It all began at the beginning of the year 2024 when my uncle Motta asked if I was interested in joining the film industry. It was a big yes from me, of course I wanted to act! He hands me his phone to read through the Sisi Film Lab application form on a website. And among the listed courses, there was no acting! I was very disappointed. On the whole list the only thing I could do was directing of which I wasn’t sure of. I added cinematography – I really didn’t know what it was though! But guess what, the fact that you seeing this blog means, my application was approved.
So, on February 12th I attend the Orientation meeting, trust me my head almost busted when the introductions began. These new faces I met had big profiles about themselves, their creativity and yet I did not have anything related to film aside the many scenarios where I tore celebrity pictures and made a book writing about their private lives. So literally in film, the only thing I was conversant with was acting.
My turn for introduction and what I could say was about acting and becoming a celebrity, another Angelina Jolie on the screens of the Ugandan audience. My inspiration for being Infront of the camera sprang from my actress aunt. She has acted in a couple of movies like the recent film “The Law of Consequences” directed by Charlie Kobong. And then Agatha Kabera my second inspiration. Apparently, she is basking in the UK, but she elevated my acting desire when I spotted her in “The Honourablez.”
In Primary I took on a role as a Princess who was hellbent to not follow the traditional rules of her culture. I was proving to the King, my dad that not every generation will be emulating the past way of worshipping small gods. I tried so hard to reveal to him the Great God who makes everything possible. In the end, I brought my Kingdom back to life. Everyone in the Kingdom started following and worshipping the Great God. I rolled it off too well that I won best Actress in that school competition. This elevated my acting spirit ten folds. I was meant for acting! This acting in traditional dramas enabled me to learn how to make traditional clothes for the Baganda.
You might be wondering, why I did stick around at the Sisifilmlab even though I did not find acting classes. Truthfully, I want to tell stories, inspire youths, adults, those who have lost hope. They should keep their candles burning bright. Why am I saying this? It is because I had lost hope with Myself that it had me start with a short film “Is There Hope?” A young girl who is a drug addict, she has lost hope resulting from a rejection. Lost her two kids, lost trust from her family and friends. Lost almost everything!
This story is to show Fellow youths they should never lose courage in each and everything that they intend to do as long as they focus and give it time, everything will be alright.
I have little experience in script writing but there is an undying belief that I’m going to make it. One day my star will burn bright cause I’m in an environment of the most loving and inspiring filmmakers. There is an ambitious woman, Precious Colette. This lady has been great inspiration to me. Mentoring me through the script writing area. I love her scripts. Even though I haven’t got a chance to watch some of her short films, I know as I walk through this journey, I’m willing to learn so much more from her.
As the days of my being a film student brought new experiences, I fell in love with editing. The editing teacher Charlie Kobong an editing expert who edits perfectly. Watch the Law of Consequences, he is the editor behind those magnificent cuts.
Here comes Angel Gumisiriza setting my set designing gears on fire. She is a pro in the set designing and props department. I’m hoping to get a chance to work on any set that brings out my talent. My first lucky set designing trial was during the Sisi Film Collective movie night where I took part in the setting.
This life as a film student at the Sisi Film Lab has been a marathon and hopefully I get a chance to work on the up coming short Films. I’d be glad If I’m recommended to act. I believe before the year ends, I’ll be qualified enough to take part in the feature films. With the company of friends I have, I believe I’m going to make it, the red carpets await me!