I was privileged to participate in the Lumière Summit 2026 in France, held under the theme “Forging New Alliances for Cinema and the Moving Image.”

The summit brought together global leaders across film, television, technology, policy, investment, distribution, and culture to explore the future of cinema and storytelling.

A few key takeaways stood out:

Collaboration will define the future of storytelling. Stronger partnerships across borders, disciplines and the audiovisual value chain will be critical to unlocking investment, talent, technology and global markets.

Technology is transforming the screen industry. AI, virtual production, XR, immersive experiences and advanced visual effects are creating new possibilities. However, technology must enhance—not replace—human creativity, authentic narratives and emotional connection.

African stories are increasingly central to the global creative economy. Africa has an extraordinary reservoir of untold stories, talent and cultural richness. The opportunity now is to connect this creative potential to global audiences, investment and distribution networks.

International co-productions matter. They can facilitate cultural exchange, financing, skills development, knowledge transfer and access to wider markets.

Audiences and distribution are evolving. Streaming, digital platforms and creator economies are changing how content is discovered, consumed and monetized. The industry must innovate while protecting the artistic and cultural value of storytelling.

For Kenya, the opportunity is significant. These conversations reinforce our ambition to position Kenya as a leading filming destination and centre for creative excellence in Africa.

As the Kenya Film Commission, we remain committed to creating an enabling environment that supports filmmakers, attracts investment, develops talent, embraces innovation and connects Kenyan creators to international opportunities.

The Lumière Summit reminded us that the future of storytelling is not simply about new technologies or platforms. It is about people, partnerships, creativity and the power of stories to connect cultures and shape economies.

The future of storytelling is collaborative. It is global. And it is full of possibilities.

Timothy Owase, MBS
Chief Executive Officer, Kenya Film Commission

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