The Ikon Awards successfully hosted its prestigious Filmmakers Soirée in Nairobi on Sunday, 16 November 2025, at The Location Rooftop. The event brought together influential creatives from across Africa’s film and television ecosystem, strengthening collaboration, co-production opportunities, and cross-border industry growth.
The Nairobi edition is part of the build-up to the fourth annual Ikon Awards ceremony scheduled for 23 November 2025 in Kampala, Uganda. It follows the highly successful Lagos soirée held on 27 September 2025, which attracted major industry figures including Ramsey Nouah, Chris Odeh, Majid Michel, Clarence A. Peters, and Damilola Adegbite.
In Nairobi, directors, producers, screenwriters, actors, animators, cinematographers, editors, distributors, and fashion and costume creatives engaged in conversations about partnerships, talent development, and strengthening Africa’s creative value chain.
“We were thrilled to host filmmakers in Kenya and to have productive conversations around building collaborations between ourselves,” said Humphrey Nabimanya, film producer and founder of the Ikon Awards. “Africa’s film industry continues to grow, and gatherings like these help us connect the voices shaping our continent’s storytelling.”
The event also highlighted the rising influence of Kenya’s film and content industry, which has become a hub for young talent, digital creators, regional co-productions, and global streaming opportunities.
The soirée underscored the importance of pan-African engagement at a time when the creative sector is poised for exponential growth. UNESCO’s 2021 report on Africa’s film industry estimates that the sector employs around five million people and contributes approximately USD 5 billion to the continent’s GDP. Strengthened networks, financing, and distribution remain critical for unlocking its full potential.
