Karema (C) with some of the other guests at the premier. Photo | Maxela Mugisha
If you are a lover of film, then you should have been at Motiv on Saturday evening for Daphne Ampire Karema’s latest project, Borders. The 15-episode mini TV series set in Kampala narrates the lives of the members of African Jewel Dance Troupe, delving into their daily struggles as artists and individuals. At the heart of this series is the compelling love story of Pearl and David, two characters driven by their unwavering desire to realise their dreams amidst countless challenges.
What sets Borders apart is its rich cultural tapestry, featuring English, Luganda and Swahili languages while offering viewers an authentic glimpse into the diverse cultural landscape of the region.
The series is a celebration of African culture, art, and resilience. It is a story that resonates with anyone who has dared to dream and overcome obstacles in the pursuit of those dreams.
According to Karema, an accomplished figure in the film industry and has worked on other films and shows such as 27 Guns, Mizigo Express, Sanyu, JDC, and Hostel, it took a lot of hard work and sleepless nights for this day to come.
“Borders was commissioned by Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), which issued a call for filmmakers to create original work with their financial backing. We hired more than 100 people and it took us two months to shoot and several months of editing,” she said.
She asked the state minister for Trade, Harriet Ntabazi, who was the guest of honour at the premiere, to advocate for this export.
“It is crucial that we establish credibility for our country as the Pearl of Africa. In order to achieve this, we must ensure that our narrative resonates with international audiences. Just as we export coffee, we have the opportunity to export our movies and share our ideals with the rest of the world.”
Ntabazi applauded Karema for the job well done and gave her Shs1m as a token of appreciation. She promised to promote the film industry among parliamentarians and encouraged the youth to invest in what they are passionate about. She concluded by advising filmmakers to treat these ventures as a business and not just entertainment.
The event was characterised by glitz and glamour as invited guests had the privilege of watching the first episode of the series in a cinema setting curated by Fenon Events.
Some of the other guests included comedian Patrick Idringi who also doubled as the event host, Multichoice’s Brian Mulondo and prominent actors Nana Kagga, Sam Bagenda, Housen Mushema and Eleanor Nabwiso.
