Comedian, filmmaker and media entrepreneur Eddie Butita has unveiled an ambitious new initiative aimed at reshaping the country’s film landscape and unlocking opportunities for local creatives.
Dubbed “Slate 100,” the project seeks to develop and produce 100 films while nurturing a stronger film culture in Kenya and across Africa.
At its core, Slate 100 is designed to address one of the biggest challenges facing Kenyan filmmakers which is lack of access to opportunities.
Speaking during the launch, Butita emphasized that Kenya is rich in storytelling talent, but many creatives struggle to translate that talent into commercially viable productions.
“Kenyan storytellers have the talent but not always the opportunity,” he said.
The initiative aims to bring together filmmakers, writers, producers and other industry professionals under one umbrella, creating a collaborative ecosystem where ideas can be developed into fully realized projects.
Unlike traditional film initiatives that focus on isolated productions, Slate 100 is built around scale and sustainability. A long-term vision to produce 100 films over a defined period while simultaneously building infrastructure and networks within the industry.
A central pillar of Slate 100 is the idea of developing a vibrant film culture in Kenya, something Butita believes has been lacking despite the country’s creative potential.
According to him, the absence of a strong audience base and consistent consumption of local content has made it difficult for investors to view Kenya as a viable film market.
“This is because we do not have a strong film culture to convince people that our films can really sell,” he noted during the launch.
To address this, Slate 100 will not only focus on production but also on distribution, visibility, and audience engagement, ensuring that films reach viewers and generate sustainable returns.
The initiative is expected to operate across multiple fronts: film production, talent development, collaboration, distribution Support, and industry Growth.
Butita has also called on industry stakeholders including actors, directors, writers, and investors to join the initiative, signaling that its success will depend on collective participation.
Butita has urged creatives to sign up and be part of the movement, framing Slate 100 not just as a project, but as a collective effort to redefine the future of African storytelling.
