Ugandan drama film ‘Veronica’s Wish’ scooped major accolades during the Uganda Film Festival Awards held at Kampala Serena Hotel over the weekend.
The gala night organized by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) climaxed a series of activities including forums on commercial film production, screenings of local films in cinemas, trainings on film making among others.
Veronica’s Wish, which was released on November 17 this year was the biggest winner of the night having taken the accolades for best costume and production design, best sound, best cinematography, best screenplay, best editing and post production, best supporting male actor, best actress, best feature film and best director.
The film tells a story of a couple (Michael and Veronica) who are engaged to marry but their journey takes a drastic turn when Veronica gets hit by mysterious illness days away from her wedding. Veronica must choose between love and saving lives.
Directed by Rehema Nanfuka and written (and produced) by Nisha Kalema, the film features names like Mushema Housen, Jayant Maru, Symon Base Kalema and popular media personality, Malaika Nnyanzi.
Renowned actor and director, Abby Mukiibi was awarded the Life Achievement accolade.
Abby Mukiibi, a graduate of Music, Dance and Drama at Makerere University is especially known for his acting role in ‘The Last King of Scotland’ (2006), ‘Imperial Blue’ (2018), ‘The Silent Army’ (2008) and ‘Some Times in April (2004) among several others.
He has been directing and acting for theatre since 1994.
The Awards gala which was presided over by State Minister for Lands, Aidah Nantaba saw a host of Uganda actors, actresses, directors, script writers, producers and cinematographers awarded for their exceptional work.
Rushabiro Raymo won the accolade for Best Actor for his role in the film ‘Days to Live’ while Nisha Kalema scooped the award for Best Actress in ‘Veronica’s Wish’. The Best Viewers’ Choice Movie Award went to ‘94 Terror’ by Mulindwa Richard.
Speaking at the event, Minister Nantaba commended government through UCC for promoting Uganda’s film industry.
“I have watched Patrick Salvado and Anne Kansiime showcase their talent, thanks to the film industry. That is a milestone to our talent. We shall make sure local content is promoted on local channels and thanks to Pearl Magic channel [DSTV and GOtv] for offering opportunity to local talent,” the Minister remarked.
On his part, Eng Godfrey Mutabazi, the Executive Director UCC said that Ugandan actors have great potential to win global awards.
“UCC is mandated to make sure local content is shown at the front of Uganda‘s media. That is why we always come up with the Uganda Film Festival to ensure that our actors are praised and portrayed in a good way as they are,” Eng Mutabazi said.
FULL LIST OF WINNERS
Best Student Film – IDI AMIN’S BOAT by Grace Emute
Best Short Film – Kyenvu by Kemiyondo Coutinho
Best Animation Film – Chebet
Best Documentary Film – Your Music, Your Voice
Best East African Film – World Tioufauti
Best Male Actor in a Television Drama – Paul Ejule (Taste of Time by Nondo J Richard)
Best Television Drama Series – Mistakesgalsdo TV Series by Mulindwa Richard
Best Costume/Production Design –
Veronica’s Wish by Imran Musabbeh
Best Sound – Veronica’s Wish by Andrew Ahuurra
Best Cinematography – Veronica’s Wish by Ireeta Alex Nabudere
Best Screenplay – Veronica’s Wish by Nisha Kalema
Best Editing & Post Production – Veronica’s Wish by Ireeta Alex Nabudere
Best Supporting Male Actor – Symon Kalema (Veronica’s Wish)
Best Supporting Actress – Stellah Reever Nsereko (Bella)
Best Actor – Rushabiro Raymo (Days to Live)
Best Actress – Nisha Kalema (Veronica’s Wish)
Best Viewers’ Choice Movie Award – 94 Terror MOVIE by Mulindwa Richard
Life Achievement – Abby Mukiibi Nkaaga
Best Feature Film – Veronica’s Wish by Nisha Kalema
Best Film Director –
Rehema Nanfuka (Veronica’s Wish)
