Synopsis
A family drama following Lutalo as she tries to reconcile her position in life as the third wife to Paul, a man on a mission to get children after having failed to conceive from his first two wives. Paul decides to solve his predicament by becoming a strict Christian; and that only means staying with one wife.
Director’s Bio
Victor Mugabe, a filmmaker from Uganda, began his storytelling journey in Senior One with a novella passed around class like contraband. What started as an epic about saving the world evolved into a reflection of school life, tackling themes like bullying and mental health. He grew up in a home where action-packed, thrilling stories often collided with his sisters’ “Tea Time” games. Early attempts to turn a doll’s tea party into a high-stakes action drama led to hilarious sibling showdowns—until, of course, they found common ground in the magic of storytelling.
Fast forward to 2024, and Victor is now at the prestigious Sisi Film Lab, where he’s traded those sibling rivalries for cinematic finesse. His films pack the same emotional punch as the dramatic plots he dreamed up as a child, but now with a lot more polish (and fewer teacups). He’s driven by a belief that stories not only entertain but also spark meaningful conversations and cultural connections. With every frame, Victor is on a mission to inspire, provoke, and leave his mark on the world—one bold narrative at a time.
Director’s statement
A thousand ways to face change is a story that began three years ago. As a graduate, my life finally slowed down. I was a robot that had finally gained consciousness. Change was the inevitable consequence to my awakening. Unfortunately, when one starts to change, I learnt the hard way that tables would be turned, words would be spoken and there would be hell and brimstone. A dark time that led to a lot. I was scared of being me.
Lutalo, the main character of this film, goes through a similar experience with Paul’s decision to become monogamous. Her fixed and perfect route in life is rattled and she finally starts to ask the hard questions. Unlike me, Lutalo, finds the courage to step out and explore the world before folding up.
What makes this story unique is a focus on humor and rhythm, as our African ancestors intended. I hope to capture the raw emotions and energy that a shifting world would incite while giving the story a hint of our olden day oral story tradition through steady beats and rhythms to my dialogue.
The basic action is a three-way street between Lutalo, Namazzi and Nafuna. The exchanges between these three women are supposed to ignite passion, empathy and understanding between them. With Nafuna as one who is old-fashioned, conservative and pig headed, Lutalo finds her match as the modern, open minded and pig headed co wife in the family. Namazzi, who is supposed to be acting as a bridge between the two, only goes to sharpen their resentment for her own benefit. Faced with a deeper crisis, Lutalo must step aside from her ego to compromise with Nafuna while outsmarting Namazzi to get them all what they want.
Year: 2024
Genre: Musical Drama
Duration: 12 minutes
Cast
Lutalo: Nyapal Grace Aloyo
Paul: Ssegujja Edwin
Nafuna: Suubi Nalwanga
Namazzi: Kirabo Racheal
Writer/Director
Victor Mugabe
AD
Sanyu Sandra
Producer
Precious C.K.
Cinematography
Arsene Tumwesigwa
Sound Recordist
Emmanuel Okot
Boom Operator
Patricia Nakandi
Gaffer
Ambrose Okeme
Set Designer
Emmanuel Okot
Costumes
Mercy Geno Apachi
Assistant Editor
Simon Smoke
Sisi Film Lab Mentor
Dilman Dila
Sisi Film Lab Mentor
Charlie Kobong
Sisi Film Lab Mentor
Okullu Johnson Kibazu
Sisi Film Lab Mentor
Morris Ainamani Takumiu