These accolades underscore the burgeoning status of the Ugandan film industry, which continues to see increased investment and funding from the Ugandan government.
By Helena Olori
Uganda’s filmmakers took the spotlight at the recently concluded 6th Kaduna International Film Festival (KADIFF) in Nigeria, securing an impressive tally of five awards across categories, out of the 13 total categories for the 2023 awards.
No Way Out, by Mulima Ashiraf clinched the award for Best Animation while Doreen Mirembe‘s Kafa Coh earned her the “Best Director” (female) title. Aisha Kyomuhangi’s directed mystery-drama, Beneath Beauty, won both the Best International Film and the Best Actress awards for actress, Namara Jolly’s performance. Crystal Countless Misfortune by Leonard Amanya took home the award for Best Educational Film.
These accolades underscore the burgeoning status of the Ugandan film industry which continues to see increased investment and funding from the Ugandan government.
(Read also – IKON Awards 2023: Ugandan Filmmakers, Loukman Ali, Doreen Mirembe, Top Winners List)
Other notable winners at the festival include Burkinabé actor, Issaka Sawadogo, who clichéd the award for Best Actor, Ali Benjelloun for Best Cinematography, and Moroccan filmmaker, Hassan Benjelloun, as Best Director (male).
Industry veterans, Ali Nuhu, Francis Duru, and Rabiu Rikadawa, were honoured with lifetime awards for their remarkable contribution to the film industry.
The festival was held from 22nd – 26th August 2023 at Alliance Française de Kaduna State, Nigeria, with the theme, “The Globalisation of Film and Its Impact on the World.” It showcased 52 films by participants from over 10 countries including the USA, France, India, Nepal, and several African countries, with featured panel discussions, exhibitions, cultural displays, and networking, among others.
(Read also: Valley of a Thousand Hills Sweeps 10th Simon ‘Mabhunu’ Sabela Awards)
Meanwhile, at the closing ceremony of the festival, Dahiru Bala, the Bank of Industry (BOI) Regional Manager of North-West, reiterated the bank’s commitment to providing financial support to filmmakers in Kannywood and across Nigeria.
Bala emphasised that “BOI is a national bank and as much as it is a national bank, we want to spread our support in the country. So, those in the North and Nigeria at large will be supported.” He urged creatives from the region to apply for funding, which is crucial to the growth of the industry and has the potential to bolster the economy.
The Kaduna International Film Festival (KADIFF), founded by Israel Audu Kashim, is the first international film festival in Northern Nigeria. The 5-day annual event brings together filmmakers and industry players from across the continent and abroad.