The local film industry has walked miles, from the time they had no idea what they were doing on set to featuring on Hollywood sets.
This year’s Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards nominees have been revealed, and unlike the past years where Ugandan films have been celebrating nominations, this year has seen the biggest decrease, with only a film getting a nomination.
The Passenger, which won a number of awards over the weekend, is still busting in glory thanks to two nominations in the AMVCAs for Best Scripted M-Net Original and Best M-Net Original.
The film, produced by Hadija Nakanjako, Usama Mukwaya, and Meddy Sserwada, follows a young man who tries to deliver a mysterious package to the city on a bus, but another passenger thinks he is a killer carrying a mutilated body or bomb.
The Passenger won awards for Best Cinematography and Best Supporting Actress for Allen Musumba.
Over the years, when things started getting better, many beautiful moments were created. For instance, producer and director Matt Bish wrote and directed A Good Catholic Girl.
The 2010 Ugandan short film is about a Muslim girl’s attraction to someone from a different religious affiliation. Matthew Nabwiso won the Best Supporting actor award at the 2013 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards for playing “Ahmed” in the film.
That was the first AMVCA, and Uganda had just announced themselves with a bang. Years after that, many local films have been nominated, such as Beneath the Lies by Nana Kagga and Cedric Babu, Mulindwa Richard’s 94 Terror, Hassan Mageye’s Invisible Cuffs, and artiste Cindy Sanyu for her role as Bella in the film of the same title.
Besides Nabwiso, Loukman Ali has won three AMVCAs for The Girl in the Yellow Jumper, Best East African Film, Best Cinematography, and Best Director for his work on the Nigerian film Brotherhood.
The AMVCAs are scheduled to be held on May 11, 2024.
