By Our Reporter
Attain A Hand Uganda and the Ikon Awards have unveiled the 2024/2025 Cohort of the Ikon Younger Filmmakers Fellowship – a gaggle of 10 younger and passionate filmmakers who will endure months {of professional} coaching in filmmaking.
The Fellows are: Mukama David, Nansubuga Rhoda, Treno Lee, Layoo Ketty, Nankya Mariam Shamsa, Nakaibale Denise Julian, Ssuubi Abdurahman, Nkabazzi Lukia Otengo Solomon, and Ligose Angela.
The ten had been chosen from a aggressive pool of candidates from throughout Uganda for his or her ardour and potential to create movies that resonate deeply with audiences and handle societal challenges.
Now in its third version, the Fellowship Program seeks to empower younger individuals by means of movie for social change and improved livelihoods. The fellows are taken by means of a collection of masterclasses, following which they obtain a $500 grant together with a number of companions to supply 5-10-minute quick movies themed round sexual and reproductive well being and rights (SRHR) amongst younger individuals.
The masterclasses are delivered by means of one-on-one mentorship classes, with earlier cohorts receiving coaching from Ramsey Nouah, Usama Mukwaya, Eleanor Nabwiso, Allan Manzi, Uche Ateli, Alex Ireta, Brenda Nanyonjo, and lots of extra.
Since its inception, the fellowship has produced 18 quick movies addressing the challenges dealing with younger individuals – together with Doreen Mirembe’s “Mama Wange” which is at the moment being produced right into a characteristic movie. The quick has been screened in Nigeria and France, along with incomes a number of native and worldwide nominations and awards.
With the rising wave of quick type video content material dominating digital platforms, quick movies have turn into extra than simply leisure or a inventive outlet, however a robust instrument for training, advocacy, and social change – with platforms like TikTok and YouTube boasting over 5.5 million customers and 4.6 million subscribers in Uganda respectively.
Humphrey Nabimanya, the founding father of Attain A hand Uganda and the Ikon Awards, stated, “To all of the younger filmmakers, I say this: Movie isn’t just a medium; it’s a highly effective catalyst for social change. Your tales have the potential to problem perceptions, ignite conversations, and encourage motion.”
He additional suggested the filmmakers to embrace the distinctive narratives of Uganda – tales that replicate the nation’s struggles, triumphs, and desires, whereas amplifying the voices which might be typically unheard and the problems that matter.
Ssuubi Abdurahman, one in all this 12 months’s Fellows, says the Fellowship is a gateway to amplifying his voice, sharing his tales, and provoking others by means of the highly effective medium of movie.
“For me, movie is a common language that transcends borders, cultures, and generations. It’s a medium that may evoke feelings and spark empathy,” he stated.
This system will culminate right into a high-profile launch and quick movie exhibition in February the place the fellows’ productions will likely be screened for a various viewers of policymakers, growth companions, and the general public.
