DNA
 
Dubai, Jun 14: An NRI businessman on Tuesday announced the launch of a new free-to-air round-the-clock movie channel, Channel 2 Movies, which will air a mix of blockbusters from the Hollywood and Bollywood in Africa.

The new terrestrial channel, which is primarily aimed at Kenyans, is a joint venture between Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC), and Channel 2 Group Corporation, Ajay Sethi, Chairman of Channel 2 said, adding that in the future it will look at expanding to cover other African countries.

“Channel 2 Movies will be the first terrestrial movie channel in Africa, and bring to its viewers the very latest in movie content,” Sethi said. “Channel 2 Movies shall be expanded to other African countries as well on the terrestrial platform.” Soaps like Kahani Ghar Ghar Ki and Kyun Ki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, with English subtitles are already very popular among African viewers, he said.

He said, “The channel has been stylised keeping local sensitivities in mind, so the look and feel of the channel will be very African. Channel 2 Movies not only promises its viewers premium quality entertainment, but also provides multinationals and other corporations a world class media vehicle to advertise their wares on.” 

Morris Dzoro, Kenyan Minister for Tourism, who also addressed the press conference, said Kenya had a substantial number of Indians and Kenyans of Indian origin and there were several theatres in the country, particularly in Mombasa, which screened Indian films.

Wachira Waruru, CEO of the recently formed Kenya Film Commission said the country wanted to attract Bollywood film makers as the country offered excellent locations for outdoor shootings.

“Many famous Hollywood films like Out of Africa have been made in Kenya, but, until now we have not looked at other big market like Bollywood and the Arab film industry,” Waruru said. Channel 2 Group has been appointed as agent for marketing Kenya to Indian and Middle East film makers.