From the ashes of war to the silver screen, my journey as a filmmaker has been a winding path of discovery and passion. Growing up in Gulu City, Northern Uganda, I never imagined that the childhood games I played in a refugee camp would lay the foundation for my future career.
In the midst of war and displacement, creativity became my escape. I crafted toy cars from papyrus and sorghum stems, and with friends, we created a ‘Box TV’ – a makeshift cinema using paper cutouts, sticks, and a bulb to bring stories to life. We’d spend hours creating characters, scenes, and stories, lost in our own little world. Little did I know, these early experiments would ignite a fire that would drive me to become a cinematographer.
As I navigated the challenges of growing up, film became my solace. I was a cinematic vacuum cleaner, inhaling every frame, every cut, every awkward dialogue delivery. I’d watch a movie, then re-watch it, then re-re-watch it. My love for movies was like a bad addiction – I’d watch anything, from blockbuster hits to straight-to-DVD disasters.
I was a movie magician, conjuring up entire worlds from the flickering lights of the screen. I’d watch a film, and suddenly, I’d be transported to a realm of wonder, where Chuck Norris’s kicks sparked action, Jean-Claude Van Damme’s splits ignited excitement, and Cynthia Rothrock’s moves fueled my imagination.
I remember spending hours at the video hall, watching film after film with just one coupon. I’d arrive in the morning, and with a single ticket, I’d watch movies back-to-back until evening. The video hall was my happy place, where I could escape reality and indulge in the world of cinema. I’d watch anything – action, comedy, drama, or horror – as long as it was on the screen, I was hooked!
When I stumbled upon a film training opportunity, I knew I had to seize it. With the support of my sister and a dash of determination, I embarked on a journey that would take me from Mobile Film School to the sets of TV series and films.
The training was a game-changer. I learned from industry experts, refined my skills in cinematography, lighting, and camera work, and gained hands-on experience through internships and workshops. I was like a sponge, soaking up every bit of knowledge and expertise that came my way.
Through the training, I discovered my passion for storytelling and my talent for bringing scripts to life. I worked on various projects, from short films to TV series, and collaborated with other creatives to bring their visions to the screen.
One of the highlights of my training was working on a TV series as a lighting assistant. I refined my skills in lighting and learned how it can make or break a scene. I also worked as a camera assistant, where I mastered the art of camera operation and movement.
After completing my training, I landed my first job as a Director of Photography on a short film. It was a dream come true! I was responsible for bringing the director’s vision to life, and I worked tirelessly to ensure that every shot was perfect.
Today, I’m proud to be a Cinematography Trainer at Sisi Film Lab, sharing my knowledge and expertise with the next generation of filmmakers. I’m living proof that with hard work, determination, and a bit of luck, anyone can achieve their dreams in the film industry.