The Kenya Tourism Board on Wednesday evening treated select Kenyans to the very first premiere of the Lion King in Africa at the Century IMAX Cinema at Garden City in Nairobi.
The event that was preceded by a cocktail was attended by dignitaries in the public and private sector including the Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) Mr Joe Mucheru, Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism Mr Joe Okudo, Kenya Tourism Board Chairman Mr Jimi Kariuki and the CEO of the Kenya Tourism Board Ms Betty Radier.
Mr Mucheru said that the Kenyan government is committed towards supporting the movie industry. With proper support, he said, Kenya can have its own movies that can be aired worldwide.
Also speaking during the event, Mr Kariuki emphasised on the need to position Kenya as the hub of tourism in the region.
The movie, he added, showcased Kenya’s beauty as a tourist site and also as a filming destination.
“KTB will work closely with the Disney Film Crew to support them in identifying the various scenes that inspired the movie. The movie has already been aired to audiences in France, US and the UK recently and is airing for the first time in Africa today. This will go a long way in raising the profile as well as amplifying the brand equity of Kenya,” he said.
Kenyans online got excited on seeing the Brand Kenya logo on ‘The Lion King’ backdrop banner during the London premiere of the film lauding the effort to place Kenya on the global map.
According to the National Geographic, the much-anticipated film was inspired by the Hell’s Gate National Park in the Great Rift Valley, Naivasha, Kenya which is known for its scenic sights, wildlife, rock climbing, cycling and the home of the real ‘Pride Rock’ in the film.
The movie officially premieres in the country on July 19.
