In order to boost Kenya's consumer appeal, the Kenya Tourist Board (KTB) along with several Kenyan film representatives will be promoting Kenya as a choice location to worldwide filmmakers and producers at The Association of Film Commission International's Locations trade show on April 11-13, 2003 in Santa Monica, California.

Producers worldwide have had a long-lasting love affair with the Kenyan landscape and its people. Kenya has made several long-term impacts in the film industry with award-winning movies such as "Out of Africa", "Born Free" and the new, highly acclaimed German film, "Nowhere in Africa", which recently won Best Foreign Language Film at this year's Academy Awards.

"Kenya has been attractive to film makers and producers for many reasons," said Betty Buyu, Managing Director of the Kenya Tourist Board, "The most important one being the varied terrain and landscapes. Kenya offers up images of every extreme: from enchanting beauty to gritty ruggedness. But not only is our terrain varied, so is our culture. We are host to over 80 different African tribes. Our land and people are so colorful."

Last year alone Kenya attracted over 300 filmmakers to Kenya. Its abundant wildlife attracts an immense amount of documentary filmmakers. To date, documentaries consist of over half of the films shot in Kenya. Yet although so many documentaries have been shot there, Kenya has not been overexposed in feature films, increasing its attraction as a top shoot locale for scouting filmmakers.

Recently, Angelina Jolie traveled to Kenya with her adopted son, Maddox, to film Paramount's "Lara Croft, Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life." The Tomb Raider movie sequel will be released in theatres on July 25, 2003. Another film scheduled to be released later this year, named "Love Actually", staring Hugh Grant, Rowan Atkinson, Colin Firth and Liam Neeson, also filmed part of the movie in Kenya.

The Kenyan government understands the importance this industry has on Kenya's image. Therefore, it has made it simple for foreign production companies to work within Kenya. By retaining a Film License through the Film Licensing Officer, film crews can access and shoot almost any region of Kenya at a cost of $18 with an additional $5/day of shooting.

Not only is the government welcoming of the industry, but there is a wide support network within the country itself in terms of film, production and post-production houses. These sophisticated production companies assist foreign filmmakers in scouting, shooting and editing, which often help slash hefty travel and lodging costs from a film's budget. These companies are highly reputable, know the area well, help scout perfect locales for specific needs, assist in retaining appropriate transportation and provide excellent location management during shoots.

By addressing Kenya's accessibility, excellent infrastructure and friendly nature, the KTB hopes to instill Kenya's appeal as a unique destination for film. By participating in the Locations Trade Show, the KTB hopes that more attention will be drawn to the area.

The Kenya Tourist Board will be representing Kenya along with Blue Sky Film, Pontact Productions, the Kenya National Film Association and the Kenya Film Production Department.

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Media Contact: Sarah Fazendin +1 763-212-4247 sarah@magicalkenya.com