Watch 'Verax" -Edward Snowdens Movie on Youtube

Verax is a five minute YouTube make believe movie trying to create conversation that the ex CIA Spy Edward Snowden may have had  with Chinese authorities at the Mira Hotel in Hong Kong.The amateur movie beats hollywood to a high drama movie surrounding the "rogue spy " Edward Snowden and is expected to go viral on the internet.The reality though is that "Verax" rather than satiate curiosity may just create the grounds for major movie on the controversial ex CIA Spy who has exposed Washington and the Obama Administration to major embarrasing diplomatic fiasco both among perceived foes and friends withthe EU expressing shock at the allegations that the USA has been spying on its European Allies and its member states.

However lets face it-spying never died down it went tech after the cold war and all those Countries exclaiming shock have major skeletons in their closets.Its one thing to speak what is amusing to the media and its quite another behind those sealed "secret/intelligence briefings or meetings"that each Country has.Furthermore if a Country has not been doing it,trust me they wish they had!

KIMANI MARUGE'S “THE FIRST GRADER” SELECTED AS THE FESTIVAL OPENNER

“THE FIRST GRADER” SELECTED AS THE FESTIVAL OPENNER

…….As a record 450 films are received surpassing the set target of 365 films.

Nairobi August 30, 2011: The First grader, the movie about Mzee Maruge, the Kenyan octogenarian who enrolled in primary school in 2003 at the age of 84, will be the festival opener during the ten-day Kenya International Film Festival (KIFF) that will run from October, 21 this year.

The award winning film was selected by the Kenya International Film Festivals (KIFF) Trust as the festival opener because of its relevance and stature among so called “Kenyan films” that have been produced this year. The Festival organisers are currently reviewing over 450 films that have been received in preparation for the annual festivals that will have simultaneous screenings in Nairobi, Nakuru, Mombasa, Eldoret and Kisumu.

The Kenyan based film which was produced by Richard Harding of Sixth Sense Productions has already received ten awards from film festivals worldwide. The film which is based on the true story of Mzee Maruge who started school at the age of 84 features Kenyan actor Oliver Litondo starring as Maruge, also in the cast is award winning actress Naomi Harris as Maruge’s teacher, Vusi Kunene and Tony Kgoroge.

The film is based on the true story of Mzee Maruge, depicts him as an 86 year old man with a desire to read a letter from the Office of the President that had been addressed to him and he wanted to understand the contents of the letter, he is however unable to read as he has never been to school. He then enrolls to begin school upon the government’s directive to offer free primary education.

Mr. Charles Asiba the festival director said: “The film is very much in tune with our theme on leadership as it explores the opportunities that came in with a change in governance in Kenya that ushered in a new government that offered free primary education for all”.

This year’s film festivals whose themed is ‘Leadership; the Next Generation’ has surpassed its target of having 365 film. Forty five of the 450 films received by KIFF are Kenyan. The categories with highest entries were 106 short stories and 87 documentaries.

The country which sent in the most films was Kenya with 48 film entries, followed by Germany with 37 films and Poland with 32 films.

Other films that were received were 22 films in the Student films category, 21 Experimental films, 44 animation and 45 feature films.

Mr Asiba said : “From the few films that we have so far classified and had a quick look through, shows that the quality of entries this year have improved. We are very impressed by the level of creativity, style and approach displayed by film makers this year” remarked Asiba.

KIFF jury is currently reviewing the films and will announce and award the winners of each category during the festivals. The categories that will be awarded include Best Short film, Best Student film, Best documentary, Best Actress, Best Actor, Best Director, Best East African Film, Best Feature Film as well as Special Jury prize.

2011 KENYA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

OVER 250 FILMS RECEIVED FOR 2011 KENYA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

Call for Film Entries to Close in Two Weeks

Nairobi July 28, 2011: Filmmakers who want to participate in this year’s Kenya International Film Festival have now up to August 14 to submit their entries. The festival, set for October 21 to October 31 has so far received 250 entries.

The Kenya International Film Festivals commonly known as KIFF is inviting film makers to send in their films for various categories such as Long Features, Documentaries, Short Features, Animation, Student Films and Experimental Films to be featured at this year’s event.

The KIFF will award winners in all the categories as well as Best East Africa film, Jury Award, Best actor and Best actress. The organization is holding its sixth annual festival since its inception. The festival is a unique array of 10 days that showcases best film entries from all over the world in various towns and countries.

In 2010 the film festivals saw 5 out of the 10 awards go to Kenyan films. They included Gill Wilsons ‘Why Now’, Jeff Mohamed’s ‘One Goal, One Hope’ and Best East African Film went to Hawa Essuman’s ‘Soul Boy’. Other awards went to film makers from Ethiopia and Belgium.

The year’s theme is ‘Leadership – Next Generation’.

According to the Festival director Mr. Charles Asiba the theme was developed in line with Africa’s mood, the changes in the continent and its need for good and accountable leadership.

“Do you know for example, all four presidents in Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi and Kenya are facing an election in the next 12 months? These are challenging times for many African countries and we want to give African’s an opportunity to tell the world and to express what their thoughts on leadership are”, said Mr. Asiba while speaking during an interview.

This year the Film Festivals screenings will be held simultaneously in various towns including Nairobi, Nakuru, Kisumu, Mombasa, and Eldoret. Mr. Asiba expressed his satisfaction in the growth of Kenyan film sector saying that there will be many Kenya films to be aired during the festival week.

Mr Asiba said “We are so far impressed by the levels of professionalism and record number of 250 entries that have come in so far. Our target was 365 films but we are not complaining”.

Filmmakers are encouraged to send their DVDs and cassettes to the KIFF either by registered mail or drop them at KIFF offices.

Nollywood's Nkem Owoh Kidnapped !

I hardly watch Nigerian movies, but upon persuasion from my sister , i recently devoted some time to watch some Nolly-wood movies one day.In particular i watched the comedy DVD" Osuofia in London I & II( the latter being more hilarious) starring Nkem Owoh and from that day his movies have never ceased to amaze me.

Nkem Owoh is a particularly gifted actor ,always entertaining and hardly dissapoints his audience.That being the case, i did not kindly receive the news that Nkem Owoh had been kidnapped at Enugu-Port Harcourt Nigeria via Bella Naija's Blog earlier this month.

The Kidnappers however released Nkem Owoh unharmed after a negotiated ransom of Nigerian Naira One point Four Million was paid.Nkem Owoh has several accolades to his name including the 2008 African Movie Movie Academy Awards Best Actor in A Leading Role in the movie "Stronger Than Pain" .

It is really disappointing to see Africa take up the culture of kidnapping. However for Nigerian Movies , i find Nkem Owoh's movies watchable as compared to some of Nolly wood's stereotype movies featuring Witchcraft(Juju) ,Love Portions,the usual story lines .. etc that leave  much to be desired.Nkem has persuasively managed to convince  and arouse a truly African audience that keenly follows and watch his movies.This coming from a Kenyan blogger just illustrates his success.Congrats Nkem ,may the evil doers not suppress your apparent talent to shine within the continent and globally.

However without doubt Nolly-wood's film industry and cinematography is far much advanced than Kenya's Riverwood productions.

Kung Fu Star David Carradine Dead!

The popular star in the Tv series 'Kung Fu the Legend' David Carradine was found dead in a Bangkok Swissotel Nai Lert Park Hotel room.Mr Carradine played the character 'Kwai Chang Caine ' in the Kungfu tv series.At the time of his death Mr David Carradine was aged 72 having married five times, divorced 4 times with 6 children .

Mr. Carradine was found with a rope round his neck on Thursday June 4 2009 by a hotel attendant.This circumstances suggest" suicide "which is ironical for the character he played as a shaolin master who had control of his inner and outer self , emotions,energy and strengths.Frequently in the role he fought evil only to succumb to evil in real life.Quite tragic indeed.What perhaps used to amaze me is the way he used to"mysteriously" put off fire or candles ,that were 10 metres away in the popular tv show.He was an amazing character that entertained a generation now consisting of young executives and ceo's among them including the founders of Google. I wonder what was your favourite David Carradine moment if you had a chance to watch his movies while growing up?

Its amazing what sort of news the web churns out despite the tragedy of an event. For example this All voices News piece seems to suggest the rope thing was all part and parcel at a masturbation attempt .Could it be that behind all the glamour and showy display of life our celebrities live empty ,disastrous lives...?That aside ...he will be solely missed by many fans.Heatwave Celebrity Cruise

Gwyneth Paltrow Goop Website

There are some interesting websites online that i dont mind sharing, interesting scoops! I have just landed on celebrity personality/movie star Gwyneth Kate Paltrow's GOOP.COM website where she is sharing some of the awesome information that she has acquired due to her stature in society.

The site has a pleasant interface, simple but elegant. But what perhaps interests me is that i can download some of her favourite yet simple recipes. The website mantra is "get the scoop from goop" For a celebrity personality i find Goop.com to be a cut above the rest and i hope her perfomance in the new Iron Man 2 Heatwave Celebrity Cruise
movie will be similarly pleasant!

I-See-You.Com( The Movie)

I-See-You. Com the movie is particurlarly hilarious(movie rating-ADULT) .What perhaps the movie highlights is the growing interest by many to view reality tv or unedited happenings of real life affairs. The cast of the movie include Mathew Botuchis (Colby)in the movie playing the role of son of Lydia(Rossana Arquette) and stepson of toilet seller Harvey Bellinger(played by Beau Bridges) .Colby obssesed with eavesdropping on his stepsister Audrey Bellinger( played by Baelyn Neff) implants spy cams in her bedroom and broadcasts the same on the internet! Her raunchy activities generates hits for the website I-SEE.YOU.COM generating income of $17,000 a week whereas the family is experiencing financial difficulties!

To generate more sales Colby decides to put up a webcam in all the rooms thereby leaving the families randy affairs exposed to the whole world.Overnight they become online celebrities.Enventually they come to know about it but are infurriated -however due to the financial enticements they decide to play along!To make it more interesting they hire a sexy looking italian macho man cook named Ciro(Victor Alfieri) who makes both mother and daughter go crazy.All this finally gets to Harvey Bellinger, the dad who cant take it no more....

The movie is 93 minutes long Directed by Eric Steven Stahl and was released on DVD on 16 September, 2008 makes for a good laugh if you can stomach it! (you can buy it on amazon by clicking on the below poster)

TV Resource Search Engine !

Its quite interesting and suprising the kind of websites you can find online! Google made a killing with its google search engine and nowadays its possible to get your own customized search engine from various sites.

However what has struck me and i just came to know about it is this website called My TV Options at : www.mytvoptions.com .It is a legitimate search engine that enables you to find credible DirectTv providers by State or Region(service available only in the USA).Through the service you are able to know which tv channels/service providers etc are available according to your location and on which particular channel (whether analog or digital or satellite).

Often when surfing the web you will come accross sites that promise "Unlimited Movie Access, 1000 High Definition Stations"..."Unlimited Movies On Demand"..."The Best Sports Anywhere"... when in reality their packages require upgrades, pay-per-view service or contain hidden costs.Often one can even be subject to credit card fraud. My Tv Options can save you the hustle and enable you get credible providers for direct tv or satellite tv.An advantage of the service is that if you visit the website you may just get an opportunity to receive free shipping if you subscribe to DirectTV satellite television which offers over 150 HD tv channels and 3 months of free movies

My Tv Options website is customized to help you find credible TV providers according to regions .Further the regional web page aggregates the latest news, weather and events for your specific state. You can also compare prices and the ratings for the various directtv providers, local channels, DVR like Tivo ,movie channels... etc in your current State. Ron the webmaster of my tv options just saved you the hustle of trying to find out which television programming provider you should sign up with!Ain't that nice? (post brought to you by mytv options)

Satellite tv Packages

Satellite tv has increasingly become popular in Africa but unlike the European and American Market we are not so spoilt for choice!In Kenya pay/satellite tv is dominated by GTV and Mnet-Multichoice DSTV.We certainly wish we had services such as those being provided by DIRECTSAT TV . Directsat Tv is an entertainment package and satelite TV deals available for American consumers and is unrivalled in the choice of entertainment options it offers.Direct TV is in partnership with blogtelevision.net in a venture set to ensure that viewers enjoy the most of of available Direct Satelite TV entertainment available.Their package offers the best of DirecTV Deals and DirecTV Specials.

Ican vouch for the service because i know someone who has subscribed to it and often sends me the latest TV series as aired on HBO. But Direct Satellite Tv Deals has more to offer apart from satellite tv, movies, sports and entertainment but also internet services.

Directv offers not only TV programing but also broadband services in conjunction withHughes Net.Interestingly their home broadband package promises delivery of speeds upto 10 megabytes per second with 5 email accounts and 24/7 tech support is priced at US $59 .99 equivalent to Kshs 4,619.23 while Safaricom here in Kenya offers this service based on internet bundles the cheapest being the current offer of Internet is at a data bundle of 300 mb at Kshs 5,999 per month.What a rip of!

Anyway i will not pick that up for now but for the American Viewers Directtv offers the best program package options in

• Sports Programming: it features NFL Sunday Ticket, Sentata Sports ,ESPN Game plan amongst others
• Direct TV Movies: including the following channels: HBO, SHOWTIME, The movie Channel, Cinemax,Sundance channel etc
• Local Channels

No wonder most people just love it...(hope they expand this sides after all the World is a digital village at the moment) and the statement on the website says it all

You can access DirectSAT TV website at http://www.directsattv.com/directv/

The Pursuit of Happyness

The long weekend (Including Kenyatta day on 20 October) gave me an opportunity to catch up on movies that i hardly get time to see.I must say of all Will Smith's movies none has captured my attention and emotions such as Will Smith's 2006 movie entitled "The Pursuit of Happyness"(I haven't misspelled the title!).
The movie is inspired by the life story of Chris Gardner(Gardner Rich & Co.Stock Brokers)...a real person and self made millionaire,entrepreneur,motivational speaker and Philanthropist who struggled against all odds to set up his own brokerage firm.(Chris Gardner)


His life mirrors that of many of us in third world countries who face uneven odds against them and have to tirelessly work out sometimes taking up jobs that are not worth our education or potential just to make ends meet!

My heart goes out to the more than 300,000 secondary students who are beginning their Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education(KCSE) and of whom only 10,000 will manage to secure places in the public universities .A majority of those who will attend universities will end up doing courses that they did not choose or have no interest in pursuing! A first degree in Kenya in many instances is much more like an identity card serves no purpose except as a basic requirement for consideration of a job vacancy.Many banks hire graduate as clerks or interns notwithstanding the course they have done and often on minimum salary!

In the movie Chris Gardner(played by Will Smith) is inherently a smart guy but ends up being thrown off his house alongside his son Christopher Jnr(played by will Smiths son Jaden Smith....quite an impressive actor!) because of non failure of paying rent thereby becoming homeless but not hopeless.Chris Garner was forced to secure daily shelter at Glide Memorial United Methodist Church Shelter while attending a non paid internship.His big break comes when he is recruited for a non paid internship at Dean Witter Reynolds, a stock brokerage firm where his impressive performance, determination and sale skills earns him his first well paying job!He arrived at the office early and stayed late each day, persistently making calls to prospective clients with his goal being 200 calls/day,he avoided taking office coffee thus spent less time going to the Gents. His perseverance paid off when, in 1982, Gardner passed his licensing exam on the first try and came into the full employ of the firm. What a movie !

The things that some of us have to do in pursuit of happiness are just enthralling.Reminds me of my dad who left his village on the shores of lake Victoria with the knowledge that he was coming to look for work and the only person he knew in Nairobi was a distant cousin.His first night he had to spend outside in the cold and woke up early the next day to go to the labour bureau. Against all odds he got work as Government clerk and worked his way up until he was a Chief Executive Officer at the Kenyan Treasury .His desire to excel saw him attending a number of courses at Harvard and i find that to be quite impressive.At my age he had much more than i have and i am moved to reflect on what i can do to be more than i am ! 'In pursuit of happiness 'im sure most of us have gone through a lot to be where we are and the stories may just be so touching and interesting.....determination and zeal are worthy qualities along that road!

Oscars this Weekend!

After a week full of routine work stuff,one always wonders what the weekend portends!Will it be the usual wine and dine,watching movies,house cleaning,going out on a date,if you are a notable blogger and take delight in blogging, well weekends may just create the time for you to blog or do something else thats interesting(for now traveling about and vacationing in Kenya is out of question!).

Well for me i may just catch one cold Tusker at Buru Buru but what im most definately looking foward to is watching the 80th Anniversary of the Oscar awards!The first Oscar academy awards was handed down on May 16,1929.From quite an early period Americans appreciated the art manifested in their film industry by their local actors.I wish the same could be said of the African film industry!

I hope that MNET will broadcast them live this Sunday Evening!.I love good movies and good acting,too sad that there is not much hype about the local movie industry.At least for the music industry there is Kisima Awards,if our local productions(including Riverwood Productions) are to develop and progress then we need notable local film and movie festivals to reward and recognize talent.Interestingly the only Oscars not to have been broadcasted live was the 1929 one,ever since all the rest have had almost fever pitch media broadcast.For local film industry to prosper the media must play an exciting role educating the masses on the talent that is out there,we need to recognize our producers,directors,screen writers,actors and actresses,authors and other key personnel that contribute to good entertainment.The local actors also need a a feel of the red carpet.At the same time a local film award ceremony may just create a market for the local fashion industry and designers to showcase their products through celebrities.

Well for now im going through the nominee list at least to see what i've watched and it seems i have poor movie habits.I can trace movies like Bourne Ultimatum which is slotted in Best Sound Editing,Best Sound Mixing and Best Film editing categories.Ratatouille is nominated in the Best feature film category,Pirates of the Caribean:At Worlds End is slotted for best make up and visual effects.In the Leading Actor role category we have the perennial giants,Johhny Depp,George Clooney,Tommy Lee Jones,Daniel Ray Lewis and Viggo Mortensen!Now thats action to look foward to.Have a nice weekend!

Online Cinema Booking-Nu Metro Cinemas

Its a weekend as usual many Kenyans will out and about nairobi maybe catching a bite on nyama choma at the local joints or going to watch a movie at their favourite cinema halls(village market,Nakumatt Junction,Prestige,Sarit Centre,Twentieth Century,Kenya Cinema..etc).Personally im moved to go watch a movie,however i cannot book online .Not only that ,i cant even get the listings via the web! what a shame!

Kenya has two screening rivals the Fox Theatre Group with nine screens and the Nu-Metro Cinema stores with 10 screens however none of the companies have embraced online booking meaning internet lovers cannot browse for the latest movie listings.The only way to go is by looking at newspaper listings,TV adverts or by physically going to the cinema halls.I find that to be archaic.With websites taking a huge chunk of movie advertisements i find the local competitors to be selling themselves short.

Futhermore im sure that most of the tourists visiting Kenya after being to Maasai Mara,Lake Magadi,Mombasa,Serengeti etc when back at the City from the confines of their hotel rooms would really love to surf the internet and get the latest movie listings and directions to the Cinema halls from the official distributors sites!As for now there left with little choice apart from kenyaclubbers site a website with local cinema listings!What they get at home should definately not miss in Kenya.

We have websites such as flixter having quizes,listing,new releases,movie previews ...etc .I hope the Local South african based Nu Metro cinemas and Fox Theatres will take this suggestions firmly.Advertise using the internet please...we are not that behind!


(UPDATE) from Frida's comment hereunder it seems in After a almost a year since this post my concerns have been addressed) now that's blogger power!Thanks Nu Metro we appreciate