The initiative will also include awarding outstanding filmmakers and TV content creators.
By Helena Olori
The iKON Fellowship Programme has unveiled the newest fellows for the upcoming 2023/2024 edition of the Young Filmmakers Fellowship Programme — an innovative initiative dedicated to nurturing the next generation of filmmakers.
The iKON Young Filmmakers Fellowship, a collaborative effort of Reach a Hand Uganda, and the Media Challenge Initiative, is designed for young, passionate, and enthusiastic filmmakers interested in creative storytelling. Each year, ten filmmakers are selected for the programme and supported with $500 each to produce a 5 to 10-minute short film, with mentorship from experienced filmmakers through their production journey.
This year’s selection includes Aguti Brenda, Kibirige Fred Nouah, Ndagire Pauline Angel, Okumu Silvester Douglas, Sserunkuma Shabiru, Ssemambo Douglas, Birungi Rose, Abongi Gerald, and Musiimenta Parton.
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The selected filmmakers, consisting of actors, producers, writers and performers, will bring to life compelling narratives around the essence of healthy relationships, teenage pregnancy, family planning, drug abuse, living with disabilities, and HIV/AIDS awareness.
Some of the masterclasses they will undergo include; Acting Masterclass with Nollywood legend, Ramsey Nouah, Production Masterclass with Mathew Nabwiso and Benon Mugumbya, and Visual Storytelling Masterclass with Chris Chomyn.
“Empowering passionate young filmmakers, we collaborate with industry professionals to mentor and guide them in creating powerful short films”, say Lynn Tasha Akullu, Director, Communications and Public Relations at Reach a Hand, Uganda. She also added, “These films serve as catalysts for conversations on tough topics for mindset change.”
The initiative will also include awarding outstanding filmmakers and TV content creators.
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Meanwhile, ahead of the second edition of the iKON Awards, the organisers have announced an impressive 203 film submissions for the forthcoming awards ceremony, emphasising the diversity and creativity of filmmakers in the Uganda film industry. The inaugural edition of the awards was introduced last year to recognise and reward exceptional individuals and organisations who embody creativity, innovation and enterprise in their work in Uganda.