The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) in partnership with MultiChoice Uganda, a Canal+ company has successfully concluded the fourth edition of the Regional Film Competitions in Hoima marking the end of a month-long nationwide initiative.
The competitions, which also took place in Soroti, Luwero and Arua brought together emerging filmmakers from across the country offering them a platform to develop their craft and showcase their talent.
The Hoima edition specifically brought together filmmakers from the Western Region for an intensive week-long training program.
Participants were equipped with practical skills in storytelling, script writing, directing and acting, insights into film production, marketing and the business of content creation, as well as piracy and intellectual property.
The Chief guest Hon. Balaam Barugahara, State Minister for Youth and Children Affairs highlighted the importance of Regional Film Competitions in decentralizing opportunities.
“The competitions give a young person with a borrowed camera and big dreams the same platform as someone with a fully equipped studio,” he highlighted.
He assured filmmakers of government’s commitment to strengthening policy frameworks that protect intellectual property, encourage investment, and open distribution markets for Ugandan content.
Speaking on behalf of the Executive Director at the awards gala, Mr. Haruna Musinguzi, the Director of Finance at UCC noted that as Uganda’s film industry grows, so must the standards.
He stressed that good storytelling must be matched with respect for intellectual property, professional contracts between producers, cast and crew, responsible portrayal of sensitive issues, and compliance with national content standards.
“We have seen situations where a film goes viral online but uses copyrighted music without permission and that becomes a legal challenge. Let us grow creatively and professionally at the same time. Professionalism is what will attract investors,” he said.
During the training sessions, Rinaldi Jamugisa, PR and Communications Manager at MultiChoice Uganda urged filmmakers to take an active role in combating content piracy since it greatly undermines the growth of the film industry.
“Making film is expensive. You invest millions of shillings but find someone illegally selling your film for as low as UGX 1,000 or downloading it for free from an illegal site. If you don’t begin to fight such vices, you will find yourselves unable to continue making films because you cannot pay your actors and crew as someone has taken a chunk of what is supposed to be going to them,” he said.
Jamugisa further warned filmmakers of the broader risks associated with Piracy like cyber-crimes, data theft and exposure to criminal networks.
He challenged filmmakers to also always access productions of other filmmakers through authorized channels.
The competitions culminated into the Western Region Awards Gala where outstanding productions were recognized for excellence across several categories.
Filmmakers with stories that wowed the judges took home cash prizes from UCC and MultiChoice Uganda, as well as trophies, certificates and gift hampers.
Among the evening’s winners was Brian Tumusiime who won Best Actor for his role in Nyakato, while Fante Merinah Nabwami took Best Actress for Not Mine.
The Best Student Award went to Sarah Kansiime Abooki for her role in Daughter of the Soil which also earned Musinguzi Francis Glen the Best Original Soundtrack award.
Not Mine directed by Angel Gumisiriza won the Best Community Impact Film while Ripple Effects directed by Baguma Arnold won Best Smartphone Film.
The top honor of Best Film went to Kabwondera, directed by Rukundo Justus and Atuhaire Fiffy.
With the conclusion of the Regional Film Competitions, attention now shifts to the training workshops and cinema screenings for films in the Viewer’s Choice category, scheduled for May and early June, as part of the forthcoming activities in the Uganda Film Festival (UFF) calendar.
All of these events are in build-up to the final awards gala on 5thJune.
