In response to increasing concerns regarding the management of intimate scenes and safety protocols in Kenyan film productions, MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF), in collaboration with Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and the Kenya Film Commission, hosted Kenya’s inaugural Masterclass on Intimacy Coordination and Safety on Set.
The two-day workshop, conducted on October 1st and 2nd, gathered over 100 industry stakeholders from East Africa to address critical issues related to the safety and well-being of actors during the filming of intimate scenes. This initiative came in the wake of a recent survey that revealed a troubling prevalence of sexual harassment and discomfort surrounding intimate scenes in Kenyan productions.
Victoria Goro, MTF Eastern Africa Academy Director, stressed the urgency of tackling these challenges. “With a significant number of young women pursuing careers in the film industry, it was imperative to initiate a dialogue on safety and well-being on set. This Masterclass provided a platform for industry professionals to learn best practices, foster a culture of respect, and ensure that intimate scenes are filmed in a safe and ethical manner,” she stated.
Bodo Immink, GIZ Country Director, commended the initiative, saying, “By bringing together industry professionals, we have not only raised awareness about critical safety issues but also generated valuable insights and actionable steps. Moving forward, we aim to continue collaborating with all stakeholders to implement these recommendations and ensure lasting positive change in the film industry.”
Timothy Owase, CEO of the Kenya Film Commission, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the necessity for professionalism across the industry. “The Kenya Film Commission is committed to advancing the professionalism of the film industry. By hosting this Masterclass, we address a crucial aspect of production that often goes overlooked. We believe that it is important to empower young professionals in the industry with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate intimacy-related storytelling with respect and sensitivity.”
