StarTimes and Kenya Film Commission break ground on new voting app

Earlier today, the Kenya film commission unveiled their partnership with Chinese electronics and media company, StarTimes. The partnership was revealed ahead of the Kalasha International film awards, where leveraging on technology during the public screening and voting for the shortlisted films, will be through the development of an app.

The Commission has identified StarTimes ON, an online mobile application as a strategic platform where the shortlisted films will be uploaded for viewing and public voting from 30th October to 30th November.

StarTimes ON through its Pan Africa Online Film Festival (PAOFF) presents a unique platform for purposes of growing the awareness and public views of shortlisted Kalasha awards entries within and beyond the Kenyan borders while making the voting process as transparent as possible

This comes at a time where the advancement of technology is visible in Kenya’s economies, and is critical for the success of registering the country’s digital footprint. The Kenya film commission, was clear about its mission to develop a vibrant local film and TV industry and market. Mandating that the public also has a role to develop, promote and market the film industry.

The app, will contain information regarding the nominees of the Kalasha festival, across twenty two separate categories. “We will be uploading nominations and content to the app for the purpose of voting” Said Mr. Tomothy Owase, the CEO of Kenya Film commission.

He went on to further add, “The app interface will be customised, making the voting process transparent.” The application will be the only online voting application for the awards where entries prepared by Kenya Film Commission will be uploaded. The public will then have an opportunity to watch and vote for their favorite films on the application during the specified voting period.

This alluded to the fact that a large majority of Kenyans have access to smartphones. Handheld devices are changing the way in which information is consumed, therefore it would only be right to launch an application that is directed towards the masses. The AG. CEO for StarTimes, Mr. Hanson Wang, said “Through our mobile application, we are going to see the Kalasha awards utilize technology during the public screening.” He further emphasized that the future of access to content, is tech driven.

The app development will seize upon completion, which is on 31^st October. In attempts to streamline the industry, and engage the audience better, the app will not only assist in the voting process of nominees, but help in the generating and dissemination of vital information, and post analysis of the audience.