Kenyan film director Philip Karanja is ecstatic after touring American actor and filmmaker Tyler Perry’s studio in Atlanta, Georgia.
The Phil It Production co-founder, who is in the United States for the American Film Showcase (AFS) Film & TV Leadership Initiative Program 2024 cohort could not hold back his joy after visiting the largest production studio in the US.
Taking to his Instagram account, the delighted film director shared his photos in the studio revealing that his dream has finally come true.
“The vision is clear #dreamcometrue,” Phil wrote.
American film showcase program
Filmmaker and veteran actor Kenneth Ambani is among other notable African filmmakers and film industry leaders invited to the US for an exchange program with their Hollywood counterparts.
Sharing his experiences on the showcase program, Philip stated that he is learning and getting a picture of what the future looks like adding that film in Kenya is on the right track.
“The @americanfilmshowcase has been extremely kind to us. We’re learning a lot, networking, getting a picture of what the future looks like while also getting tremendous validation that film in Kenya is heading towards the direction and what we are doing with @philitproductions is working,” he said.
This initiative is part of a broader US State Department effort to support the creative economy in Africa and facilitate collaborative exchanges between the US and African film industries.
Ruto visits Tyler Perry Studios
Apart from Philip, some notable Kenyans have visited American film mogul Tyler Perry’s studio include President William Ruto, who on May 21, 2024, toured the largest production studio in Atlanta, Georgia during his three-day US state.
The head of state was in the company of the First Lady Rachel Ruto, other government dignitaries, and content creator-cum-comedian Eddie Butita who could hold his joy moments after visiting Tyler Perry Studio.
Sharing a light moment with Butita just after visiting the Studio, Ruto asked the talented creative when the country (Kenya) would build a big production studio similar to Tyler Perry’s.
“Uko area, sasa tutatengeneza studio kubwa ka hii huko Kenya lini?” he asked the comedian.
“Itabidi soon in the next one or two years,” he replied.
