The Ugandan film industry took another significant step toward growth and international collaboration yesterday as the Kampala Film Development Foundation (KFD Foundation) officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Ninsiima Ronah Director at MO&SO Agency Limited in preparation for the highly anticipated 5th Edition of the Film and Culture Market (FCM).
The partnership was further strengthened by the unveiling of renowned producer Ninsiima Ronah, who joins the Film and Culture Market team as the Producer for the fifth edition. Her appointment signals a renewed commitment to elevating the market’s impact, expanding opportunities for filmmakers, and creating stronger connections between local and international industry players.
The signing ceremony brought together key stakeholders from Uganda’s film ecosystem, including filmmakers, producers, guild leaders, cultural practitioners, and development partners. The event was not only a celebration of partnership but also a platform for meaningful conversations about the future of Uganda’s creative industry.
Reflecting on the Journey
One of the highlights of the event was a panel discussion featuring Director Kevin Byaruhanga, who reflected on the beginnings of the Film and Culture Market. He shared insights into the vision that inspired the initiative and the journey it has taken over the years to become one of the country’s most important platforms for industry networking, business development, and knowledge exchange.
Kevin emphasized the importance of creating sustainable opportunities for filmmakers beyond production by focusing on market access, distribution, partnerships, and industry capacity building.
The Role of Guilds in Industry Development
Also speaking on the panel was Mathew Nabwiso, President of the Producers Guild Uganda, who provided an in-depth perspective on the role guilds continue to play in professionalizing Uganda’s film industry.
Nabwiso highlighted the tremendous progress made through collective action and stakeholder engagement. He noted that guilds have become critical voices in advocating for filmmakers, facilitating industry conversations, and building stronger relationships with government agencies, private sector partners, and development organizations.
He stressed that the future of Uganda’s film industry depends on collaboration, structured representation, and continued dialogue among all stakeholders.
Building Capacity and Expanding Opportunities
Film stakeholder Doreen Nabanjja, who also served as a witness to the MOU signing, echoed the importance of strengthening industry structures and creating opportunities for filmmakers at all levels.
A major focus of the discussions was capacity building. Organizers revealed plans to deliver training programs that will equip filmmakers with practical skills in production, financing, distribution, marketing, and international market engagement.
Participants also discussed the importance of attracting distributors and content buyers to Uganda. By bringing more distributors into the conversation, the Film and Culture Market aims to create pathways for Ugandan films to access wider audiences, generate revenue, and compete in regional and global markets.
Looking Ahead to FCM 5
As preparations for the 5th Edition of the Film and Culture Market continue, stakeholders expressed optimism about the opportunities the event will create for filmmakers, producers, investors, distributors, and cultural entrepreneurs.
The newly signed partnership between Kampala Film Development Foundation and Ninsiima Ronah represents more than an agreement; it is a commitment to strengthening Uganda’s creative economy through collaboration, innovation, training, and market access.
With new leadership, strategic partnerships, and a growing network of stakeholders, Film and Culture Market 5 is positioning itself as a catalyst for industry growth and a platform where stories, culture, and business can meet to shape the future of African cinema.
As the countdown to the fifth edition begins, one message stood out throughout the event: the future of Uganda’s film industry will be built through partnerships, capacity development, and creating sustainable markets for local content.
