By Mulengera Reporters
The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has officially kicked off the Uganda Film Festival 2026, bringing together filmmakers, actors, casting professionals and other industry players for a week-long celebration of Ugandan cinema.
Running from August 21 to 27, the festival combines film screenings with practical workshops and masterclasses aimed at strengthening skills and professional standards within Uganda’s growing film industry.
The opening activities featured a practical masterclass on Casting and Auditioning for Screen, giving participants an opportunity to gain hands-on knowledge about one of the most important stages in film production — finding the right talent to bring characters and stories to life.
The sessions explored the casting journey from understanding a script and breaking down characters to conducting auditions, reviewing performances and making the final casting decision.
Participants were taken through the importance of developing detailed character descriptions that consider the physical, social and psychological traits of characters before beginning the talent search.
The casting process may involve casting calls, open or targeted casting, auditions, callbacks, audition reviews and screen tests before a final selection and offer is made.
At the festival workshops, Justine Nantongo led a session on Casting & Auditioning for Screen, taking participants through the journey from character breakdown to talent search.
She explained casting as the process of identifying, auditioning and selecting actors to portray scripted characters, helping directors and screenwriters translate their creative vision from the page to the screen.
Another key session, “The Anatomy of a Casting Decision,” was led by seasoned casting director Sharon Gayita. The session examined how directors, producers and casting directors assess performances and narrow down hundreds of auditions to arrive at the actor best suited for a particular role.
The masterclasses are designed to benefit both established and emerging practitioners, including filmmakers, actors and aspiring industry professionals seeking to sharpen their skills and gain a deeper understanding of professional film production.
Beyond the workshops, the festival is giving audiences an opportunity to experience some of Uganda’s best films at selected cinemas across the country.
From August 21 to 27, festival films will be screened at Century Cinemax Acacia, Arena and Metroplex, EMT Cinema, and NuMax Cinema Entebbe.
Ticket prices have been set at UGX 15,000 for screenings at Century Cinemax and NuMax Cinema, while tickets at EMT Cinema cost UGX 10,000.
The festival comes at a time when Uganda’s film sector continues to attract increasing interest from audiences and creative professionals, creating demand for stronger technical skills, professional standards and opportunities for local talent.
Through the festival, UCC is providing a platform not only for audiences to consume Ugandan stories but also for industry practitioners to learn, network and strengthen the quality of local productions.
The emphasis on casting and auditioning reflects the broader need for specialized skills across Uganda’s film value chain, from script development and acting to production, directing and distribution.
As the festival unfolds, audiences are being encouraged to check the screening schedule, select their preferred films and support local productions by turning up at participating cinemas.
With its combination of screenings and practical industry sessions, the Uganda Film Festival 2026 seeks to celebrate the creativity of Ugandan filmmakers while contributing to the growth and professionalization of the local film industry. This is Ugandan cinema. This is our story. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
