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In this article, I systematically look at transnational video film flows and the emergence of local video film industries in key hubs for the physical distribution of video films in major cities of Kiswahili-speaking East Africa.1 There is evidence of decentralized processes of homogenization: pirated Hollywood films, and, to varying degrees, films from Hong Kong, Bollywood and Nollywood were available in all hubs,2 although they especially dominate the smaller markets. In addition to this homogenous flow, in Nairobi, Dar es Salaam and Kampala, there are also processes adding heterogenity to the markets: oral translations and emerging new video film industries inspired by the Nollywood business model (Riverwood, Bongowood, Ugawood).3 In the late 2000s, this caused a decline in the popularity of Nollywood video films on these markets. After a short boom, these new industries themselves suffered from the prevailing media piracy and from the growing popularity of local and Nollywood content on television. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]