Oscar-winning actress Angelina Jolie is in talks to direct a biopic of Kenyan politician and conservationist Richard Leakey's fight with ivory poachers,titled Africa.
In a bid to woo Hollywood into filming upcoming Angelina Jolie's movie in Kenya, the Kenya Film Commission is working on an incentive package for the film.
Since the American filmmakers announced an imminent production of the film dubbed Africa, and going by the current trend of film-making in Africa by international producers, there is a likelihood that the movie might be filmed in South Africa. The film is about the life and times of Kenyan politician, palaeontologist and conservationist, Richard Leakey.
"Regarding the Richard Leakey film, we are in touch with them (producers) and seeing if we can arrange a bespoke incentive package that would work for them and which would be acceptable to Treasury and the KRA," says KFC chairman, Chris Foot.
He added that Kenya is losing its foot as a favourite filming destination in Africa due to the high taxes levied on filmmakers and lack of substantial incentives.
"We are currently losing out to countries like South Africa and Morocco on account of the substantial tax rebates that they offer. KFC would like to offer a tax rebate but the ultimate decision will be with Treasury. As an alternative we are putting together an incentive package based on possible tax and VAT exemptions, which we are hoping Treasury will agree to," says Foot.
However, the commission says that despite its continued efforts to actively market Kenya as a film destination overseas, it has become increasingly difficult as its budget "has been substantially reduced". It claims that throughout this year, it has been running on a zero development budget.
"It is vital that we get these big features filmed in Kenya as they bring in substantial revenue, help build our film capacity and skills, provide employment, positively brand the country and ultimately help promote tourism," Foot said.
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