LampART Short Film Festival was the highlight event on Friday, March 7, 2025, at Alliance Française in Nyali, Mombasa, which drew film enthusiasts, students, and professionals alike for an evening of cinematic masterpieces. The festival, co-hosted by the Technical University of Mombasa (TUM), presented short films by the Academy of Arts in Szczecin, Poland. The event offered an avenue for cross-cultural exchange, highlighting storytelling as an effective tool in tackling issues of the modern age.
It was kicked off with opening notes by MC Mwaringa, who welcomed the audience and spoke to the importance of film as a platform for cultural expression and societal observation. There was a short speech delivered by Alliance Française's Lukas Magor, the host, who thanked the role such festivals do to promote intercultural art collaborations. Of note were speakers Dr. Aleksandra Łukaszewicz from CAPHE project, Prof. Magdalene from Academy of Arts Szczecin, and County Government of Mombasa Director Simon Mbaru, who all made their points in respect to film's role in art and academic circles. Guest of honor, Malgorzata Spranka, representing the Polish Embassy in Nairobi, highlighted the role of cultural diplomacy in advancing creative partnerships between Kenya and Poland.
The climax of the evening was the showing of shortlisted short films that captivated the audience with creativity, storyline, and artistic interpretation. Notably, two recent graduates of TUM were among the award winners: Peter Barack, whose documentary film ‘Guilty Without Trial: The Social Cost of Addiction Stigma’ won second prize in the Documentary Film Category, and Dir. Van Baby, whose ‘Between Us’ received a Special Mention. Their achievement served to attest to the growing strength of the university in the field of creative arts and highlighted its commitment to fostering young talent in filmmaking.
The festival concluded with closing remarks by Professor Joseph Rasowo, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Administration, Finance and Planning. He expressed gratitude to all organizers, donors, and participants for their efforts in making the festival a success. The LampART Short Film Festival not only celebrated filmmaking but also underscored the value of international and inter-university collaboration in the arts, setting the stage for future cultural and creative exchange.
Notably, a day earlier, a special LampArt masterclass was held at the Technical University of Mombasa. Led by renowned filmmakers, this masterclass explored essential techniques in filmmaking, including 360-degree video recording, VR film screenings, and portfolio preparation. Students gained hands-on experience with cutting-edge film technology, which enhanced their understanding of the evolving landscape of the industry. The event served as an invaluable learning opportunity, helping students bridge the gap between theory and practice in filmmaking.
