Kibera Youth Photography Film Audition

 

SHIFT LENS: From Kibera to Tokyo

Kibera Youth Photography & Film Audition

 

Two Outstanding Participants Will Be Invited to Tokyo, Japan

+ 10 Excellence Awards (5,000 KES Production Grant)

Presented by Miggy Sakata（CEO of SHIFT80）
In collaboration with Kiberaction
Filmmaker Tsunehey Ikeya & Photographer Ryo Masachika

About the Audition

SHIFT80, together with Kiberaction, is launching an open audition for young creators living in Kibera.

This initiative invites youth to capture their own daily lives—through photography or film—and to present their unique perspectives to the world.

From all applicants, two recipients will receive the Grand Prize, which includes an artist residency in Tokyo and the opportunity to exhibit their works at BUG, an art center directly connected to Tokyo Station.

Travel and accommodation expenses for these two Grand Prize recipients will be fully covered.

In addition, 10 applicants will receive the Excellence Award, which comes with a 5,000 KES Production Grant to support their creative work.

Furthermore, a wider group of selected applicants will also have their works exhibited in Tokyo, even if they are not chosen for the Grand Prize or Excellence Award.

This audition values vision, honesty, and expressive intention over technical expertise. We encourage anyone with a curiosity to express their reality to apply.

 

Background

Kibera holds countless stories—of community, resilience, joy, struggle, and hope.

However, many youth have had limited access to cameras, mentorship, or exhibition spaces, not by their ability but by environmental constraints.

Some young creators in Kibera have previously taken part in activities or workshops with Kiberaction, while others will be applying for the first time.

This audition welcomes all applicants equally, regardless of their past experience.

This initiative aims to support participants as “recorders,” “narrators,” and “creators,” expanding access to creative spaces and broadening the visibility of their perspectives.


Opportunities for Selected Participants

Grand Prize (2 Participants – Tokyo Residency Award)

The two Grand Prize recipients will:

  • Travel to Tokyo 

  • Create new photographic or film works in Japan

  • Experience their first exhibition in an international white-cube gallery

  • Participate in two or more public talk events

  • Engage with local audiences, artists, and communities

This will be a transformative experience—often a first flight, first gallery, and first moment when their voices reach an international audience.

Note: While we plan to invite two Grand Prize recipients,
the final number may be one or two depending on logistical considerations.


The Vestiges of the Unseen Shiho YOSHIDA / 2024.10.30 WED — 12.1 SUN / Photo by Ken KATO

Excellence Award (10 Participants – 5,000 KES Production Grant)

  • Each recipient will receive a 5,000 KES Production Grant

  • This grant supports ongoing creative work and future projects

  • Awarded based on the originality and depth of the applicant’s perspective

 

Additional Exhibiting Artists

  • Many strong applicants beyond the top awards will also have their works exhibited in Tokyo during the main exhibition period

  • This ensures that diverse voices from Kibera are represented on the global stage

 

Presentation & Communication Requirements (Grand Prize Applicants)

Grand Prize recipients will not only exhibit their work in Tokyo but also serve as key mediators connecting Kibera and Tokyo.

Because two public talk events are planned at a major gallery directly connected to Tokyo Station, strong presentation and communication skills are essential.

Applicants selected for the Tokyo residency must be able to:

  • Share their personal story with clarity and confidence

  • Speak about life in Kibera in their own words

  • Engage with audiences through presentations and Q&A sessions

For this reason, the Grand Prize will be awarded based not only on the quality of the submitted works, but also on the applicant’s ability to present, speak, and represent their community with sincerity and strength.

 

Eligibility

Applicants must:

  • Be 18 years or older

  • Possess a valid official ID

  • Live in Kibera

  • Have an interest in photography or film

 

What to Submit

Through the Google Form, please prepare:

  • 10 or more photographs, or 1 or more short films

  • A self-introduction

  • Your motivation for applying

  • A written reflection on your daily life or the theme behind your work

All files must be uploaded directly through the form.

 

Theme for Submitted Works

Your work should be photographed or filmed in Kibera, and should express

what you want people outside Kibera to understand, witness, or feel.

This theme invites you to share your lived reality—what matters to you,

what you find beautiful or challenging, and what stories you believe deserve to be seen.

 

Important Note (AI-Generated Works Prohibited)

To ensure authenticity and respect the purpose of this project,

AI-generated images, videos, or works created using AI tools are strictly prohibited.

Only original works created by the applicant themselves will be accepted.

 

Selection Process

1. Document Screening

Evaluators will review all submitted works and written statements.

Selection focuses on:

  • Perspective and narrative depth

  • Expressive intention

  • Originality and honesty

 

2. Final Presentation 

Shortlisted candidates will present at Magoso Community Center (MCC).

Format:

  • 5-minute presentation

  • 3-minute Q&A session

Grand Prize and Excellence Award recipients will be chosen based on their expressive clarity and the strength of their storytelling.

 

 

Key Dates

  • Application Deadline: 18 January 2026

  • Notification to Shortlisted Applicants: via WhatsApp or e-mail

  • Final Presentations at MCC: 25 January 2026

  • Tokyo Exhibition Period: 25 April (Fri) – 31 May (Sun), 2026

  • Tokyo Residency: Travel schedule will be announced once confirmed.



The Vestiges of the Unseen Shiho YOSHIDA / 2024.10.30 WED — 12.1 SUN / Photo by Ken KATO

 

Costs

  • Application is free.

  • Grand Prize recipients will have their travel and accommodation fully covered.

  • Excellence Award recipients will each receive 5,000 KES.

 

Why This Audition Matters

This project brings forward the creativity and insight already present within Kibera’s youth.

By presenting these works in Tokyo, audiences will encounter perspectives that broaden understanding and reveal the richness and depth of everyday life in Kibera.

The exhibition demonstrates how access to creative tools can open new possibilities, strengthen confidence, and allow individuals to share their lives in their own voice.

SHIFT80 and Kiberaction believe that expression is a right shared by everyone.

We look forward to discovering the unique visions you will bring.

 

How to Apply

 

A Google Form link will be provided here.