EU Ambassador's Call to Action for Unlocking Uganda's Film Potential
In the heart of Kampala, at the opening ceremony of the 3rd Edition of the Film and Culture Market exhibition at the Uganda National Cultural Center in Kampala, the European Union Ambassador highlighted a crucial point: the right support for the film industry is essential in unlocking diverse potentials for promoting Ugandan movies. With a blossoming local market hungry for authentic content, this support can bridge the gap between filmmakers and audiences, enabling the increase of films that resonate with Ugandans' lived experiences. As the nation looks to harness the full potential of its creative talent, the call for collaboration, investment, and strategic initiatives has never been clearer, promising a future where Uganda's unique stories captivate audiences both locally and beyond. Written by Annet Aloyo, Director of Studies at Mediavision Academy. Photos by Osbert Muhumuza
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EU Ambassador HE Jan SADEK addressing the audience |
Organized
by the Kampala Film Development Foundation (KFDF) under the theme
"Upgrading the East African Film, Connecting Borders," this event was
a vibrant showcase of talent and creativity, leaving a lasting impression on the
Ambassador. Among the highlights were the exhibitors' stalls, each offering a
glimpse into various facets of the entertainment industry? Notably, Mediavision
Academy stood out with its engaging presentation on film training, another
captivating stall was dedicated to makeup artistry, and the equipment stall
attracted a considerable crowd, showcasing the latest innovations in filming
technology and many more.
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HE. Jan SADEK inspecting exhibitors at the Film & Culture Market. Photo Muhumuza Osbert |
Jan
expressed the EU's commitment to supporting the growth of Uganda's film
industry. Saying the industry has the
potential to drive economic growth, create jobs, and promote cultural
diversity. Moreover, it can bridge cultural and geographical differences while
promoting understanding and collaboration across borders.
He
further pledged continued support for Uganda's film industry emphasizing that
with the right support, the film industry could become a significant driver of
economic growth and a powerful creative sector. However, realizing this
potential requires a concerted effort from various stakeholders, including
regulatory boards, the private sector, and investors.
The
EU remains committed to supporting these efforts, including advocacy and policy
reforms that will enable the film industry to become a significant source of
job creation in Uganda. With the right support, Uganda's film industry could
become a powerhouse of creative talents like Hollywood and Bollywood. The
Ambassador humorously added that perhaps one day, a Ugandan film might even win
an Oscar, featuring a hero who defeats the villain with a combination of
martial arts and renditions of Elly Wamala's songs.
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Jan SADEK (center) in a photo moment with the KFDF organising committee |
Recognizing
Uganda's promising film landscape, the Ambassador noted the growth from local
"Bibandas" (video halls) to high-end film cinemas, the success of
films on YouTube channels, and the increase of new talents. He further
announced that the European Film Festival will be coming to Uganda from the
20th of October.
The
EU Ambassador also mentioned the EU's commitment to funding the second edition
of the Opportunities Are Here (OAH) and promised to continue working in
partnership with civil society, the private sector, and authorities to make
this a reality. With the right support, Uganda's film industry can truly become
a force to be reckoned with, showcasing the country's rich cultural heritage
and creativity to the world.
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Panelists on the business Forum - From Left to right:Irene Kulabako, Margaret, Mariam Ndagire, Wabwire Ian and the host Dhialo Ssekidde. |
The event was a resounding success, featuring activities designed to engage and inspire participants. Attendees had the opportunity to enhance their skills through a series of informative workshops, where industry experts shared their knowledge on various topics. From creative writing to digital marketing, these sessions provided valuable insights and practical tools for professionals looking to elevate their careers. In addition to the workshops, a film screening, a live band took the stage, the business and networking forum was a highlight of the event, providing a platform for entrepreneurs and established professionals to forge meaningful connections.
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Diana Kahunde facilitating the acting workshop |
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