The screening of the films in progress
On Friday, Reach A Hand Uganda and Sauti Plus Media Hub premiered a collection of eight powerful short films focused on Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights and Justice (SRHRJ) in East Africa. These films, both fiction and documentary, are part of the Get Reel project, facilitated by Docubox, an East African documentary film organization. The project is supported by the Hewlett Foundation and the Wellsprings Philanthropic Fund, with the aim of amplifying voices and driving social change.
Ivan Tusabe – a filmmaker and director of Jimbi, one of the 8 short films.
The films showcased included Unasemaje (fiction), Unyagoni (documentary), Before Sixteen (documentary), Detour (fiction), Jimbi (fiction), Sukari (fiction), 1992 (fiction), and Red Line (documentary). These productions were crafted by filmmakers immersed in discussions and expertise on SRHRJ, focusing on the critical yet often overlooked issues in this space.
Teddy Chimulwa – National Project Officer at UNESCO, delivers the keynote address during the event.
The premiere took place at the International University of East Africa, attracting development partners, filmmakers, SRHR advocates, and young people. During her keynote address, Teddy Chimulwa, National Project Officer at UNESCO Uganda, emphasized the importance of storytelling as a tool for advocacy: “These stories are not just entertainment but tools that will reach policymakers, community leaders, and ordinary citizens to raise awareness and spark action on SRHR issues that affect Africa and Uganda in particular.”
Sheila Kasabiiti – programs Manager at Reach A Hand Uganda
Chimulwa also called on government officials, policymakers, and health practitioners to invest more in creative platforms that empower young people to voice their concerns about sexual and reproductive health. She highlighted the need for financial and technical support to ensure these stories reach the widest audience possible.
A panel discussion followed the screenings, featuring key figures such as Natasha Nyonyozi (Miss Uganda 2024), Elizabeth Kemigisha (Advocacy and Policy Manager at FIDA Uganda), Sheila Kasabiiti (Programs Manager at Reach A Hand Uganda), and filmmakers Rianne Bateeze and Ivan Tusabe. Tusabe, who directed Jimbi, remarked, “As a filmmaker, you want to create something meaningful. My film addresses sexual violence in our communities, and the message is clear: it starts with us. If you witness something happening, step in and help. Tackling these issues as a community is far more effective than addressing them individually.”
Guests at the event.
Kasabiiti echoed this sentiment, noting that film is a powerful tool for shifting narratives and encouraging audiences to seek justice: “We have seen young people face these issues in silence because they are unaware of the laws that protect them. These films show young people that they don’t need to suffer in silence, and it’s a message that needs widespread support.”
Allan Toniks during his performance at the event.
The event concluded with a lively performance by Allan Toniks, adding an energetic note to the evening’s proceedings.
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