Ugandan cultural tourism ambassador and reknown Hollywood star actor Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine recently pronounced a great offer to Ugandan filmmakers and stakeholders that converged at the Uganda Communications Commission head office in Bugolobi for a “talk-back session”, by introducing a short film competition where the winner would take home a whooping USD 1,000 (approximately Shs 3.7 million).
The short film competition is majorly one competition for short film works of not more than five minutes run time specifically depicting Ugandan culture, tradition, natural beauty and wellbeing of the population depending on what the filmmaker benchmarks on for the competition.
Having earlier taken up responsibility as a cultural tourism ambassador, Mr Mwine elucidated that part of his new task entails promoting not only the natural beauty of Uganda but also its natural talents.
Mr Mwine also said that the $1,000 film competition is aimed at inspiring film makers to tell unique stories from Uganda. He further comments that the competition will be an annual or bi-annual competition for short films of not more than five minutes.
Over 100 filmmakers and actors attended the “talk-back session”. Some of them may be celebrities in their own right, but the presence of Ntare Mwine in their midst was an awe-inspiring moment, which explains the big turnout at such an inconvenient time. The “talk-back session” with Mr Mwine was organized by the Screen Actors Guild in partnership with UCC and Uganda Tourism Board (UTB).
Mr Ntare, who holds both Ugandan and American citizenships, told his audience that he was happy to be home, adding that he likes to see artists “work together, collaborate and inspire one another.” He also shared with the group tips and clips on how to make successful auditions, including self-tape.
Mwine also advised film actors not to think they can only make it abroad, citing the play Biro, and his solo performance which premiered at the National Theatre in Kampala 17 years ago before going on to conquer the world and change his life.
Besides, he noted that one could nowadays shoot and even edit a movie on their phone or iPad, thus making it possible for creative but financially crippled minds to showcase their talent.
The Hollywood star is best known for his roles in Mira Nair’s “Queen of Katwe” where he acted alongside Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o, and more recently Ekwa Msangi’s “Farewell Amor,” which is due for its World Premiere at Sundance Film Festival in 2020.
Mwine also acted in “Boost” by Oscar-winning producers Kieran Crilly and Frederic Bohbot, and “Blood Diamond” by Oscar-winning director Ed Zwick where he stars alongside Oscar winner Leonardo DiCaprio.
Back home in Uganda, Mwine announced his arrival on the scene when he staged Biro, a multi-media solo performance piece, which held its World Premiere at the National Theatre. After that, the play gained international acclaim as it premiered in London, New York and South Africa, among other high profile venues.
Mr Douglas Lubega, the acting president Screen Actors Guild, expressed gratitude to UCC and UTB for working with his team to make the meeting possible.
About Guide2Uganda
Guide2Uganda (www.guide2uganda.ug) is the most comprehensive source of information about Uganda that exists on the web, with more content on Uganda and surrounding towns, attractions, museums and galleries than any other online guide that currently exists for Uganda as well as being a dynamic news and comprehensive events driven site with content being added daily.
According to WeFollow & Peer Index (whom both measure online influence) we are among the most influential online media organizations in Uganda. We were also awarded for ‘’Best Destination Website in Uganda’’ by Jumia Travel Uganda in the 2017-2018 Africa Travel Awards. If you are planning a visit to Uganda you can always reach us on; info@guide2uganda.ug
