Nisha Kalema's "Makula," a compelling story about a woman caught in a human trafficking web, emerged as the night's biggest winner.
The 11th annual Uganda Film Festival (UFF) concluded at the Uganda Institute of Communication and Technology in Nakawa, showcasing a vibrant mix of established and up-and-coming filmmakers. This year's edition highlighted the emergence of a new generation of creators, with many nominees receiving their first nods alongside seasoned veterans vying for their third or fourth wins.
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The film premiered as Kalema's second foray into directing and garnered a slew of awards, including Best Feature Film, Best Director (shared with Dan Mugisha), Best Cinematography (Alex Ireeta), and Best Production Design (Imran Musabbeh).
Kalema's achievement further solidifies her position as a multi-talented force in Ugandan cinema, having previously earned accolades as an actress, writer, and producer.
M-Net originals also had a strong showing, with Jerry Ssesanga's "The Lions of Buganda" winning Best Indigenous Film and Best Costume Design. Kevin Johns Nabukenya's "Soccer Heart" took home Best Post-Production, and Eleanor Nabwiso's "Christmas Together" garnered wins for Best Sound and Best Screenplay.
The ceremony featured a speech by the Executive Director of the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), Hon Nyombi Thembo. Thembo emphasized the significance of the arts in society and expressed concern about the decline of school competitions in music, dance, and drama. Established in 2013 by the UCC, the UFF aims to cultivate a thriving Ugandan film industry by fostering local and international recognition for filmmakers and fostering collaboration within the industry.
Other notable winners included "The Last Shoemaker" (Best Short Film), "Ghetto Mama" (Documentary Film), "Scold' Bridle" (Best Student Film), Veronica Nakayo (Best Supporting Actress in Film) and Felix Bwanika (Best Supporting Actor in a Feature Film).
FULL LIST OF WINNERS OF UGANDA FILM FESTIVAL 2024
1. Best Short Film The Last Shoemaker
2. Best Animation - Kataleya
3. Best Student Film - Scold' Bridle
4. Documentary Film - Ghetto Mama
5. Best Makeup - The Lions of Buganda
6. Best Post-Production - Soccer Heart
7. Best Sound - Isiko Abubaker for Christmas Together
8. Best Costume Design - The Lions of Buganda
9. Best Production Design - Imran Musabbeh for Makula
10. Best Screenplay - Christmas Together by Nabwiso Eleanor
11. Best Cinematography - Alex Ireeta for Makula
12. Best Regional Film - TAAMA by Arthur Nsubuga
13. Best Supporting Actress in Film - Nakayo Veronica
14. Best Supporting Actor in a Feature Film - Bwanika Felix for Ssekukkulu
15. Best Actor in TV Drama - Simon Base Kalema for Prestige
16. Best Actress in TV Drama - Doreen Mirembe for Damalie
17. Best Actor in Film - Edris Lubega for Half Life
18. Best Actress in Feature Film - Penny Peninah Nampanga for Maria
19. LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT - MICHAEL WAWUYO
20. Best Viewers' Choice Film - Omukululo
21. Best Indigenous Film - The Lions of Buganda by Sesanga Jerry
22. Best TV Drama Series - Damalie
23. Best Director - Nisha Kalema & Dan Mugisha for Makula
23. Best Film - Makula by Nisha Kalema