incentives and funding mechanisms in both countries.
Why it matters for East Africa
The East African film industry has experienced significant growth over the past decade, with increasing international recognition for filmmakers from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi and South Sudan. However, financing constraints, fragmented regulations and limited distribution channels continue to hinder the industry's full potential.
A regional co-production treaty could make it easier for filmmakers to pool resources, attract investors, access multiple markets and tell stories that resonate across borders while strengthening the East African creative economy.
How to participate
Stakeholders are encouraged to review the draft Treaty and Protocol and submit their comments before the deadline.
Draft documents: https://lnkd.in/d79rsJEF
Email submissions: info@filmingkenya.go.ke
Deadline: Tuesday, 14 July 2026, 5:00 p.m.
With only hours remaining before the consultation closes, filmmakers, producers, broadcasters, writers, investors and other creative industry stakeholders are encouraged to make their voices heard on a policy that could shape the future of East Africa's audiovisual sector for years to come.
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