Kobong to Kobongo: My Unconventional Path to Film.

Two young African youths, a boy with dreads in a black jumper bending over showing something on a Tascam recorder to a girl with a wig dressed in a blue sweater while holding a Tascam.

My name is Charlie Kobong, but my national ID has a mind of its own – it calls me Kobongo, a curious consequence of registering in Buganda, where the local tradition of names ending in “O” left its mark on my identity. Though I hail from the East, my name took a slight detour central, … Read more

From Cartoons to Film

A Black African man dressed in white is bent staring at a phone standing on a tripod. He's head and shoulders are the only visible body parts in the camera. a body of a man standing in the background.

As I sit here, reflecting on my journey as an artist, I am transported back to the early days when my love for art first began. I was just a young boy in primary three, spending hours on end drawing cartoons like Super Strikers and Ben 10. Those simple sketches sparked a passion that would … Read more

From Motorcycle Dreams to Movie Magic

Two Black African boys, one dressed in white holding a boom with a blimp on it, he is wearing headphones staring down at a Tascam recorder being held by the other boy wearing a blue jersey with orange strips.

Buckle up, folks! My artistic adventure has been a wild ride, filled with twists, turns, and a whole lot of creativity. It all started when I was just six years old, gazing up at my uncle’s artistic talents with wide eyes and a heart full of wonder. He was a master of many mediums, and … Read more

An actress turns filmmaker.

Patricia and smoke using a phone to shoot during the student's short film exercises.

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 … Read more

The Film bus to Kampala

A black African woman with African natural hair twisted at the front is dressed in a red blouse is attentively listening to what ever is going on where she is.

From Village to City: A Journey to Becoming a Filmmaker

Growing up in a small village in Kabale, I never imagined I’d end up in Kampala, working in the film industry. But passion and determination can take you far. My love for film started with Nigerian movies and grew into a dream to become a filmmaker. After completing a film training program, I landed an internship in Kampala, and my journey began.

With no experience in the city, I faced culture shock, wardrobe malfunctions, and getting lost in town. But I persevered, learned from my mistakes, and found mentors who guided me through the process. Today, I’m proud to say I’m a filmmaker with a wealth of knowledge and experience.

Join me on this journey as I share my story of transformation from a village girl to a city filmmaker.

Outdoor Movie Night at Dilstories Film Studio.

A group of people sitting together in a compound delighting in each other's presence while gathered around a bonfire to watch a movie in an outdoor film screen.

I was beyond excited for the movie night at the Dilstories Film Studio, but the gloomy Saturday weather had other plans.  As I woke up to a dark and rainy morning, my enthusiasm waned. By afternoon I was supposed to be at the studio for the Sisi Film Collective meeting and later, the movie night. … Read more

The Law Of Consequences, a wonderful film that got nominated for UFF.

The two former loves become enemies.

You have probably come across the phrase, “fake it until you make it.”  There are those whose moral high horses find it terribly misguiding and then those who, alarmingly and in unhealthy amounts, take it too seriously! Monica Jacobs Birwinyo is not a ‘life forcer’ and we shall applaud her as one of the brilliant … Read more

An inspiring tale of a transitioning artist

One of the Sisi film lab students attending a script writing class with enthusiasm and focus.

When pencil and paper paid me a call in primary one, the portal opened for the very first time to unveil the journey of an artist. It prompted a dream of a child. A boy with an unquenchable desire to draw. This thirst had my imaginations go wild implanting an insatiable crave to create that … Read more

The Journey to Nineveh

Victor smiling while enjoying sound recording during the sound class.

In the tapestry of life, the role of a writer often mirrors that of a prophet. It’s as if the universe whispers its truths into our ears, compelling us to unveil them to the world, regardless of our own fears or doubts. Like Jonah, we may try to evade our calling, but the storm inevitably … Read more