Exploring Kenya through films
Films impact our lives in more ways than one can imagine. Most of us will admit to falling in love with not just the story, but also with the characters and the beautiful locations in films. Through its romantic numbers and dream sequences, Bollywood has influenced the tourism of many countries around the world. The late Yash Chopra perfected this art, and in recent times, film-makers such as Imtiaz Ali, Zoya Akhtar and Vikas Bahl are carrying forward his legacy. We have travelled to Corsica in France, (Tamasha; 2015), Prague in the Czech Republic (Rockstar; 2011), Turkey (Dil Dhadakne Do; 2015), Amsterdam in the Netherlands, and Paris in France (Queen; 2014) and a variety of destinations through the movies of Imtiaz, Zoya and Vikas.
Harshad Bhagwat, director, India International film Tourism Conclave (IIFTC) says, “Younger film-makers are eager to discover offbeat destinations be it unexplored Africa or distant South America to add the exotica to their films. Countries such as Kenya, on the other hand are making special efforts to showcase their mesmerising natural beauty and exotic wildlife on the celluloid. To woo Indian film-makers Kenya has partnered with IIFTC, which is taking place in Mumbai from February 23 to February 25. IIFTC will witness the largest ever congregation of representatives from over 20 countries coming to meet the Indian film-makers.”
Jacinta Nzioka, director marketing, the Kenya Tourism Board, says, “In its fifth year, IIFTC is also instituting an award to celebrate the work of some of India’s finest film-makers for their contribution to tourism through cinema. The event, which has rapidly become a landmark for scouting film locations, is expected to be visited by some of the biggest banners of Bollywood and the makers of mega regional films such as Kabali (2016; Tamil), and Baahubali, (2015; Telugu and Tamil), Chander Pahar (2013; Bengali).”