Ugandan filmmakers achieve global recognition
Five Ugandan filmmakers have won prestigious nominations and awards on the festival circuits, after working with an ITC incubator.
Filmmakers who went through the Opportunities Are Here incubator held screenings at a the Short Reels, Big Dreams showcase, organized with the Uganda National Cultural Center. That gave local audiences a chance to see films that have travelled on the international festival circuit and gathered acclaim overseas.
The showcase celebrated their creative journeys, allowing them to engage with audiences and take their first steps toward monetizing their talent.
‘The event was a success, and we were very happy with the attendance,’ said Joy A. Matovu, one of the contributing filmmakers. ‘We met people interested in future collaborations and learned a lot about organizing such an event.’
Nodryn Evanci’s Half Chocolate Half Vanilla follows Zenna, a young woman diagnosed with vitiligo, a condition that causes patches of skin to lose pigmentation. Zenna's story of navigating stigma and isolation has won awards at the Pearl International Film Festival and Kampala Slum Mobile Cinema Festival. It's also been selected for the Silicon Valley African Film Festival and Mombasa International Film Festival.
Vieri Kavuma’s The Boy from Kampala tells the story of two young men from the ghettos of Kampala who dream of making a film. Despite setbacks, their collaboration leads to unexpected success. The film has been selected for Lift-Off Sessions Festival (Pinewood Studios, UK), Kitale Film Week 2025, and Varsity Film Expo 2024.
‘I started filmmaking with my friends using my phone, which was later stolen on my way to a shoot,’ Vieri shared. ‘This film is inspired by the dreamers I grew up with—people who, despite the odds, keep pushing forward. I wanted to send a clear message: no matter your struggles, your dreams are valid.’
Mary Josephine Namirembe’s animated short Fractured explores beauty standards and self-acceptance through Murungi, a young woman struggling to maintain a flawless facade.
‘I wanted to tell this story because it reflects the oppressive beauty standards forced upon women and girls, leading to self-doubt and erasure of authenticity,’ said Mary Josephine. ‘Through animation, I explored self-acceptance and empowerment, hoping to inspire others to embrace their true selves.’
The film won Best Short Film and Best Animated Film at Kitale Film Week 2025 and has been selected for Animation Tanzania Film Festival, Canex Shorts, Ngalabi Shorts, and Lagos International Festival of Animations.
Colline Manirahari’s Hero at Skull Island is a political thriller about Dr. Matake, a leader investigating his friend’s murder, only to be kidnapped and taken to Skull Island. The film won Best Short Film at the Mumbai Entertainment International Film Festival and has been selected for the 2025 Nexus International Film Festival in California.
‘Climate change is a global issue, and telling this story was my way of adding my voice to the fight for a better planet,’ Colline explained. ‘Everyone has seen, felt, or been affected by climate change, which is why the story resonates with so many people.’
Chloe Nsiima’s Obukadde Bu Satu is a comedy about a divorced couple unexpectedly competing on a game show about Ugandan culture.
‘This story was personal for me—it was a way of processing my parents' divorce,’ Chloe shared. ‘I kept wondering what would happen if two jilted lovers were forced into an awkward situation. And I thought, "Ugandans make fun of everything, no one takes things too seriously." That’s how the idea was born.’
The film has been selected for Kitale Film Week, Lift-Off Sessions, and the Very Short Films Festival.
More than just filmmaking
Beyond the films, Opportunities Are Here has been instrumental in supporting Ugandan filmmakers through mentorship, training, and funding. ITC’s support provided production resources, distribution guidance, and industry exposure.
‘ITC helped refine my vision and expand the film’s reach,’ Mary Josephine noted. "More than that, it showed me that my work has the power to ignite change."
Vieri added, ‘ITC funded the film, provided training, and even helped with advertising—ensuring the film reached a larger audience.’
Colline emphasized the practical impact: ‘ITC support helped me pay for the crew, cast, locations, and equipment. I’m grateful to them and other organizations that made this project possible.’
Chloe echoed a similar sentiment: ‘ITC gave me the platform to pitch my idea and the training to bring it to life.’
With over 250 creatives trained and 1,313 jobs created, Opportunities Are Here continues to shape Uganda’s creative economy, proving that local stories have a place on the global stage.
