Barely a year after ‘Queen of Katwe’, a movie that tells a story of a Ugandan slum raised chess prodigy who rose to global fame, made headlines world over, Uganda is again in international spotlight as another film about Uganda debuts in movie theatres.
‘7 Days in Entebbe’ is a film inspired by the true events of the 1976 where an Air France flight en route from Tel Aviv to Paris, was hijacked and diverted to Entebbe during the regime of Idi Amin Dada. The film depicts what is dubbed as the “most daring rescue mission ever”.
The 2 hr 46 minutes film is directed by José Padilha who is more known for directing Netflix hit series ‘Narcos’. The action movie features acclaimed Hollywood actors; Rosamund Pike Brigitte Kuhlmann and Ben Schnetzer who are both big names in the film acting world.
Story
On June 27, 1976, an Air France passenger plane destined to Paris, France from the Israel city, Tel Aviv made a stopover at Athens Airport in Greece.
Midway to its destination, the flight was hijacked and diverted to Libya where it was refueled. The flight ended up in Entebbe where it landed at about 4am on June 28, 1976. The plane had been hijacked by terrorists claiming to be members of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) a Palestinian extremists group. Hostages who were not Israelis, were three days later released.
When hijackers demanded the release of 53 pro-Palestinian militants from Israel and European prisons, in exchange for the freedom of the captives, the Isreali government planned what is called the most daring rescue mission.
Tourism
Players in the tourism sector say that the film will go along way to promote Uganda’s history and its other natural attractions.
Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) Chief Executive Officer, Mr Stephen Asiimwe called upon tour operators and Entebbe local government to exploit this opportunity to market this destination.
“We take this opportunity to inform the world that Entebbe the home of “7 Days in Entebbe” is ready to receive them,” Mr Asiimwe said, adding, “Arranged tours to the actual sight of the raid at the Old Entebbe Airport are possible for pilgrims, curious tourists and educational tours.
“The bullets resulting from the raid are still in the walls,” he says.
Entebbe Municipal Council, which is home of this historical event, is also Uganda’s gate to the world. It is a tourist town with a number of attractions including the famous Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC) which is a window to Uganda’s national parks, Botanical Gardens, a Golf Course, beaches, forests for nature walks, resorts, among others.
Missed Opportunity
However, the making of the movie has previously sparked debate regarding Uganda’s rather rigid tax regime. Critics blame government for letting a golden opportunity to have the film shot in Entebbe where the actual events occurred, slip out of Uganda’s hands.
There have been several other movies inspired by the Israeli commandos’ rescue operation at Entebbe. Among them are; ‘Victory At Entebbe’, ‘Operation Thunderbolt’, ’Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six: Rogue Spear’ and ‘Operation Thunderbolt’.
But reportedly, for the latest ‘7 Days in Entebbe’, there were engagements between the government of Uganda and the film makers which however ended up stacking all odds against Uganda. The movie was finally shot in Malta.
Had the shooting of the movie been made here, the benefits to Uganda would have been profound. Some actors, equipment and services would be sourced locally, Uganda would use the chance to showcase some of its wildlife attractions in the movie, the production crew would camp in Uganda for weeks or months – they would have to spend on services. Then (relative) tax revenue to government.
Not forgetting the marketing mileage that hosting Hollywood stars; Rosamund Pike, Daniel Bruhl and Vincent Cassel (who have a huge following) would give to brand Uganda. Who knows? One or two of them would be tempted (or given an offer by UTB) to go gorilla trekking or a game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
This won’t be the first time Uganda which is renowned for its scenic landscape, is losing out on a chance to have a big budget movie shot here.
