Uganda Wins Big at Kaduna International Film Festival
Uganda, and by extension, Ugandan filmmakers, celebrated significant victories at the sixth annual Kaduna Film Festival held in Nigeria yesterday 26th August 2023. A remarkable tally of five awards was secured by the Ugandan contingent, comprising filmmakers and actors. Mulima Ashiraf, a Ugandan producer, animator, and now exhibitor, took home the Best Animation Award for, "No Way Out."
Aisha Kyomuhangi's production, "Beneath Beauty," scooped two prestigious awards. The film secured the title of Best International Film, while Namara Jolly's compelling performance earned her the distinction of Best Actress. Leonard Amanya's "Crystal Countless Misfortune," was honored with the Best Educational Film Award, underscoring the film's profound impact. Lastly, Doreen Mirembe was awarded the Best Female Director Award for her directorial role in the creation of "Kafacoh."
In the midst of her joyous accomplishment, Namara Jolly, the recipient of the Best Actress award, humbly shared her sentiments: “All I can say is that I am extremely happy since it’s my first time winning something out of my acting. The other one before was a nomination and I didn’t win but winning now keeps me pushing. You might not be valued by your people but strangers will always surprise you”
Eng. Irene Kaggwa Ssewankambo, the director of UCC through her Twitter handle congratulated the winner and said the success of Ugandan is a demonstration of the great milestones that have been achieved by our creative industry.
Uganda won 5 awards at 6th Kaduna Film Festival in Nigeria: No Way Out as Best animation by Mulima Ashiraf, Kafa Coh by Doreen Mirembe for Best Female Director, Beneath Beauty by Aisha Kyomuhangi for Best International Film & Best Actress (Namara Jolly) & Crystal Countless Misfortune
— Eng. Irene Kaggwa (@UCC_ED) August 27, 2023
Doreen Mirembe, a familiar face in the realm of awards, alongside Ashiraf Mulima attended the Award ceremony in Nigeria, supported by the Uganda Film Festival.
Today is a big day for me here in Nigeria at the @kadunafilmfestival Uganda has just won 5 film awards in different categories including my @Kafacoh for Best director congratulations to the winners pic.twitter.com/BBvKVuD1pC
— Mirembe Doreen???????? (@doreen_mirembe1) August 26, 2023
By Martin Kabagambe.