International Fund for Cultural Diversity Announces Shs372m to Revamp Eastern Africa Film Sector 

The International Fund for Cultural Diversity (IFCD) has announced a USD 99,960 (approximately Shs372,652,279) funding to widen the market for the Eastern Africa film industry. 

The funding targets Eastern African countries like Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania and Ethiopia. 

This will be done through collective e-distribution of content beyond borders, strengthening and promoting the film sector in Eastern Africa through mapping and creating a network of professional organizations for film and content creators. 

This was revealed Tuesday during a press conference by Ruth Tusaasirwe Muguta, Principal Social Development Officer at the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development,

Tusaasirwe said that the project titled “Revitalizing the Film Industry for Livelihood Enhancement (REFILE)” aims to regenerate and revamp the Eastern Africa film sector for sustainable growth and development in Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania and Ethiopia.

The project was approved by the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions. 

The approval was granted during the Committee’s seventeenth session held from 27 February to 1 March 2024.

She said that on top of strengthening the film industry across Eastern Africa, the project will also harness the power of digital technology to promote sustainable growth, enhance livelihoods, and create opportunities for young people and women in the region.

“We shall also build capacity of women and young IT personnel in the digital communication and OTT platform management,” she said, adding:

“We want to promote employment and productivity, positive cultural values, rights of vulnerable groups and gender-responsive development.”

The REFILE project builds on the success of previous initiatives including the 2019/21 EU/UNESCO Film project in Uganda. 

According to Mutuuzo, stakeholders are taking the next step towards a more resilient, inclusive, and digitally advanced film industry in Eastern Africa.

The REFILE project officially commenced on August 29, 2024 and is set to run for one year.

During this period, the ministry will establish a seamless streaming Video-on-Demand platform (Stream East) and an Eastern Africa multi-national film practitioners’ rapport.