By Our Reporter
Ugandan film, “Unheard” is set to take over the international stage when it screens at the upcoming Black Star International Film Festival (BSIFF) in Ghana.
The Rukiga dialect film about a young mother’s defiant campaign for justice and equality in a rural fishing community will compete for the coveted Best African Film award at the ninth edition of the prestigious film showcase to be held in Accra from September 17-22.
Reacting to news of his film’s selection and nomination, scriptwriter and producer Polly Kamukama said it was an honour to have a Ugandan film recognized on a global platform.
“We are thrilled to be the only feature film from East Africa that’s going to be showcased at BSIFF 2024. It’s a nod to the collective passion and dedication that went into making this film, and the entire cast and crew is looking forward to meeting our west African audiences,” said Kamukama.
A pioneer beneficiary of the Content Development Support Programme (CDSP), a government film grant that seeks to support the production of outstanding Ugandan stories, Unheard has enjoyed an impressive run since debuting in Kampala in October 2023.
Directed by Joseph Ssebaggala and starring Jackline Katusiime in the lead role, the film has been praised for its unique storytelling approach, stellar performances from a largely non-professional cast, alluring sceneries and strong social themes.
In March 2024, it emerged as the biggest winner at the second edition of the iKon awards in Kampala, taking home a total of seven accolades including for Best Film, Best Director and Best Actress.
It has since premiered to rave reception in Kenya and South Africa, and is currently lined up to screen at a number of international film festivals in America, U.K, Russia, Brazil, Netherlands, Nigeria and Burkina Faso among others.
Kamukama is hopeful that the film’s upcoming stop at BSIFF, a film festival famed for its huge attendances and strong international collaborations, will boast its chances of securing a much-needed international distribution deal.