By Solomon Lubambula
Ugandan filmmakers now have greater opportunities to refine their skills and showcase their talents through regional competitions and training programs initiated by MultiChoice Uganda in collaboration with the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC).
The two entities have launched the Uganda Film Festival (UFF) Regional Competitions and training sessions across three regions—Central (Mubende), West (Ntungamo), East (Tororo), and North (Lira).
This initiative comes ahead of the 12th edition of the Uganda Film Festival, which continues to elevate the country’s film industry.
These regional competitions serve as a platform for local filmmakers to present their work, gain exposure, and receive industry training.
The competitions will conclude with the selection of regional winners who will be recognized for their storytelling and filmmaking excellence.
Nyombi Thembo, the UCC Executive Director, emphasized the importance of the initiative while speaking at the Central Regional Film Competitions award ceremony in Mubende.
He noted that the competitions provide exposure, industry training, and recognition for filmmakers across Uganda.
Nyombi also highlighted the role of creative industries in addressing unemployment, stressing the need to invest in young filmmakers to create job opportunities.
This year’s Uganda Film Festival will celebrate a decade of promoting the film industry by recognizing up to 32 regional winners, further showcasing the nation’s filmmaking talent.
Rinaldi Jamugisa, PR & Communications Manager at MultiChoice Uganda, stated that the company’s involvement in the initiative reflects its dedication to nurturing talent and amplifying Ugandan stories.
“As part of our commitment to local content, these regional competitions and workshops provide filmmakers with an avenue to sharpen their skills and gain broader opportunities in the film industry,” Jamugisa said.
The workshops will cover key topics such as content acquisition, production best practices, and monetization strategies. Industry experts will lead these sessions, equipping filmmakers with practical knowledge to enhance their craft and navigate the evolving film landscape.
One of the success stories from these initiatives is Hannah Nalunga Lukoda, a graduate of the 2023 MultiChoice Talent Factory class. Her production, Jimbi, won three accolades at the competition.
Expressing her gratitude, Nalunga said, “I want to extend my appreciation to MultiChoice Uganda, UFF, and UCC for giving Jimbi a platform to shine. Winning Best Film, Best Actor, and Best Original Soundtrack reflects the dedication and hard work behind the project.”
She also noted that six members of her cast and crew are graduates of the MultiChoice Talent Factory, and with multiple nominations at both local and international levels, they are optimistic about their future success.
UCC and MultiChoice Uganda, along with other industry stakeholders, will travel to the selected regions to recognize and celebrate winners, reinforcing their commitment to developing Uganda’s creative sector.
This initiative is part of a broader strategy aimed at strengthening the local film industry and positioning Ugandan filmmakers for success on national and international stages.
