A Ugandan movie on the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) rebels and its elusive leader, Joseph Kony, has been selected for the American prestigious Oscar Awards.
A statement issued by Uganda Academy Selection Committee [UASC] indicated that Kony Order from Above was selected on Wednesday as Uganda’s official entry for the 2020 Oscar Awards in the category of Best International Film.
“The selection is only provisional pending the film’s fulfilment of all academy eligibility criteria ahead of the October 1, 2019 Oscar submission deadline for the country entries,” Mr Godfrey Musinguzi, UASC chairperson, said in a statement dated September 11.
This is the first time Uganda is submitting an entry to the prestigious awards following the launch of the seven-member the UASC in July this year.
Mr Musinguzi said: “The film’s human story, universal themes and authenticity make it a unique piece of homegrown art worthy of celebrating on the global platform that is the Oscars.”
Mr Steve T. Ayeny, the movie director, said he was happy to achieve such a milestone.
“I want to thank my crew, cast and everyone who supported this film. As someone who hails from northern Uganda, I wanted to tell our story our own way, just to spread love and encourage people to forgive each other, focus on the transition and development in northern Uganda,” he said.
About the movie
The movie is based on reality that tells a story of two youth, Otti and Aguti, who fall in love during the LRA insurgency in northern Uganda.
They are, however, separated when Otti is abducted at 11 years. While in abduction, Otti attempts to escape back home and is instead caught and battered at each attempt.
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He decides to stay in the bush with the LRA rebels and is soon introduced into the inner command circle of notorious LRA rebel leader Joseph Kony.
Despite his concession to notoriety, his love for Aguti remains undeterred. In an attempt to sustain it, Otti writes letters to Aguti through the village reverend.
During the LRA raid at Aboke Girls School, Aguti and other girls are then abducted.
Upon arrival at the Kony’s camp, the abductees are shown to Kony, who falls in love with Aguti instantly without knowledge of the relationship between her and Otti.
