VALENTINES WEEK: A Week that could change the Ugandan film industry.
As the rest of the world celebrates love, for Ugandans who love Ugandan movies, it will be that one week that might change the Ugandan movie cinema-watching culture. The week of February 12th to 18th has a series of movie screenings at Ugandan cinemas in Kampala, and it’s what we'll talk about.
My Love From Another Land
On Wednesday, February 14th, we have the premiere of a Ugandan movie, My Love from Another Land, produced by Pablo and Anu and directed by Kevin Johns Nabukenya. The rom-com tells the story of an American adopted in Nigeria who finds success in the Nigerian legal industry but decides to relocate to Uganda. While in Uganda, he falls in love with an Acholi woman and embarks on a journey through traditional cultural rituals and practices to marry her.
The story is inspired by the real-life experiences of a Nigerian-American couple, Pablo and Anu, who left the United States of America to make Uganda their home. Now, they work as farmers in Uganda and share their experiences living in the country on their YouTube channel, Familia Pablanu.
The premiere is happening at Century Cinemax Acacia, which will be busy with Ugandan films this week.
A behind-the-scenes photo from the movie My Love From Another Land. Courtesy Photo.
Sabotage.
Another movie premiering this week in cinemas is Sabotage by Matthew Nabwiso, a production of Sauti Plus.
The drama movie tells the story of a career-driven woman who finds love and is excited about her dream traditional wedding until she finds out she is carrying her father-in-law’s child. The film stars Stella Natumbwe as Vivian, Sharifa Ali as Lucia, Denid Kinan, Nampanga Pelly as Majorie, and others.
A poster of the movie Sabotage. Courtesy Photo.
UCC Movie Nights.
But the most interesting thing about this week is the premiere of the Uganda Communications Commission-funded UCC Movie Nights, which will start on February 15th at Century Cinemax Acacia. The movies will be shown in different cinemas across the country, including Century Cinemax Cinemas in Kampala and Mbarara Country Cinema.
The screenings will kick off with Nalwawo by Nana Kagga showing at Century Cinemax Acacia and "Unheard" showing at Country Cinema Mbarara on February 15th. Then, on February 16th, which is a Friday, The Kitara Chronicles will be shown at Century Cinemax Arena Mall. We close the week on Saturday with the UCC Commissioned Karamoja at Century Cinemax Metroplex. Essentially, the screenings will extend to even registered Bibanda in Uganda as an initiative to increase the Ugandan movie audience by the Ugandan Communications Commission. If it is successful, this week will be one of those weeks we’ll remember as an opener to the most significant initiative in the Uganda film industry.
The schedule for the movies and where they will be showing. Courtesy Photo.
So, if you’re planning an outing this week, consider one of the Ugandan movies showing in cinemas.