Kampala, Uganda – The National Theatre Auditorium was a hub of excitement last Friday as Uganda’s emerging filmmakers took centre stage at the premiere of Short Reels, Big Dreams.
The event, made possible with support from the European Union (EU), showcased seven short films created by young Ugandan filmmakers, each bringing unique stories to life on the big screen.
The showcased films included: Half Chocolate Half Vanilla by Nodryn Evanci Kabuye, Fractured by Namirembe Mary Josephine, Guys Night by Ilungole Emma, Obukadde Busatu by Nsiima Chloe, Oije Ondaarire by Daisy Phionah Owomugisha, Insanity by Alisanyukirwa Joy Matovu and The Boy from Kampala by Kavuma Mwanje
These films covered a diverse range of themes, from love and resilience to crime and social justice, reflecting the talent and storytelling depth of Uganda’s next generation of filmmakers.
A Night of Recognition and Celebration
The event was attended by a distinguished audience, including EU officials, representatives from the International Trade Centre (ITC), Uganda’s film industry professionals, and excited film enthusiasts.
In his keynote speech, EU Ambassador Jan Sadek commended the young filmmakers for their creativity and ambition.
“Tonight, we embark on a journey through the power of storytelling. These films show that when creativity and ambition come together, extraordinary results are achieved,” Ambassador Sadek remarked.
“Cinema is a universal language, and though these films may be short, their messages resonate far beyond their duration.”
He emphasised the EU’s continued support for Uganda’s creative industry, highlighting Opportunities Are Here (OAH)—a youth empowerment project focused on equipping young filmmakers with the skills and resources needed to thrive in the industry.
The Impact of ‘Opportunities Are Here’ on Uganda’s Film Industry
Phiona N. Bukulu, a representative of Opportunities Are Here, shared insights into the programme’s impact since its inception in October 2023.
Over 11,000 young Ugandans have received training in filmmaking, scriptwriting, and entrepreneurship, more than 595 jobs have been created across various film-related projects and at least 30 short films have been produced under the initiative.
The programme has reached over 7 million people through radio, TV, and social media campaigns.
She announced that the program is now moving into its next phase—supporting the production of a full-length feature film. The project will offer young filmmakers an opportunity to collaborate and push their creative limits, with the goal of taking Ugandan cinema to global platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime.
“We believe that the space is not limited for these young filmmakers. Their work deserves a global audience, and we are committed to making that happen,” Bukulu said.
Voices from the Industry
Andrew Lwanga Ssebagala, representing the National Theatre, praised the young filmmakers for their hard work and creativity.
“We are pleased to host this event because it aligns with our mandate to develop and promote Uganda’s arts sector. These filmmakers have shown remarkable dedication, and tonight, we celebrate their achievements.”
Meanwhile, Alisanyukirwa Joy Matovu, one of the featured filmmakers, spoke about what the night meant for her and her peers.
“I can’t call myself a director until you come, watch, and see ‘Directed by’ on the screen. That’s what makes this moment special for all of us,” he said.
The night ended with cheers, applause, and a sense of anticipation for the future of Uganda’s film industry. With growing support and a new generation of passionate filmmakers, the country’s cinematic landscape is poised for remarkable growth.
