A Night to Remember: Highlights from the Kimote Premiere at Century Cinemax Acacia Mall
Last evening, the red carpet was rolled out at Century Cinemax, Acacia Mall for the highly anticipated premiere of Kimote, directed by the talented Hassan Mageye. The night was a beautiful celebration of Ugandan storytelling, rich culture, and the undeniable power of dreams.
The premiere drew an impressive crowd, including filmmakers, actors, media personalities, cultural leaders, and movie lovers, each eager to experience this powerful story. The guest of honour for the evening was Owekitiibwa Salongo Sserwanga Robert, Minister for Sports and Arts in the Buganda Kingdom, whose presence highlighted the growing importance of arts and culture in shaping Uganda’s future.
Other invited guests included the Commissioner for Culture and Family Affairs in the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Hon. Naumo Juliana Akoryo. She is also the Director of Gender and Community Development within the same ministry. Akoryo specializes in culture, gender, and community development, with expertise in intangible cultural heritage.
The evening was brilliantly hosted by Kasule Douglas Benda, whose charisma and energy lit up the room. His witty and engaging presence kept the audience entertained and connected, setting the perfect tone for a memorable night.
Kimote tells the inspiring story of a backcloth maker’s son who dares to dream differently. In a world where tradition dictates that the backcloth is only used to wrap the dead, this young visionary sees a new purpose: to transform it into attire for the living a bold statement about legacy, innovation, and the reimagining of culture. The film has 14 nominations at the Uganda Film Festival 2025, a festival organised by the Uganda Communications Commission
Hassan Mageye’s direction brings authenticity, heart, and deep respect for Ugandan heritage to the screen. The storytelling is tender yet powerful, honoring tradition while pushing the boundaries of possibility. The performances, visuals, and message of Kimote left many in the audience reflecting on the importance of vision and courage in preserving—and evolving—our culture.
Speaking at the premiere, Owekitiibwa Salongo Sserwanga Robert praised the film’s message and encouraged continued support for local filmmakers, emphasizing how critical it is to tell Ugandan stories in ways that honor tradition while inspiring the next generation.
Congratulations to Hassan Mageye and the entire Kimote team for a successful and impactful premiere. Uganda’s film industry continues to rise and last night, we all witnessed history in the making.
If you haven’t watched Kimote yet, make sure you grab your tickets. This is a story you don’t want to miss.
Story by Cinema UG.