The first-ever Kilifi Creek Festival is lighting up the coast with a week of film, art, and culture.
Running until October 18, the festival has brought together filmmakers, artists, and locals for seven days of screenings, art exhibitions, fashion shows, and creative conversation along the breathtaking Kilifi Creek.
Festival co-founder Zippy Kimundu says the event is all about taking art beyond big cities and rooting it in nature and community.
“I’m proud and honoured to be the co-founder of the festival in my adopted home town. It is a culmination of the hard work by the other co-founders, namely Mumo Liku and Saitabao Kaiyare, our talented Kilifi-based artists and the YORA Awards,” Zippy said. “I’m deeply honoured and humbled to be part of this powerful step in putting Kilifi on the map as Kenya’s next vibrant hub for film, art and storytelling.”
The festival is a collaboration between The Terrace Consortium and YORA – Year of Return Africa, running under the theme “Water is Memory, Movement and Magic.”
There are 47 screenings lined up, including 33 films from 15 African countries, showing across various waterfront and community venues.
Kenyan filmmakers like Omar Hamza (Sukari), Lydia Matata (Float), Mark Wambui (Mawimbi), and Ng’endo Mukii (Enkai) are all part of the lineup. International actor and filmmaker Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine is also in town, with his award-winning documentary Memories of Love Returned.
With Q&A sessions, workshops, and artist residencies, the festival is creating real connections and putting Kilifi on the creative map.
The Kilifi Creek Festival is still in full swing and runs until October 18.
