Cinema Uganda: The First Edition of Women in Film Launched

Cinema Uganda: The First Edition of Women in Film Launched

By

Daniel Massamba Meboya

Corporate Communication Strategist

 Kampala, 17 August 2023 – Film specialists and movie enthusiasts in general attended the launch of the first edition “Women in Film”; an event that took place in the conference hall of the British Council in Kamwokya, Kampala. 

Gender equity and knowledge building are essential to creating the spaces and opportunities for women in film if they aspire to take on a managerial and ownership role in the film industry in Uganda, wrote Daniel Massamba Meboya, corporate communication strategist and consultant at Mediavision Academy, who attended the launch of the first edition of “Women in Film”, a platform aiming at providing a nurturing ecosystem for women in the film industry.

Inside the conference hall of the British Council, pictures of Ugandan women in film were displayed prominently for young professionals, especially women who have just taken up film as a career, to view and be inspired.  Besides, “the Ugandan’s film landscape is dominated by women” revealed Irene Kaggwa, acting Executive Director at Uganda Communications Commission, who was the guest of honor at the ceremony that brought together more than 100 film specialists and cinema lovers. 

Jesca Ahimbisibwe, chief executive officer at Cinema Uganda, better known as CinemaUg, told attendees at the British Council that “Women in Film is all about unlocking the potential within every female filmmaker and actress.  Through these activities, participants will sharpen their skills, gain invaluable insights, and expand their professional networks.  Mentorship will be a cornerstone of our program, connecting aspiring filmmakers and actresses with accomplished professionals who will guide and inspire them on their journey”.

Prior to the launch of the first edition of “Women in Film”, aspiring actresses, filmmakers, and film enthusiasts attended a two-day thought-provoking workshop that was facilitated by renowned figures from the film industry, including Ampire Daphne Karema, screen writer, producer and actress and has ten years’ experience in the Uganda Film industry; and Nisha Kalema, a multi-award-winning actress, producer and writer. 

“Women have a vital role to play in advancing undeniable progress in the film industry in Uganda” Ampire Daphne Karema said.  “But first, in order to lead and influence an informed debate on film, we must ensure that we have insight into the issue.  Female filmmakers have to continue learning and to equip ourselves with the knowledge, attitudes and skills needed to succeed.”

Mediavision Academy, one of the leading film, television, and radio training institute based in the Makindye District, Kampala was represented at the event by its director, Robert Nkambo, and Annet Aloyo, director of studies.  For almost ten years, the Academy became known in providing training to students, but mostly youths – male and female -- in the fields of Film, Television, Video, Radio and Photography.   Making his remarks at the Women in Film’s launching ceremony, Robert Nkambo encouraged investment in capacity-building for female aspiring filmmakers and actresses.

 Inside the conference hall of the British Council, the pictures of sixty-one most influential women in film in Uganda were displayed prominently for young (often female) filmmakers who have taken up film as a career to view and to be inspired.  “I am moved and impressed to stand in front of this wall of fame,” an unknown actress said, before adding that “one of the biggest challenges facing the Ugandan film industry right now is how to reach an audience.” 

Nisha Kalema, who won three Best Actress Awards at the Uganda Film Festival Awards in 2015, 2016 and 2018 for her roles as Grace in The Tailor, Amelia in Freedom and Veronica in Veronica's Wish respectively, argues that content creation that addresses the essential needs of the people of Uganda can attract the younger generation to the movie theaters.  “Film should be viewed primarily as a business project driven by business process demands and delivered through movie theaters” Nisha insisted.  “The film industry should work in synergy with media in a bid to promote its activities and support cinematographic production in the country.”

Nish Kalema attending to a master class at the Uganda Institute of Information and Communication in Nakawa

Honorable Rachel Miriel Magoola, current women’s representative of Bugweri District in Parliament and chairperson at the Uganda Parliamentary Forum for Creative Industries (UGAPAFOCI), endorses the idea that film industry should be an art first and a business second.  “UGAPAFOCI represents a unique opportunity for Ugandans, including the Film Industry to come together, share ideas, and work towards a common goal of supporting and promoting the cultural and creative industries” she said.  Magoola is also a member of Afrigo Band, one of the longest-lasting musical group in the history of Uganda.  She acts as one of the female lead singers and vocalists. 

Aloyo Annet (left), Nkambo Robert (center) and Rachel Magoola (right)

 In the ensuing panel discussion, Eleanor Vaal Nansibo Nabwiso, actress, producer, director at Nabwiso Films Foundation, along with Lucky Lora Atwiine, managing director at WHITSAFLICKS Uganda Ltd., a production house dealing in print production, Fabrications, Radio and TV, shared not only personal testimonies and practical experience -- as women -- but also guidance with younger professionals who are stepping out in the film industry.  Award winning actress (Uganda Film Festival) Rachael Nduhikire and Ruth Nazzinda, documentary storyteller, also took part in the discussion.

At the conclusion of the launching ceremony of the first edition “Women in Film”, which she attended as guest of honor, Irene Kaggwa, remarked on how pleased she was with this "very special occasion”.  She appealed to women to act and speak with one voice if we want to make a particular and focused contribution to the development of the film industry in Uganda.

 

END