Why Maisha and Uganda’s film movement is providing more than just entertainment

The National Theatre was filled with activity and excitement on Aug. 13 the opening night of the inaugural Maisha African Film Festival. Amongst the socialites, decked out in their finery, were numerous young, talented actors, editors, screenwriters and directors who had all gathered to celebrate a gathering storm of success for Ugandan film. In the auditorium

People clamoured for seats for the showpiece of the night—a screening of iMANi—and each time a character made a joke the place would explode with laughter, chatter and shouted comments.

Directed by Carol Kamya and other alumni from Maisha, an organization dedicated to providing training to Ugandan filmmakers, iMANi depicts a day in the life of three Ugandans: a child soldier returning home, a maid desperate to help her friend, a young break-dancer trying to follow his dreams. The scenes are familiar to a Ugandan audience but actually seeing them onscreen, executed in such a professional manner, is wholly unfamiliar. The film has been screened around the world, garnering praise and six international awards.