Renowned Kenyan actress and film director Nice Githinji has achieved a groundbreaking feat by becoming East Africa's first certified Intimacy Coordinator. This development has been hailed by the Kenya Film Commission as a significant step towards creating safer, more professional, and respectful working environments on film and television sets. Githinji's certification sets a new benchmark for industry standards as Kenya continues to build a professional, inclusive, and globally competitive screen sector.
An Intimacy Coordinator plays a crucial role as a liaison between actors, directors, and production crews when planning and filming sensitive content. This includes kissing, simulated sex, and nudity. The specialised role focuses on establishing clear physical boundaries, facilitating informed consent, choreographing intimate scenes safely, and protecting performers' dignity throughout the production process. By integrating intimacy coordination into local sets, the industry aims to ensure that delicate scenes are clearly agreed upon and safely executed without compromising the creative vision of directors.
Githinji's journey into intimacy coordination began with self-taught resources from the Intimacy Directors & Coordinators (IDC) website, a female-led platform that trains intimacy professionals for TV, film, and theatre. She also trained under South African director and intimacy coordinator Sara Blecher through GIZ and MultiChoice Talent Factory's intimacy coordination program in 2024. This training has equipped Githinji with the necessary skills to navigate the complexities of intimacy coordination.
The Kenya Film Commission has welcomed Githinji's certification as a significant milestone for the region's film industry. The commission hailed the development as a crucial step toward establishing safer, more professional, and respectful working environments on set across film and television productions. This move is expected to raise the bar for industry standards and promote a culture of respect and professionalism.
Githinji has expressed her hope that intimacy coordination will become the new normal in Kenya and across Africa. In an interview with Sinema Focus, she stated that everyone's mind, body, and soul must be protected on set, whether cast or crew. She also highlighted the importance of showcasing authentic African stories, including rich, complex, and beautiful depictions of love.
The introduction of intimacy coordination in Kenya and East Africa is seen as a significant step towards promoting a culture of respect and professionalism in the film industry. By prioritizing the well-being and dignity of performers, the industry can ensure that delicate scenes are handled with care and sensitivity. This development is expected to have a positive impact on the region's film sector.
Githinji's achievement has been celebrated as a milestone for the region's film industry. Her certification as an Intimacy Coordinator marks a new era in the region's film production, one that prioritizes the well-being and dignity of performers. As the industry continues to evolve, Githinji's role is expected to play a critical part in shaping the future of film and television production in East Africa.
Key points
- Nice Githinji becomes East Africa's first certified Intimacy Coordinator.
- The Kenya Film Commission hails Githinji's certification as a significant step towards establishing safer working environments on set.
- Githinji hopes that intimacy coordination will become the new normal in Kenya and across Africa.
