LOW ENROLLMENT OF WOMEN IN FILM SCHOOLS SITED DURING WOMEN IN FILM SUMMIT

Rachel Nduhukire, Eleanor Nabwiso, Lucky Atwiine on panel discussing issues affecting women in film

“There is low enrollment of women in film Schools in Uganda” stated Nkambo Robert, during the Women in Film Programme launch at the British Council in Kampala Uganda.

August 17, 2023 – Mediavision Academy goes wherever promotion of film in Uganda is being discussed.  This week, CinemaUg launched the Women In Film programme aiming at empowering women to achieve their dreams in film business.  The glamorous event that attracted a number of female celebrities took place at the British Council.

Jesca Ahimbisbwe, CinemaUG CEO 

Jesca Ahimbisibwe, the brain behind this program and founder of CinemaUg, told participants that women are left out on a number of occasions in recent years, denying them opportunities in the sector. Through this program, capacity of women will be built and enhanced in several disciplines like acting, directing, producing, entrepreneurship and how to overcome sexual exploitation. This initiative is particularly timely given the low enrollment of girls in film schools as Robert Nkambo has observed over his 10 years of film training at Mediavision Academy.  For every 10 students enrolled, only 2 are female.  This is alarming and unconscionable.

Mediavision Academy team.  Nkambo Robert (left) and Annet Aloyo (right) 

A number of activities preceded the launch ceremony engaging women in film, including master classes, workshops and a women-in-film monologue competition.  A panel discussion of trends and factors affecting women in film was held.  Panelists included women with a strong presence in film namely Eleanor Nabwiso, Lucky Lora Atwine, Rachel Nduhukire and Jackline Katusiime. 

Screenwriting workshop facilitated by Nisha Kalema at Goethe-Institut

It was thrilling to have Irene Kaggwa Ssewankambo, the acting Executive Director of Uganda Communication Commission (UCC), as the guest of honor.   Kaggwa recognized the growth of the film sector over the years and assured full government support through different initiatives that women need to take advantage of. 

Key women in film that present included Mariam Ndagire, Doreen Mirembe, Sarah Kisawuzi, Cleopatra Koheirwe, Esther Nakaziba, Rachel Magoola Bugweri who is the East Member of Parliament and leader of the Parliament forum for artists, Rehema Nanfuka.  Brian Mulondo from Multichoice Uganda and Janan Eochu, arts officer at the British Council also attended the event. Mediavision Academy was represented by its Director Nkambo Robert, Aloyo Annet, Director of Studies and Daniel Meboya, Strategic Communication Specialist.  

Jesca Ahimbisibwe, CinemaUg CEO, on this day announced the launch of a 6-month boot camp to help women overcome the obstacles that they are likely to encounter in their film journey. 

This initiative is in line with Mediavision Academy’s mission of developing Uganda’s film and television industry through training and production of informative and entertaining content and therefore commend CinemaUg for it.   It was one of those rare moments where for Uganda movie lovers could interact and talk with like-minded people.   

Kudos CinemaUg!