CUMP is an upcoming independent documentary and film festival drawn from Colleges and Universities that offer Film and Electronic Media studies in East Africa, and the only independent film festival in Nairobi. CUMP shall screen in Nairobi -Kenya and other East African cities and shall premiere local and international films and documentaries.
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Matthew Toffolo: What is your Film Festival succeeding at doing for filmmakers?
Karen Ndumia: My film festival’s focus is on budding film makers who are currently in university and college learning and practicing the art. The core purpose of the festival is to be a home where story tellers gather and engage in a creative space to have fun and also a networking hub.
What would you expect to experience if you attend the festival this year (2017)?
When people attend this festival they will experience purpose. Purpose of them creating stories, telling those stories and understanding their stories and those of others.
What are the qualifications for the selected films?
Being the first edition we haven’t put limited access to the entries however we accepted all shorts and features that have never been screened in any international film festival. Also the films had to be student works.
Do you think that some films really don’t get a fair shake from film festivals? And if so, why?
Yes. Because they are limited to the do’s and dont’s of single event which doesn’t necessarily make them bad films.
What motivates you and your team to do this festival?
We are motivated by the fact that there’s a sense of command in telling my stories. The power of telling your own stories your own way brings out the most authentic version of yourself and there’s no much fulfillment than that in life.
How has your FilmFreeway submission process been?
It was easy, accessible, efficient and linked me to people with fantastic stories who I couldn’t physically meet.I simply loved it.
Where do you see the festival by 2020?
My vision which I feel strongly is to transcend social barriers. I seek to not only have virtual access to those stories and the story tellers but also meet this beautiful film makers come here in Nairobi – Kenya and create more stories with us and take us through their story telling journey.
What film have you seen the most times in your life?
Growing up that should be baby’s day out. But now I can’t stop myself from watching The Last Song directed by Julie Anne Robinson over and over again.
In one sentence, what makes a great film?
An authentic story well told.
How is the film scene in your city?
My city which happens to be Kenya’s capital is called Nairobi derived from a Massai word meaning A PLACE OF COOL WATERS. It is the most dynamic city in the sense that it is culturally diverse hosting multi-ethnic groups, has an ancient touch hence a cultural center & tourist attraction, a recreational center, diplomatic center, residential center with apartments, guest houses and lodges , shopping center with high end malls, an educational center with both local and international school systems, its a well fitted modern hub boasting all manners of modern technologies and a commercial hub that host international business and organizations hence being East Africa’s larger center of business and trade.
From the Festival Director:
My name is Karen. W. Ndumia born and bred in the most beautiful and dynamic country called Kenya. In my entire growing from the age of 6 I have strongly pursued art and especially engaged my oral skills, hence participated in all forms of oral art in church and school until now. I have now grown to find my niche and after completing my high school three years ago I decided I’ll pursue Bachelor’s in Film and Theater arts at the Kenyatta University where I currently study.
With time, I have learnt the need to be relevant in the society by telling the right stories about our truest selves and how we view it through our creative eyes.
I then began to have a constant gut feeling to gather people and tell stories in a creative space. Through this time, trying to figure out how I can get to gather people in a room and have them watch diverse stories told by young people concerning societal norms that we loved and some that we needed to change,that was the birth of the CUMP FILM FESTIVAL.
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Interviewer Matthew Toffolo is currently the CEO of the WILDsound FEEDBACK Film & Writing Festival. The festival that showcases 20-50 screenplay and story readings performed by professional actors every month. And the FEEDBACK Monthly Festival held in downtown Toronto, and Los Angeles at least 2 times a month. Go to www.wildsound.ca for more information and to submit your work to the festival.
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