Award-winning Kenyan thespians Philip Karanja, known as Phil Director, and Kenneth Ambani are currently in the United States, invited to participate in the 2024 American Film Showcase’s Film and TV Leadership Initiative. They are among only four Africans selected for this remarkable opportunity, joining prominent Nollywood stars Kunle Afolayan and Bolanle Austen-Peters from Nigeria.
From October 9 to 23, 2024, Karanja and Ambani will embark on an extensive tour across notable U.S. cities, including Los Angeles, California; Washington, DC; Virginia; and Atlanta. Expressing his excitement about this milestone, Karanja shared on social media, “Hollywood, it’s been a long time coming.”
During the program, Karanja and Ambani will have the unique opportunity to connect with seasoned Hollywood filmmakers in Los Angeles. They will also meet with officials from the State Department in Washington, DC, and lead a panel discussion at the Middleburg Film Festival in Virginia. Their itinerary includes significant interactions with industry and studio leaders in Atlanta, providing invaluable insights into the global film landscape.
The American Film Showcase’s Film and TV Leadership Initiative is part of a broader effort by the U.S. Department of State to support the creative economy in Africa and promote collaborative exchanges between American and African film industries. Each year, the American Film Showcase (AFS) collaborates with U.S. Embassies to feature American films abroad, engage international audiences, and conduct workshops for emerging filmmakers.
