Sometimes I wonder if filmmaking in other countries involves as much improvisation and prayer as it does here... Because in Uganda, you learn quickly that storytelling is 10% script, 90% miracles!
Uganda is overflowing with powerful stories—locally grounded but globally relevant. Still, we often face a cultural expectation for linear, moral-heavy narratives. If your story dares to challenge norms or walk in grey areas, you're likely to get a raised eyebrow or two.
Resources? Limited. Funding? Scarce. But the passion? Unstoppable. International collaborations also bring their own learning curves—what works abroad doesn’t always fit here. Finding a balance is more like trying to fry a rolex with French ingredients—possible, but someone’s going to be confused!
But I’m proud to say that some Ugandans are breaking through—pushing past the noise, redefining our narratives, and making space for stories that dare to be different. Basically taking one for emerging screen writers like myself .
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Brightman Majiduh, this is such a powerful and honest reflection, thank you for sharing it. Your voice shines through with both humor and heart, and I love the line: “trying to fry a rolex with French ingredients”!
It’s inspiring to hear how Ugandan storytellers like yourself are pushing boundaries and making space for layered, authentic narratives, especially in environments that favor traditional structures. That passion and resilience you mentioned? It’s the very heartbeat of independent filmmaking worldwide.
We’re currently running our July Filmmakers Club right now, celebrating storytelling from all corners of the world. Your post is exactly the kind of insight we’re highlighting, feel free to jump in here and join the creative challenges and conversations: https://www.stage32.com/blog/july-filmmakers-club-week-2-strategies-for-...