Asiimwe’s Gift
a film by
Angel Gumisiriza
Synopsis
In 1980’s Kabale, a village in western Uganda, Asiimwe, a 16-year-old girl, is kidnapped from her path home and placed in a forced marriage. Locked in a room and frightened, she finds herself in a situation neither she nor her husband, Agaba, truly understands. At just 19 years old, Agaba has been pressured into marriage by his uncles, who expect him to fulfill traditional expectations, but he is deeply conflicted and unsure of how to proceed.
Under the watchful eyes of his elders, Agaba is berated as a disappointment to his family for his hesitancy. Asiimwe, meanwhile, is overwhelmed with fear and sorrow, her cries drawing the attention of her sister-in-law, Kirabo. Moved by compassion, Kirabo offers Asiimwe support and helps her regain a sense of hope. The two young women form a strong bond, sharing their dreams of a life free from the constraints placed on them.
This is a story of resilience, solidarity, and the quest for freedom. It explores the courage of two young women striving to break free from societal expectations and reclaim their autonomy in the face of betrayal and oppression.
Director’s Statement
This film is deeply personal to me, inspired by the life of my mother and the struggles she endured. At just 14, she was forced into a marriage after becoming pregnant, leaving behind her dreams and the innocence of her youth. It was a life she never truly wanted, one filled with unhappiness and unfulfilled aspirations. Years later, she found the strength to leave and pursue the love and freedom she had always longed for.
Through this story, I aim to shed light on the plight of young women trapped by societal expectations and cultural norms. It’s a story about resilience, defiance, and the courage to reclaim one’s life. By exploring themes of forced marriage, autonomy, and sisterhood, this film reflects the struggles of countless women who are silenced, yet fight to carve out their own paths.
This is not just my mother’s story—it’s a universal tale of hope, empowerment, and the unyielding human spirit. My goal is to inspire conversations about change and to honor the resilience of women who refuse to accept a life dictated by others.
Director’s Bio
Angel Gumisiriza is a passionate filmmaker with four years of experience in the industry. Her journey began in 2020 when she joined the Mobile Film School in Kabale, where she honed her craft and discovered her love for storytelling.
Angel has contributed to several notable productions, including working as a props master and set dresser on Maama and Me (2021), a set runner on The Kojja (2022), a production manager on Boarders (2023), and an assistant director on Law of Consequences (2023).
In 2024, Angel participated in the Sisi Film Lab, where she wrote and directed four short films, further showcasing her talent for crafting compelling narratives. With a deep passion for drama—particularly family drama—Angel is dedicated to creating stories that resonate emotionally and leave a lasting impact. Her commitment to filmmaking reflects her drive to push boundaries and tell meaningful stories.
Producer’s Bio
Angel Gumisiriza is a passionate filmmaker with four years of experience in the industry. Her journey began in 2020 when she joined the Mobile Film School in Kabale, where she honed her craft and discovered her love for storytelling.
Angel has contributed to several notable productions, including working as a props master and set dresser on Maama and Me (2021), a set runner on The Kojja (2022), a production manager on Boarders (2023), and an assistant director on Law of Consequences (2023).
In 2024, Angel participated in the Sisi Film Lab, where she wrote and directed four short films, further showcasing her talent for crafting compelling narratives. With a deep passion for drama—particularly family drama—Angel is dedicated to creating stories that resonate emotionally and leave a lasting impact. Her commitment to filmmaking reflects her drive to push boundaries and tell meaningful stories.
Year:
Genre:
Duration:
2024
Drama
12 min
Cast
Asiimwe:
Kirabo:
Agaba:
Muhumuza:
Amani:
Aunty:
Neighbours:
Kidnappers:
Shantel Rukondo Patricia
Ginny Kyokusiima
Cedric Bukenya
Elly Musinguzi
Kevin Mukama
Mercy Geno Apachi
Victor Mugabe
Emmanuel Okot
Ambrose Okema
Jackie Nabatanzi
Festo Okunzi Prince
Alex Iravunga
Cast
Writer/Director:
Producer:
AD:
Cinematography:
Camera Assistant:
Editor:
Sound Recordist:
Sound Assistant:
Set Design:
Gaffer:
Costumes:
Props:
Angel Gumisiriza
Sanyu Sandra
Precious Collete
Arsene Tumwesigye
Smoke Simon Peter
Angel Gumisiriza
Emmanuel Okot
Rosey Sembatya
Emmanuel Okot
Ambrose Okema
Mercy Geno
Patricia Nakandi
Year: 2024
Genre: Drama
Duration: 12 minutes
Cast
Shantel Rukondo Patricia
Ginny Kyokusiima
Cedric Bukenya
Elly Musinguzi
Kevin Mukama
Mercy Geno Apachi
Victor Mugabe
Emmanuel Okot
Ambrose Okema
Jackie Nabatanzi
Festo Okunzi Prince
Alex Iravunga
Cast
Writer/Director
Angel Gumisiriza
Producer
Sanyu Sandra
AD
Precious Collette
Cinematography
Arsene Tumwesigye
Camera Assistant
Smoke Simon Peter
Editor
Angel Gumisiriza
Sound Recordist
Emmanuel Okot
Sound Assistant
Rosey Sembatya
Set Design
Emmanuel Okot
Gaffer
Ambrose Okema
Costumes
Mercy Geno
Props
Patricia Nakandi
