The Filamu International Student Festival recently rewarded students involved in the film industry with various awards at Laico Regency, Nairobi.

Daystar's University's Anne Marie Kubasu was all smiles as she received the best lead actress award while KIMC's Brenda Milimu won the best documentary trophy. Kenya Film Commission CEO Peter Mutie pledged support for the festival and urged all film students to get involved in its activities.

"We want Filamu to grow to a formidable festival," he said. He challenged all stakeholders in the Kenyan film industry to provide quality films that would compete on the international scene.

Eston Munyi, an executive member of the Kenya National Film Association, echoed his words stressing the need to step up direction, scripting and lighting of Kenya film work. The film industry in Kenya has been fronted as one of the avenues for job creation. The organisation's chairperson Ann Mungai acknowledged efforts to make the film industry a destination for young people in search of jobs.

Mutie urged experienced filmmakers to add value to the Kenyan film industry. In attendance were Kenya Film professionals, Television Association chairman Victor Muniafu and Ministry of Information's Victoria Goro.