Kenya will host Da Vinci International Film Festival – Tourism CS Miano
By Cynthia Lodite, August 14, 2025Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebbeca Maino has announced that Kenya is set to host the first-ever Da Vinci International film festival in Nairobi in 2026, marking a significant milestone in Kenya’s cultural and creative sectors.
CS Maino made her remarks on Thursday, August 14, 2025, as she presided over the launch of DaVinci FilmAfrica in Nairobi, where she highlighted it as a celebration of film, music, art, and culture that will unite people, boost the economy, and showcase Kenyan creativity to the world.
“Kenya is ready to take centre stage. Nairobi will host the first-ever Da Vinci International Film Africa Festival in 2026. A celebration of film, music, art, and culture that will unite people, boost the economy, and showcase Kenyan creativity to the world,” Maino said.
Similarly, CS Maino noted that the announcement follows a strategic partnership between the Da Vinci International Film Festival, aiming to spotlight Kenya’s vibrant film scene, while also highlighting her meet-up with the man behind the show, Chadwick Pelletier.
“It was an honour to have met the man behind the show, Chadwick Pelletier, Founder Da Vinci International Film Africa and the Chairman, Kelvin Onyona. Joined by PS Foreign Affairs Dr. Korir Sing’Oei,” Maino stated.
Creative economy’s boost
As she welcomed the 2026 Da Vinci International Film Africa Festival, CS Maino announced that it is a chance for Kenyans to showcase Magical Kenya by affirming Kenya’s potential in the creative space.
“As Kenya welcomes the world in 2026 for the Da Vinci International Film Africa Festival, this is a chance to showcase how magical Kenya is! It affirms our potential as a richly endowed talent hub that ignites the creative spirits of our own film-makers through cultural diversity and innovation,” Maino stated.
Meanwhile, also on board during the official launch was the CEO Kenya Film Commission, Mr. Timothy Owase.
CS Maino has further announced how Kenya’s hosting of the Da Vinci International Film Africa Festival will help in shaping the Country’s film industries to the global market.
“This investment shares our unique stories as we shape narratives for the global market. Together, we’re making history!,” CS Maino said.