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Kitale, Kenya — Kitale Film Week, one of East Africa’s most promising cultural festivals, has announced the naming of Mudamba Mudamba (Peter Mudamba), a respected figure in African documentary and independent cinema, as its new Festival Director for the 2026 and 2027 editions.
Mudamba brings more than a decade of experience in film curation, arts programming and institutional leadership, including his current role as Programme Director at Docubox, East Africa’s leading documentary film fund. He has been intimately involved with the Kitale Film Week since its first edition in 2023, advising on programming, mentoring young filmmakers and supporting its growth from a local showcase into a nationally recognised cultural event.
Mr. Mudamba’s arrival at the helm marks a new phase for Kitale Film Week, the Trans Nzoia-based festival that has steadily built a reputation for championing independent African cinema and expanding film culture beyond major urban centres. Since its founding in May 2022, it has grown into a vibrant cultural moment in Western Kenya. The eight?day festival, founded by industry ecosystem builder Peter Pages?Bwire who has been festival director since the first edition, has rapidly expanded to showcase upwards of ninety films and engage thousands of attendees across schools, community venues and outdoor cinemas. Docubox has faithfully contributed to the festival’s vision of amplifying African documentary storytelling and nurturing local audiences.
“We are entering a critical phase where Kitale Film Week must do more than screen films — we must shape audiences,” said Peter Mudamba Mudamba. “Our goal is to cultivate a discerning, critical film public that values authentic, thought-provoking storytelling. We have seen remarkable growth through our school partnerships, and now we are building that same momentum at the community level through short film grants, filmmaker labs and targeted programming.
We are also investing in the next generation of film critics, training young voices to engage deeply with African cinema and amplify its impact through rigorous, accessible criticism.
The themes for 2026 — freedom of expression and climate justice — are not abstract ideals. They are urgent lived realities. We believe film is the most powerful medium to confront them, and Kitale, as a cultural and agricultural heartland, must lead that conversation. With the support of our partners, we intend to deliver a focused, high-quality festival experience that leaves a lasting imprint on the region and the continent.”
In his new leadership role, Mr?Mudamba Mudamba will oversee the 2026 edition, set for 26 February to 1 March, and will continue through the 2027 festival. He will bring both institutional memory and a vision for deeper community engagement, thematic coherence and strategic partnerships. His work at Docubox has championed marginalised voices, supported groundbreaking African documentaries and expanded access to cinema in rural and underserved communities.
Commenting on the this new chapter of leadership, the Kitale Film Week board said: “We are delighted to have someone who knows the festival from the inside and has shaped its growth. Mr. Mudamba brings continuity, passion and proven leadership.”
Under his stewardship, KFW aims to further decentralise cinema access in Trans?Nzoia County, deepen ties with educational institutions, and continue building a sustainable platform for African storytellers. In his tenure, the festival will maintain its core pillars—film exhibitions, youth engagement, policy discussions, and mobile community programming—while strengthening legacy programmes such as the Youth Critics Circle.
Mr?Mudamba Mudamba steps into the position at a pivotal moment. With the festival entering its fourth year, his entry into the role signals a shift from start?up momentum into institutional consolidation, offering confidence to partners and audiences alike.
For media enquiries, interviews or press access to forthcoming announcements, please contact the Kitale Film Week press team via info@kitalefilmweek.org or visit www.kitalefilmweek.org.
Mudamba Mudamba speaks at the 3rd Kitale Film Week’s opening night on 2nd February, 2025. [Photo: Shortwave]
Mudamba Mudamba speaks at the 3rd Kitale Film Week’s opening night on 2nd February, 2025. [Photo: Shortwave]
Mudamba Mudamba speaks at the 3rd Kitale Film Week’s opening night on 2nd February, 2025. [Photo: Shortwave]
A school audience at St. Joseph’s Girls High School, Kitale during the 3rd Kitale Film Week in February, 2025. [Photo: Abel Waweru]
A school audience at Matisi Friends Secondary School watches a screening of Zippy Kimundu and Meena Nanji’s ‘Our Land, Our Freedom’ during the 3rd Kitale Film Week in February, 2025. [Photo: Shortwave A school audience at St. Joseph’s Girls High School, Kitale during the 3rd Kitale Film Week in February, 2025. [Photo: Abel Waweru]
An outdoor audience at Kipsongo Centre watches a screening of Kang'ethe Mungai’s Wamaitha during the 3rd Kitale Film Week in February, 2025. [Photo: Shortwave
