March Newsletter
CEO's Desk
I am thrilled to extend a warm welcome to each and every one of you as we step into the month of March. February has been an exceptionally exciting and fruitful month for us at Media Pros Africa, filled with remarkable achievements and milestones. I am immensely proud of the dedicated efforts and unwavering commitment displayed by our exceptional team throughout this period.
We are delighted to announce the successful acquisition of new and diverse content that further enhances our position as a leading media resource company in Africa. These strategic acquisitions not only broaden our content portfolio but also strengthen our commitment to providing professional, distinguished, and revolutionary business solutions. I extend my heartfelt appreciation to the entire team for their relentless dedication in making these acquisitions possible.
In addition to our content acquisitions, we have forged meaningful partnerships that will undoubtedly contribute to our continued success. The meticulous process of negotiation, collaboration, and alignment of goals has resulted in alliances that are poised to propel us forward in the dynamic landscape of media and entertainment. We have partnered with E-Malezi for distribution of their kids animated series "Storytime with Zuri, Jasiri and Toto", "7 Deadly Sins" with Jabali Films and Grassroots Sports Network.I commend each team member for their role in building and fostering these crucial relationships.
I am excited about the momentum we have gained and the opportunities that lie ahead. March holds the promise of continued growth and success, and I am confident that, together, we will achieve even greater heights. Let us carry the spirit of collaboration, innovation, and excellence into this new month as we work towards realizing our collective vision.
Thank you for your outstanding contributions, and here's to a fantastic March ahead!
MPA'S Acquisitions Shine On Netflix!
We are thrilled to announce a momentous achievement in our portfolio as one of our acquisitions, "Mpakani," produced by Foxton Media and directed by the talented Victor Gatonye, has clinched the prestigious No. 1 spot on Netflix's Top 10 TV Shows in Kenya today! This monumental accomplishment extends beyond the success of a show; it is a celebration of a community united by a passion for storytelling and the remarkable milestones being attained by Kenyan films. As proud distributors, we are honored to be part of this historic moment.
In addition to "Mpakani," our other acquisitions are also making waves on Netflix. Impact Ed's captivating productions, "Shaina" and "Inside Story," have garnered remarkable success, resonating with audiences globally. These compelling features, characterized by unique narratives centered around themes of resilience, ambition, success, and daring to dream, have generated widespread interest.
We invite you to stay tuned to Netflix for the release of more extraordinary content from Africa, as we continue to contribute to the global stage with exceptional storytelling
Mpakani
Genre: TV Drama
Directed by Victor Gatonye
"Mpakani: Story of the North," a gripping 10-episode series, delves into the high-stakes world of a Special Intervention Team (SIT) within the Administration Police. Tasked with a crucial mission, the team is deployed to the frontlines in the fictitious town of Wajii, where they are thrust into a cat-and-mouse game with the infamous terrorist, Burhaan, who is orchestrating a devastating attack on Nairobi. Set against the tense backdrop of a regular Rural Boarder Patrol Unit (RBPU) base along the Kenya/Somalia border, "Mpakani" offers an intimate look at the complex dynamics of the six-member squad.
Inside Story
Genre: Impact(ed)
Directed by Rolie Nikiwe
Kalu, a hotshot striker from Kenya, dreams of playing professional football. Kalu moves to South Africa, begins a promising relationship with the coach’s daughter, and is on the verge of football stardom when he learns he is HIV-positive. Inside Story takes us on a remarkable journey – from rural Kenya to inner-city Johannesburg and even inside our hero’s body.
Shaina
Genre: Impact(ed)
Directed by Beautie Masvaure Alt
Shaina is the story of Shine, a teenager in Zimbabwe who doesn’t believe in herself. In the face of life-altering events, she is forced to rely on her own ingenuity and determination to face her future. It’s a story of forgiveness and friendship, creating a new family from the people who love you, and of the power inside every girl, whether she knows it is there or not.
New Acquisitions Showcase
The Wave
Genre: Feature Film
Directed by Kelvin Johns Nabukenya
The COVID 19 Pandemic strikes leaving Juliet and her husband jobless with no option but to stay home like the president instructed, the situation worsens when Juliet's husband tests positive for COVID 19 and quarantined for months leaving her helpless and penniless with the duty to fend for their four children throughout the periodic lock-downs. Amidst fear, hunger and death, Juliet fights tooth and nail to ensure survival of her children.
Storytime with Zuri, Jasiri and Toto
Genre: Animation
Directed by Truman Muteti
The magical world of the MORE Africa series storybooks comes to life through vivid narration and animation in this new video series. Each episode brings to life the laughter, lessons, and adventures from the siblings Zuri, Jasiri, and Toto. As the stories play out scene-by-scene, young viewers aged 3-11 can better visualize and emotionally connect with the characters they've grown to love while reading. Whether they are going on an exciting outing to the park, getting into a fight with each other, or going on an adventure to the village, core values like collaboration, responsibility, community, and respect are seamlessly reinforced. Connecting young audiences to daily experiences that are relatable from their own lives, the series provides a unique opportunity for children to see themselves in the characters. The read-aloud series aims to foster a love of reading, grow literacy skills, and celebrate African identity. Companion print books and supplementary activities allow kids to extend the experience.
The Dead Stay Dumb
Genre: Feature Film
Directed by Peterson Kariuki
Brandon is framed for a hit and run and he must prove his innocence by going back where it all started. But he has more than one thing to worry about, a trail of dead bodies and a relentless police detective on his back who will stop at nothing until he is behind bars. Someone wants to cover it up and will do anything to silence the witnesses. He is running out of time.
15 Years Later
Genre: Short Film
Directed by Sally Muiruri (Salthitu), Thato Mwosa
Patricia, 50’s, lives at a small town in Massachusetts. She has been living alone, workingin home care as a certified nursing assistant. Her daughter Zawadi, 20’s, is immigrating from Kenya to live with her. Patricia is not quite enthusiastic about it because she is broke, and she cannot afford to house Zawadi. She decides to ask Zawadi to look for a job as soon as possible. Zawadi is completely disliking the idea of finding a job, since her focus is in meeting and spending time with her mom. We see how each gets frustrated at the other and struggles to find a common ground, despite the frustration.
7 Deadly Sins
Genre: Documentary
Directed by Abraham Melita
This docuseries follows the rise and fall of Kenyan athletes who have succumbed to one of the 7 deadly sins which has ultimately led to the demise of their once flourishing careers. We are immersed in fascinating stories of lives lived to the max and all the pitfalls encountered along the way. They tell us of their extravagant lifestyle whilst at the top of their careers and then the shattering fall into despair and poverty. We share their journey as they recount stories of time in jail, extreme mental health conditions, corruption, heartbreak, regret, remorse and absolution.
Industry Events Highlights - Kalasha, Africa Media Festival, Kitale Film Week
We invite you to join us at the 7th Kalasha International Film and TV Market to connect, collaborate, and contribute to the vibrancy of the African media landscape together!Having collaborated with Kalasha over the years, we understand the significance of this festival in shaping the narrative of the African film and television industry.
African Media Festival
From February 21st to 22nd, 2024, the Africa Media Festival immersed participants in an extraordinary celebration of the vibrant African media landscape and innovation. Under the theme "What’s Next In Media."
At Media Pros Africa, we are committed to being an integral part of this ever-evolving media landscape in Africa. While we may not have been present at this specific event, rest assured that we are actively engaging, learning, and contributing to the exciting developments that define the future of media on our continent.
Kitale Film Week
The 2nd Kitale Film Week, held from February 4th to 11th, marked a transformative and immensely successful event for Trans Nzoia County. As we eagerly anticipate the 3rd edition of Kitale Film Week, we remain committed to nurturing industry growth, realizing the untapped potential, and showcasing the transformative power of film in Kitale.