UCC-Supported Local Film ‘Unheard’ Makes Uganda Shine at Bantu Film Festival Held in Botswana Capital Gaborone

By Guest Writer

The film Unheard, a pioneer beneficiary of UCC’s Content Development Support Programme (CDSP) stole the show at the just ended Bantu Film Festival in Gaborone, Botswana. The film that was directed and produced by Joseph Ken Ssebagala and Polly Kamukama respectively took home Best Feature Film, Best Director and Best Writer awards at late October event.

The CSDP is a Government of Uganda initiative implemented by UCC to nurture local talent in the audio-visual sector by financially supporting promising film projects. Unheard’s success underscores the efficacy of this strategy in uplifting homegrown stories and talent not only at local but also international level.

Set in South-Western Uganda, Unheard follows the journey of a young and courageous widow who defies long-held traditions in a determined fight for her family’s survival and rightful inheritance.

Rooted in truth, courage and resilience, Unheard is a deeply moving portrayal of women’s strength in the face of oppression. Its raw storytelling, emotional depth and cultural authenticity have resonated with audiences and critics alike across the African continent.

What began as a modest UCC-supported project has evolved into a continental success story, proving that authentic Ugandan narratives can resonate powerfully on the global stage. The success of Unheard underscores the importance of investing in homegrown stories and talent that reflect the lived experiences, struggles and triumphs of Ugandan communities.

Mr. Kamukama, the producer, was in Gaborone to witness his film make history, joined by Dr. Sebastian Okello-Wengi, the Honorary Consul of Uganda to Botswana, and his wife, Caroline.

Through strategic initiatives like the CDSP, UCC continues to empower Ugandan filmmakers to tell original, authentic Ugandan stories, not only for local audiences but for the world. Unheard stands as a beacon of what happens when creativity meets opportunity, and when voices once silenced are finally amplified.

With every award and every heartfelt scene, Unheard transforms silence into strength, echoing the voices of women, communities and a nation ready to take its rightful place in the global film conversation.

This victory is not just for the filmmakers behind Unheard but for every Ugandan storyteller who dares to dream, to create and to be heard. The progress Kamukama and Ssebaggala have made at the continental level must inspire many other Ugandan film makers to remain resilient while aiming higher. Story picked from UCC Info Blog & published with slight modifications. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).