Uganda Movie Industry

Uganda Movie Industry

The emerging film industry in Uganda is known as Ugawood or sometimes Kinauganda by the locals. The 2005 production Feelings Struggle directed by Ashraf Ssemwogerere is credited with being the first Ugawood film. This steadily growing film industry has been stated by many as so derived from the famous Hollywood, and the same manner as Nollywood and Bollywood, and has been home to films which achieved worldwide acclaim, such as the film Who Kiled Captain Alex. In a story ran in a local newspaper in Uganda about the naming of the industry, filmmakers Kuddzu Isaac, Matt Bish and Usama Mukwaya were quoted stating that Ugawood would be the most appropriate for representation.

Audiences go to video halls where VJs narrate over a feature film, translating the dialogue and adding their own commentary, as well as renting DVDs and watching feature films on prime-time TV.

Some films are funded by NGOs through cultural grants. Some films are produced with DIY equipment and low production budgets. Despite low production budgets, Uganda’s movie industry is quite productive. Isaac Nabwana’s Ramon Productions, based in Wakaliga near Kampala, has produced more than 40 low-budget action films over the last 10 years.

The Uganda Communications Commission organizes the Uganda Film Festival to promote the film industry. In 2013, film State Research Bureau swept four awards. In 2014, The Felistas Fable won four awards, including Best Director for Dilman Dila. The Pearl International Film Festival is held annually in Kampala.

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