Ugandan Filmmakers Win Big at Producers Masterclass Film Pitch with Chris Odeh.
Three emerging Ugandan filmmakers, Fiona Abooli Mpabwa, Deusdedit Katende, and Kate Nafuna, have been announced as winners of the Uganda Producers Masterclass Film Pitch, a program led by renowned Nigerian producer Chris Odeh and amplified by the iKON Awards platform.
The Producers Masterclass, hosted in Kampala, offered a deep dive into the art and business of film producing, covering development, budgeting, pitching, and how to position projects for the international market. The highlight was a competitive pitching session where participants presented their film ideas before a panel of mentors and peers.
It was in this final session that Fiona, Deusdedit, and Kate rose to the top, impressing the judges with stories that blended originality, structure, and strong market potential. Their recognition marks them as promising voices to watch in Uganda’s rapidly growing film industry.
A Platform Beyond Training
What made this edition stand out was the backing of the iKON Awards, Uganda’s premier film and television recognition platform. By championing the Masterclass, iKON reaffirmed its commitment not only to celebrating talent at its annual gala but also to nurturing the next generation of filmmakers throughout the year.
Nigerian filmmaker Chris Odeh, widely respected for his mentorship across Africa, emphasized that the program was about building producers who can tell authentic African stories while also thriving in the global film space.
Why It Matters for Uganda’s Film Industry
Uganda’s film sector is experiencing a moment of momentum, with new festivals, awards, and training programs creating opportunities for storytellers. The success of Fiona, Deusdedit, and Kate signals a shift, one where local creativity is being matched with professional development and continental collaboration.
As these winners take their next steps in developing their projects, their journey is not just personal, it reflects the collective ambition of Ugandan cinema to rise onto bigger platforms and audiences.
Congratulations to Fiona Abooli Mpabwa, Deusdedit Katende, and Kate Nafuna—the industry awaits your stories on screen!