The sixth edition of the Women in Film Awards (WIFA) was held at the Kenya National Theatre in Nairobi on March 8, 2025, to celebrate women’s contributions to Kenya’s film and television industry.
WIFA has experienced growth, expanding from 14 award categories in 2020 to 27 in 2025, reflecting women’s increasing representation and impact in the industry.
The awards aim to provide a platform for Kenyan women filmmakers, recognizing and celebrating the diversity of their voices, stories, and creativity.
Under the theme “Inspire Inclusion: Amplifying Voices of Marginalised Women Filmmakers,” the 2025 edition honoured outstanding female filmmakers, content creators, and actresses.
Notable award recipients included:
- Jane Munene – Most Influential Woman Filmmaker
- Celestine Ndinda (Wakavinye) – Best Digital Content Creator
- Sanaipei Tande – Best Actress (Film)
- Suzanne Njoki – Best Actress (TV Drama)
- Audrey Egesa – Best Newcomer Producer
- Abigail Arunga – Best Scriptwriter (TV Drama)
- Ella Imani – Best Child Actress
- Mwende Renata – Best Cinematographer
- Dr. Zippy Okoth – Most Watched On My Movies.Africa By A Woman Producer
The full list of winners
- Most Influential Woman Filmmaker: Jane Munene
- Best Sound Designer: Linda Dina
- Best Lighting Designer: Shavlin Wali
- Best Director (Film): Mkaiwawi Mwakaba
- Best Director (TV Drama): June Ndinya
- Best Student Director: Liana Namunyak
- Best Producer (Film): Shirleen Wangari
- Best Assistant Director: Sarah Gathoni
- Best Cinematographer: Mwende Renata
- Best Producer (TV Drama): Margaret Wanjiru Muriithi
- Best Producer (Documentary): Caroline Ngunjiri
- Best Newcomer Producer: Audrey Egesa
- Best Production Manager: Winnie Adisa
- Best Animator: Lydia Mugure
- Best Scriptwriter (Film): Yvonne Wamuyu
- Best Scriptwriter (TV Drama): Abigail Arunga
- Best Script Supervisor: Sheila Sila
- Best Editor: Charity Kuria
- Best Set Designer: Valcour Mariam
- Best Makeup Artist: Stacy Gichinju
- Best Costume Designer: Isabel Nyamgero
- Best Location Sound Recordist: Jedidah Akoth Awiti
- Best Child Actress: Ella Imani
- Best Actress (Film): Sanaipei Tande
- Best Actress (TV Drama): Suzanne Njoki
- Digital Content Creator: Celestine Ndinda (Wakavinye)
- Most Watched On My Movies.Africa By A Woman Producer: Dr. Zippy Okoth
WIFA, founded by Dr. Susan Gitimu, aims to elevate and celebrate the contributions of female filmmakers.
Dr. Gitimu stated, “WIFA is more than just an awards ceremony, it has become a movement. It is about acknowledging talent, providing opportunities, and advocating for a more inclusive industry. The growth of WIFA is a testament to the resilience of female creatives, and we are grateful for partners like Gordon’s who share in our vision of empowering women in the film industry.”
MultiChoice in Kenya celebrated significant achievements at the Women in Film Awards (WIFA), with multiple wins across key categories for its productions airing on Maisha Magic and Showmax.
This year’s edition saw MultiChoice Kenya’s shows and talent receive well-deserved recognition, showcasing the company’s continued commitment to empowering women in the creative sector.
Key highlights included:
- Abigail Arunga winning Best Scriptwriter – TV Drama for her work on Showmax’s “4Play.”
- Yvonne Wanjiku receiving the Best Scriptwriter – Film award for “When the Gods Argue.”
- MultiChoice Talent Factory alumni Linda Dina (Class of 2024) and Audrey Egesa (Class of 2022) won Best Sound Designer and Best Newcomer Producer for their Maisha Magic projects.
Nzola Miranda, Managing Director of MultiChoice Kenya, reiterated the company’s commitment to fostering opportunities for women in the film industry, stating, “We are incredibly proud to see our productions and talented teams being recognized at the Women in Film Awards. This reflects our ongoing commitment to promoting inclusivity and gender equality in the film industry. We will continue to support and amplify the incredible work of women in film, ensuring their stories are told, heard, and celebrated.”
The success of MultiChoice Kenya at WIFA 2025 underscores the growing influence of African storytelling and the company’s dedication to nurturing talent both in front of and behind the camera. With Maisha Magic and Showmax continuing to be platforms for groundbreaking local productions, these wins highlight the incredible potential of Kenya’s film industry.
MultiChoice in Kenya remains committed to supporting women in film, ensuring their voices are amplified and their creativity continues to shape the future of African entertainment.
