Uganda’s film industry is steadily on the rise with the contribution of women taking up. This was evident during the recently concluded Uganda Film Festival at the Uganda Institute of Communication and Technology in Nakawa on June 7th, 2024 which saw women shine.
The 2024 festival theme was, “ Local Stories, Global Impact”. Honored by Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Kadaga, the awards ceremony recognized the exceptional achievements of practitioners in the film industry under various categories.
Eleanor Nabwiso and Nisha Kalema were some of the biggest winners in the 11th edition of the awards show. Their ability to tell compelling stories and create immersive cinematic experiences earned them well-deserved recognition. Nisha Kalema’s ‘Makula’ was a standout, earning her gongs for Best Feature Film, Best Director, Best Cinematography, and Best Production Design. While Eleanor Nabwiso not only received critical acclaim but also bagged gongs. Her movie “ Christmas Together” took home the awards for Best Sound and Best Screenplay.
Reflecting on the film’s success, Nabwiso expressed her gratitude: “Beyond grateful. My movie Christmas Together bagged Best Screenplay, Best Supporting Actress, and Best Sound Design,” She said.
Nisha and Eleanor’s work, along with that of other nominees, demonstrated the depth and breadth of talent among Ugandan women in the film industry.
Here are more of the women who emerged winners;
· Best supporting actress in a feature film – Veronica Nakayo
· Best actress TV series – Doreen Mirembe
· Best costume design – Patricia Naggayi
· Best screenplay in feature film – Eleanor Nabwiso and Mary Nyanzi
· Best actress in a feature film – Peninah Nampanga
· Best TV drama series – Doreen Mirembe
· Best Director – Nisha Kalema
The 2024 Uganda Film Festival and Awards brought together filmmakers, actors, and film enthusiasts to celebrate the growing film industry in Uganda and provided an excellent platform for filmmakers to share their stories and perspectives.
Workshops and panel discussions led by industry experts offered valuable insights into scriptwriting, directing, and film production. These sessions were particularly beneficial for aspiring filmmakers, providing them with the knowledge and inspiration to pursue their dreams.
Speaking during the awards ceremony, Nisha expressed her gratitude to the government of Uganda for its efforts in promoting the film industry.
“I am so grateful for what we have become, and it’s all because of the Government of Uganda through its agencies like UCC, among others,” she said.
However, she acknowledged more marketing efforts need to be ramped up to market Ugandan films beyond the country’s borders. “I would like to request more support from the government to market our movies beyond Uganda because it’s quite significant that we might be making movies for only our home people, friends, and family, which ideally should cross borders.”
Uganda’s film industry has been growing steadily over the past years.
According to a report by the Uganda Communications Commission, the number of films produced annually has increased significantly. In the early 2000s, Uganda produced fewer than 10 films a year but this number has grown to over 100 films annually in 2024.
The film industry is also contributing significantly to Uganda’s economy, employing thousands of people. It is estimated that the sector employs over 10,000 people directly and indirectly.
Through initiatives such as the Uganda Film Festival, the East African nation continues to establish itself as a hub for filmmaking in Africa, highlighting the potential of the industry. As the curtains drew close at the festival, it was clear that the future of Uganda’s film industry is bright, with its women leading the way through unmatched talent and passion.
