Sanaipei Tande, Nice Githinji among nominees in Women in Films Awards 2025

The Women in Film Awards (WIFA) has announced the nominees for its sixth Annual awards, which will be held on March 8, 2025, under the theme “Inspire Inclusion: Amplifying Voices of Marginalised Women Filmmakers”.

This annual awards ceremony aims to celebrate the drive, spirit and diversity of women in the film industry. It is strategically timed to coincide with

International Women’s Day (IWD) and seeks to amplify this year’s IWD’s theme, which is #AccelerationAction.

The Best Actress (Film) attracted seven nominees, while the Best Actress (TV Drama) have eight nominees, making them the two categories with the highest number of nominees.

Among this year’s nominees include Sanaipei Tande, Nice Githinji, Jennifer Gatero, Shirleen Wangari, Mkamzee Mwatela, and Celestine Ndinda aka Wakavinye.

Founded by avid film enthusiast Dr Susan Gitimu, WIFA, is an award ceremony dedicated to recognising, celebrating and promoting the contributions of women in the Kenyan film industry.

It’s also a platform that seeks to raise the profile, inspire and empower women filmmakers and aspiring professionals by providing role models, showcasing success stories and fostering a supportive community.

“With the growth of the industry, there is a need for an awards ceremony that affords women of all backgrounds the chance to be showcased in a truly deserving and empowering light. Over the years, WIFA has consistently grown from giving 14 awards in 2020 to 31 awards in 2024, with support from local and international partners,” says Dr Gitimu.

Voting for all 23 categories is now open and will close on February 18, 2025. Here is a list of all the nominees:

Best Director (Film)

1. Angela Wamai
2. Jennifer Gatero
3. Liz “Thayu” Kilili
4. Mkaiwawi Mwakaba
5. Wanja Kamanda

 

Best Director (TV Drama)

1. Carol Odongo ‘Coachez’
2. Jennifer Gatero
3. Janet Chumbe
4. June Ndinya
5. Natasha Ayoo

 

Best Assistant Director

1. Ann Mwihaki
2. Destiney Njeri
3. Edna Nguka
4. Stella Mungai
5. Sarah Gathoni

 

Best Student Director

1. Amisha Mukasa
2. Josephine Wanjiru
3. Liana Namunyak
4. Liz Karanja
5. Muriithi Rhoda

 

 

Best Producer (Film)

1. Betty M. Mutua
2. June Wairegi
3. Shirleen Wangari
4. Sally Nyoike
5. Tracy Amadi

 

Best Producer (TV Drama)

1. CeciMercy Wanza
2. Dina Mwende
3. Hildah Wellah
4. Margaret Wanjiru Muriithi
5. Tecla Joan

 

Best Producer (Documentary)

1. Caroline Ngunjiri
2. Cynthia Abdalla
3. Lydia Matata
4. Mwanahamisi Mkutano
5. Nira Nyangweso

 

Best Newcomer Producer

1. Audrey Egesa
2. Ciku Wahome
3. Clementina Kabutha
4. Jessica Wangari Gacuru
5. Oprah Kadesa

 

Best Actress (Film)

1. Hussein Amina
2. Melissa Lesilalle
3. Masese Sarah
4. Michelle Tiren
5. Nyokabi Macharia
6. Nungari Kiore
7. Sanaipei Tande

 

Best Actress (TV Drama)

1. Brenda Anyango
2. Faith Kabathi
3. Nice Githinji
4. Lorna Lemmy
5. ‘Red’ Brenda Gesare
6. Suzanne Njoki
7. Vanessa Aika
8. Wanjiku Stephanie Muchiri

 

Best Child Actress

1. Abilasha Muthoni
2. Electricer Hamisi Kache
3. Ella Imani
4. Michelle Lemuya
5. Tanisi Kawee

 

Best Scriptwriter (Film)

1. Grace Irungu
2. Milcah Cherotich
3. Trizah Weche
4. Wanjeri Gakuru
5. Yvonne Wamuyu

 

Best Scriptwriter (TV Drama)

1. Angela Ruhinda
2. Abigail Arunga
3. Caroline Kemunto
4. Grace Adhiambo
5. Mkamzee Mwatela

 

Best Script Supervisor

1. Irene Nduku
2. Neddy Lusimbo
3. Samantha Musimbi
4. Sheila Sila
5. Teresiah Njeri

 

Best Editor

1. Caroline Gikandi
2. Charity Kuria
3. Diana Mbondo
4. Hanna Wangari
5. Jacinta Mugo

 

Best Cinematographer

1. Bo Muigai
2. Emma Nzioka
3. Mwende Renata
4. Nashreen Wangai

 

Best Production Manager

1. Apolline Umuhire
2. Cathy Keya
3. Monica Kanyali
4. Sharon Lusambili
5. Winnie Adisa

 

Best Animator

1. Christina Mugure
2. Lydia Mugure
3. Maureen Muriithi
4. Stella Awuor
5. Scholar Millen

 

Best Make-Up Artist

1. Grace Murema
2. Fatma Abdalla
3. Judith Chebet
4. Mercy Ng’endo (Makeup By Bilha)
5. Stacy Gichinju

 

Best Costume Designer

1. Elizabeth Magondu
2. Gladys ‘Gatush’ Wanjiru
3. Isabel Nyamgero
4. Kelsie Kioni
5. Viva Njeri Kimotho

 

Best Set Designer

1. Claire Marie Njoki
2. Neha Manoj Shah
3. Stella Wangari Mwangi
4. Temko Lavinda
5. Valcour Mariam

 

Best Location Sound Recordist

1. Jedidah Akoth Awiti
2. Mourine Wanjiku
3. Shilla Gathoni
4. Thanji Wanjiku

 

Best Digital Content Creator

1. Celestine Ndinda (Wakavinye)
2. Esther Kazungu
3. Gloria Nkatha
4. Judy Nyawira (Bi Mkuru)
5. Justine Wanda