Exclusive interview with Peter Bwire "Telling stories from home to the world".
Peter Bwire is a filmmaker whose passion for storytelling has made him a leading voice in the African film industry. Raised in Kitale, Kenya, he discovered cinema by an unexpected route, driven by his love of storytelling rather than early exposure to film. Founder of Kitale Film Week, he has worked tirelessly to build a platform that promotes African stories while fostering local and international collaborations. In this interview, he reflects on his journey, the challenges of balancing creativity and business, and his vision for the future of African cinema on the world stage.
Career and aspirations
Jombelek: What inspired you to pursue a career in the film industry, and how did you get started?
Peter B. : I didn't grow up dreaming of working in the film industry. As a child growing up in Kitale, Kenya, I loved stories and read books from many cultures and countries. But as I didn't have a television at home, I wasn't exposed to films or programs that could have influenced me at an early age.
At first, I thought about becoming a journalist or working in the media. However, when I couldn't find a university media program that interested me, I chose to study theater and film. During my studies, I discovered the power of film as a means of telling stories that could touch people of all cultures and inspire unique emotions.
What really drew me to film was my passion for storytelling. Film became the ideal way for me to bring stories to life visually and emotionally, which is what inspired me to build a career in this field.
Jombelek: How do you define success as a young professional in such a competitive field?
Peter B.: The competition in the film industry is very strong, but the demand is even greater. Almost everyone wants to be entertained, and film is more than just entertainment: it communicates ideas and creates art. In one way or another, we're meeting someone's need, somewhere. For me, success is not about being at the top of the industry, but about creating value and filling gaps. I run a film festival and write stories. None of my scripts have been produced yet, but I already see success in the fact that I've written and finished them.
Success, for me, means making life easier, happier or more satisfying for others. Whether through storytelling, organizing a festival or other film-related activities, my aim is to create an impact and reach people in a meaningful way. That's how I define success in this field.
Jombelek: What has been the most defining moment in your career so far?
Peter B. The most defining moment of my career so far has been organizing the second Kitale Film Week. I had organized film events and launched film projects before, but none of them got beyond the initial phase. Kitale Film Week was different: it not only endured, but also transformed the way I think about East African and African cinema as a whole.
The experience changed me personally, opening my eyes to new ways of thinking about film distribution, understanding audiences and engaging with the film industry. Hosting this event twice also helped my community better understand the purpose and potential of cinema, how it can transform lives and bring meaningful change to communities. It was a turning point that reinforced my belief that cinema has the power to make a lasting impact.
Jombelek: How do you reconcile creativity with the commercial demands of the film industry?
Peter B. : I try to maintain a balance by ensuring that creativity and commercial aspects are present in everything I do. For me, creativity is part of my daily life: talking to people, playing games, traveling, reading, joking and attending events. These activities feed my imagination and keep my creative energy alive. I also write regularly, but I don't force it or stick to a rigid schedule. My work in graphic design also allows me to experiment with new ideas for hours on end, which strengthens my creative skills.
On the business side, I focus a lot on communication: listening, speaking, reading and writing. These skills help me to build and maintain strong relationships across the industry. I believe that relationships are the basis of the balance between creativity and business. Every day, I learn something new and meet people who open up opportunities for me to make things happen. By nurturing relationships and remaining curious, I can meet business demands while staying true to my creative vision.
Working locally and internationally
Peter B.: My priority is always local. I'm a firm believer in the saying "the more local you go, the more global you become", which I first discovered in a book by Ben Okri. I focus on serving my local community in Kitale, where I live, and this naturally attracts interest from people in other regions and countries.
Whenever I work internationally, in countries like the UK, France or Nigeria, it's always with the aim of improving the value I can bring to my local work. These international experiences give me the opportunity to learn, improve my skills and build relationships, which I then use to better serve my community.
Ultimately, my stories, the impact I want to create and my dedication are rooted in my local environment. Although the learning and connections are global, the heart of my work remains in Kitale.
Jombelek: What challenges have you encountered in transitioning between different cultural film markets?
Peter B.: Film markets can be difficult to navigate, as they involve buyers, sellers and observers, each with unique expectations. One of the main challenges is the scarcity of film markets in Africa, which limits opportunities to show and exchange films locally.
Another problem is the high cost of travel to these markets, which often results in a shortage of buyers. For sellers, the high expense of making films means that there are few outstanding new films to show at the markets. These financial obstacles make it difficult for someone like me, a young professional, to move freely, acquire films or close deals.
What's more, the region's film companies are small, offering few opportunities for young executives to gain experience and develop. Personally, my experience of film markets is limited due to these constraints, but I appreciate the rise of the digital market, which has made it easier to connect and do business without the need for expensive physical meetings.
Jombelek: How do you adapt your creative vision to resonate with local and global audiences?
Peter B. : In my stories, I strive to create characters and plots that are deeply human and universally identifiable. Emotions, desires and struggles are things that everyone can relate to, whatever their culture or background. I seek to tell stories that seem personal but carry themes that transcend borders, whether of love, loss, hope or resilience.
At the same time, I ground my stories in local contexts, traditions and values. By being authentic to my own culture, I create a unique perspective that can intrigue global audiences while resonating deeply with local audiences. The key is to balance the specific with the universal, creating stories that are both grounded in a particular context and accessible to people from all walks of life.
Every story I create begins with a simple, clear basic idea, which I develop with emotional depth and clarity. That way, whether the audience is local or global, they can find something in the story that feels meaningful and real to them. I mainly look for the same things when I select works for the film festival.
Jombelek: Can you tell us about a project where the combination of local and international perspectives has had a significant impact?
Peter B. : Kitale Film Week is an excellent example of the combination of local and international perspectives. Initially focused on showcasing Kenyan and Ugandan films, the event has expanded to present films from all over Africa. This expansion has had a significant impact on local artists in Trans Nzoia County, where Kitale is located, helping them to develop their storytelling skills faster and more effectively than before.
The festival's reach has also had a positive impact on the local economy. With the arrival of international organizations like the French Institute as partners, we've been able to offer a wider range of African films, which attracts more visitors to the region. Collaboration with the French and Dutch embassies has further raised the festival's profile, creating opportunities for local businesses to benefit from increased tourism, media attention and networking opportunities.
This fusion of local and international perspectives not only enhances cultural exchange, but also stimulates the local economy by boosting tourism, creating jobs and fostering new opportunities for the community. Kitale Film Week proved just how powerful a tool cinema can be for cultural and economic growth.
Travel and cultural exchange
Jombelek: How has travel influenced your narrative and creative approach to filmmaking?
Peter B.: Travel has been a transformative experience, shaping both my narrative and creative approach. It has broadened my perspective, made me feel like a citizen of the world and strengthened my respect for different cultures. Through my travels, I have gained confidence that the stories I write and present at the festival reflect the shared experiences of people of diverse races and cultures.
My first trip outside Kenya was to Uganda on a Christian mission, which helped me appreciate the similarities and differences between neighboring cultures. However, it was my time in the UK for my studies that had the biggest impact. During my time there, I met people from almost every region of the world, which exposed me to a wide range of worldviews, histories, religious practices and lifestyles. This experience made me realize that some narrative approaches are too narrow to reach a global audience, while others are too broad and disconnected to resonate deeply with anyone.
As a result, I now start with my local community as a point of comparison and contrast. This allows me to make a more personal and accessible connection with my audience, representing their experiences with honesty without losing the universal connections that make stories meaningful to a global audience.
Peter B. : London and the UK have been the most inspiring places for my work. Not only have I spent more time there than anywhere else outside Kenya, but the UK's dynamic and expansive film culture has opened up new worlds of creativity and opportunity for me.
What really transformed my experience in the UK was the deeper connection I developed with African cinema. I learned more about African cinema during my time there than I ever did in Africa. The UK is a crossroads for African film professionals: many of them visit or work here, bringing with them diverse perspectives and expertise. Whether in industry or academic circles, I found myself surrounded by people who shared invaluable knowledge about African cinema, sparking new ideas and conversations I wouldn't have had access to at home.
The knowledge I gained while studying in the UK was a game-changer. Learning from David Salas how to organize ephemeral cinema events helped me understand how powerful a tool cinema can be to mobilize and connect local communities. These lessons, combined with my background in film, gave me a solid understanding of how to balance the artistic and commercial aspects of filmmaking, an essential skill for navigating the industry.
What stands out most, however, is the way the UK has helped me understand the wider global context of African cinema. The mix of cultures, the great diversity and the dynamic exchange of ideas in London pushed me to think beyond borders, about the way in which stories are told and told.how African stories resonate on a global scale and how local narratives can connect cultures. It was in London that I really saw the potential of African cinema to reach new audiences and create powerful cross-cultural collaborations. This experience has forever influenced the way I approach filmmaking, storytelling and the creative process.
Jombelek: What cultural differences have enriched your cinematic perspective?
Peter B.: Travelling to countries such as the USA, France, Senegal, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Rwanda, Uganda and South Africa has profoundly enriched my cinematic perspective. Each culture I encountered offered unique perspectives on storytelling, helping me to appreciate the diversity of human experience.
In particular, exposure to African cultures beyond Kenya, as well as to European and American perspectives, showed me the richness of local narratives and the importance of authenticity. For example, interacting with the African diaspora in different countries revealed to me how history and identity shape narrative in different ways.
These cultural differences have inspired me to approach filmmaking with openness and curiosity, ensuring that I capture and/or show stories with respect and depth while making them relevant on a global scale. Each experience has taught me to blend cultural authenticity with universal themes, making my work more impactful with diverse audiences.
Jombelek : How do you ensure cultural respect and authenticity when working in diverse environments?
Peter B.: In my experience of working in Kenyan and African communities, diversity has to do with the wide range of languages, traditions and histories across the continent, and less with race as seen in many other places. When working in different communities, I think it's essential to immerse myself in their unique cultures and engage with local voices to really understand their points of view. At Kitale Film Week, I make it a point to work closely with local filmmakers and community leaders, ensuring that the stories we present are both authentic and respectful. I think it's about fostering an environment where the community feels seen and heard, and where every story is told with integrity.
Collaboration and industry growth
Jombelek : How important is collaboration in filmmaking, especially across cultures and industries?
Peter B.: Collaboration is key to successful filmmaking, especially when working across cultures and industries. At Kitale Film Week, partnerships play a crucial role. Tunga Media Afrika helped us manage the film in education program for students, while Docubox was essential in organizing outdoor screenings. Collaborations with filmmakers help us to offer masterclasses that elevate the skills of local talent.
Collaboration with Ugandan and international filmmakers brings diverse stories and languages, enriching the festival's offering. Local companies also contribute technical expertise and help integrate aspects of community life into the film industry, ensuring that our work is relevant and has an impact both locally and globally. These collaborations are essential to creating a more dynamic and inclusive film ecosystem.
Jombelek: What qualities do you look for in collaborators, be they directors, actors or producers?
Peter B.: For me, the most important quality in a collaborator is a true belief in the vision of the project. I enjoy working with people who share a similar passion, and who are enthusiastic about helping to bring the story to life. Beyond that, I appreciate kindness and open-mindedness. I look for collaborators with whom I can establish a personal relationship, because I believe that the best work comes from a climate of trust and mutual respect. When we can understand each other on a human level, the whole process becomes more enjoyable and fulfilling. Ultimately, it's about creating a positive, supportive environment where everyone feels valued and inspired.
Jombelek: How can international co-productions strengthen the global film industry?
Peter B. : International co-productions can significantly strengthen the global film industry by promoting collaboration across borders and cultures. Many emerging filmmakers, particularly in Africa, are eager to explore co-production opportunities but often don't know where to find them. By creating platforms or portals specifically designed to connect filmmakers from different regions, we can bridge the gap and create more opportunities for cross-border collaboration.
Co-productions enable filmmakers to combine the resources, talent and expertise of several countries, improving the quality of productions while opening up wider distribution channels. For example, African filmmakers collaborating with international studios can gain access to advanced production techniques, while bringing their unique cultural stories to a global audience. These collaborations not only expand the reach of local stories, but also create a more diverse and inclusive cinematic landscape, enriching the global film industry with new perspectives and voices.
By making it easier for emerging filmmakers to find co-production partners, we can encourage more international projects that resonate with a wider audience, strengthening both local industries and the global film community.
Jombelek: What steps should filmmakers take to promote cultural understanding through their work?
Peter B.: As a film distributor and festival director, I believe that filmmakers can promote cultural understanding by first immersing themselves in the cultures they wish to represent. Filmmakers need to do thorough research, engage with local communities and listen to the voices of those whose stories they tell. Authenticity is essential: films must represent cultures accurately and respectfully, avoiding stereotypes or misrepresentation.
Filmmakers must also create opportunities for cross-cultural collaboration, both within the film industry and with the communities they represent. By working with local talent, writers and experts, filmmakers ensure that the story reflects the true essence of the culture while enriching the storytelling process.
In addition, festivals and screenings, such as those we organize at Kitale Film Week, play an essential role in promoting cultural exchange. Showing diverse films from different parts of Africa and the world allows audiences to connect with unfamiliar cultures and understand universal themes that unite us all.
Ultimately, filmmakers should see their work as a bridge between different cultures. By fostering respect, engaging in genuine dialogue and focusing on shared human experiences, they can contribute to a deeper understanding and appreciation of the world's diverse cultures.
EnglishLooking to the future
Jombelek: Where do you see yourself in the film industry in the next five to ten years?
Peter B.: In the next five to ten years, I see myself having made Kitale Film Week a major event in the African film calendar, as well as having played a key role in building Kitale as a UNESCO Creative City of Cinema. This initiative will transform Kitale into a center of film culture and production, attracting filmmakers, industry professionals and tourists to discover the richness of African cinema.
In addition, I plan to establish myself firmly in the film distribution sector, promoting African films worldwide and creating opportunities for international partnerships.
Finally, I aim to produce 2-3 major films that not only showcase African stories but also push the boundaries of creative expression, further contributing to the development of African cinema.
Jombelek: What legacy do you hope to leave behind through your work in film?
Peter B.: Through my work in film, I want to leave behind a legacy of empowerment, connection and cultural appreciation. By making Kitale Film Week a flagship event in the African film calendar, and further developing Kitale as a UNESCO Creative City of Film, I've been able to leave a legacy of empowerment, connection and cultural appreciation.ma, I aim to create sustainable platforms that nurture African filmmakers and celebrate our stories on the world stage.
I also aspire to play an important role in film distribution, ensuring that African films reach a global audience and that African cinema is recognized as an integral part of the global film industry. Through these initiatives, I hope to contribute to the growth of a thriving and sustainable film industry in Africa that showcases our unique voices and facilitates international collaboration and cultural exchange.
Ultimately, my legacy will be one of promoting creativity, community and cross-cultural understanding, leaving a lasting impact on African cinema and creating a future where diverse stories are shared and enjoyed by audiences worldwide.
Conclusion
Peter Bwire's journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, passion and a deep belief in the potential of African cinema. His commitment to nurturing local talent while making global connections highlights the delicate balance between cultural authenticity and international collaboration. His work demonstrates that cinema is more than entertainment: it is a tool for cultural preservation, social change and economic development. His vision for the future is clear: to see African stories told authentically, shared globally and celebrated universally.
Interview by Johanne Elie Ernest Ngo Mbelek alias Jombelek
Paris (France), December 12, 2024
jombelek@gmail.com
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