“The era of substandard filmmaking is gradually fading and coming to an end. A new reign of filmmakers – telling stories in creative and innovative ways and making the most of the new technologies and collaborations available – is set to take over,” says Cissy Nalumansi. “Soon more film distribution companies and multiple channels of accessing content will emerge, some of which are already here.”
The 24-year-old website developer has a flair for entrepreneurship and hopes that MTF will set her in the direction of becoming a director, scriptwriter and actress. She is bringing her eagerness to learn and commitment to hard work to the programme. “It’s an opportunity to broaden my social connections, expand my network in the film industry and give me an opportunity to make a difference in Uganda by passing on the information I have learned to other people, who are hungry for the same knowledge but not in position to acquire it,” says Cissy.
One of the industry’s greatest challenges, she believes, is unprofessionalism and inadequate resources to sustain projects. “When these challenges are met with inadequate resources, Improvising becomes the order of the day and at the end of the project, the result is poor work.” But she says that good directing can help to make a good film. When a film script is placed in the hands of a good director, they will ensure that all the elements of the production from cast and crew to support staff will help turn their vision into reality.
