At least 362 films were submitted for this year’s Uganda Film Festival with more than 330 submitted from local filmmakers.
This revelation was made during the launch of the 12th edition of the festival at the Uganda Communication Commission (UCC) offices in Bugolobi, Kampala.
None of this year’s entries was a commissioned project, like it has always been the case in the past, with entries commissioned by MultiChoice Uganda.
UCC executive director Nyombi Thembo said they are exploring different methods as they seek to find ways of building a sustainable audience, he said they are looking at engaging exhibitors at the grassroots such as film halls as well as technology advanced streaming platforms.
Julianne Mweheire, director economic regulations, content and consumer affairs at the communications regulator said said film makers are intentional.
“Filmmakers are more intentional about owning their voice and saying what they want in ways they know how, it’s mainly what we saw this year,” she said.
Two films; Kimote which was directed by Hassan Mageye and Nkinzi which was directed by Rehema Nanfuka dominated the nominations with 14 entires each this year closely followed by Fatal, Speak and Two Paths.
Nkinzi is a children’s film about a young girl who runs away from home believing her parents don’t love her but ends up on the streets with another street child, Junior, who stays with his young sister. Nkinzi gives the awards their youngest nominees, Kisakye Passion and Myra Ariana Lubowa.
UCC executive director, Nyombi Thembo
The other film to beat is Kimote by Hassan Mageye; it follows a young man whose quest to keep a cultural practice alive sees him face off against his father who is giving up on the craft.
The craft in question is backcloth making; Kimote follows the legendary descendants of Kimote, the ancient chief from Buddu as they navigate a time where the purpose of a backcloth is changing.
It is an intentional film that easily sends its audience down the rabbit hole. This film is strong in many technical areas such as costuming, makeup, cinematography and editing.
This year’s film gala will be held on June 6, although film screenings in communities and cinemas will start earlier.
The festival has over the years celebrated the best of Ugandan cinema and television and in the process empowered a new age of storytellers which has been vivid with entries increasing from areas outside Kampala such as Gulu, Jinja, Mbarara and Arua.
