It’s a new year, and with it comes a new edition of the Sisi Film Lab in Kampala. Last year was our first official training in the city, and at the end of it, we got very good news that our initiative received an honorable mention at the Humanitarian Communication Awards 2024. We didn’t win it, but an honorable mention is as good as a win, for it is a pat on our shoulder, an indicator that we are doing something right, and so we get into this new year with a renewed zeal to kickstart the careers of filmmakers.
From the Jury report: “The way in which creativity, social issues, entrepreneurship, education and international cooperation are combined in this video makes a particularly strong impression.”
From Doen: “Of course, this nomination is mainly thanks to you at Dilstories, artists get the opportunity to tell their own story in their own way. This participatory storytelling and co-creation emphasize how powerful it is when people are given the resources and space to bring their stories to life.”
At the end of our training program, in 2024, three filmmakers were selected to produce their films. These filmmakers were Angel Gumisiriza who wrote and directed ‘Asiimwe’s Gift’, a Romantic Drama about Asiimwe, a 16-year-old girl in a forced marriage who finds love in a strange place.
Victor Mugabe who wrote ‘A thousand Way to Face Change’ a Musical about Lutalo, a 19-year-old co-wife who faces an upheaval when her husband, Paul, decides to abandon polygamy and embrace monogamy believing it will cure his impotence. Alongside her co-wives, Nafuna and Namazzi, Lutalo must confront the realities of their precarious lives, each woman struggling with her own dreams regrets and insecurities.
And Kevin Mukama who did a Science Fiction, ‘Please Wait’ about two hostages who share a mutual hatred but must rely on each other to survive. These were entirely conceptualized, written, and produced by our talented students of year 2024. These films were screened at Goethe-Zentrum Kampala /UGCS, one of the partners for this program and they received acclaim from the audience. They were also screened at Creative Sunday Community at Kopa Kabana and received positive feedback from creatives.
This achievement reveals the effectiveness of our training program, which provides students with hands-on experience, mentorship, and guidance from industry experts. Our students were immersed in every aspect of filmmaking, from scriptwriting, editing, directing, sound recording to producing, and finally their hard work paid off in the form of three exceptional films.
At Sisi Film Lab, we believe in providing our students with practical experience that goes beyond the classroom. That’s why we offer internship-like opportunities that allow students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings. Last year, our students had the chance to work on a TV series, “Kabi and Kalo Season 2,” and “Butterfly Girl” a short film, gaining invaluable experience in the field.
As we reflect on the success of our 2024 program, we’ve started our 2025 training where we welcomed a new batch of passionate and talented students, and we’re expecting great things from them. Our training program is designed to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and industry connections needed to succeed in the film industry.
The benefits of our film lab training program are numerous. By providing students with hands-on experience, mentorship, and networking opportunities, we’re empowering them to become the next generation of filmmakers, storytellers, and industry leaders. Our program also fosters creativity, innovation, and collaboration which are essential skills for success in the film industry.
As we embark on our 2025 training program, we’re committed to providing our students with the best possible education and training. We’re expecting great things from them, and confident that our training program will equip them with the skills, knowledge, and industry connections needed to succeed in the film industry.
If you’re passionate about filmmaking and want to take your skills to the next level, we encourage you to join our community. Together, let’s nurture the next generation of filmmaking talent in Uganda.
Contact us to learn more about our training program and how to apply. Stay tuned for updates on our 2025 training program and get ready to be inspired by the incredible work of our students!