Ramon Film Productions, popularly known as Wakaliwood, has started working on a new action film inspired by the Nyege Nyege Festival. The project was unveiled during a Uganda Waragi-Wakaliwood conversation at the film studio in Wakaliga, Kampala. The event brought together filmmakers and arts and culture enthusiasts to discuss Uganda's film industry growth and future.
The gathering took an unexpected turn when Roy Tumwizere, Uganda Waragi brand manager, participated in one of the film's opening scenes. Tumwizere said he was not prepared for the action, but the experience gave him a glimpse of what festivalgoers could expect. He expressed excitement to see the epic production at Kalagala Falls.
Wakaliwood founder Isaac Nabwana directed the opening scenes and said the shoot offered a preview of the experience planned for the festival. Attendees will be able to choose their roles and become part of the film, either as gang members or heroes. Nabwana said those who die in the movie will have to sign their names on the "wall of fame".
The interactive production reflects the festival's "So Ugandan" tagline, celebrating Uganda's culture and bringing people together. Derrick Debru, co-founder of Nyege Nyege, said this year's edition would focus on filmmakers, and bringing Wakaliwood on board was a deliberate effort to create opportunities for Ugandan filmmakers.
Wakaliwood's involvement recalls the festival's early years when the production house made "Attack on Nyege Nyege Island", an action film that became one of its notable releases. The planned action sequences will be subject to safeguards, with filming confined to the Wakaliwood booth and participants required to give their consent.
The festival will feature screenings of several Wakaliwood productions, including "Who Killed Captain Alex", "Bad Black", "Crazy World", and "Rolex Time". The screenings will be accompanied by live video joker VJ Emmy, known for translating Ugandan films for audiences.
Mzee Bwanika, general secretary of Pearlwood, Uganda's film industry association, said giving local filmmakers a platform at major festivals could help market the country's film industry. The October 23 event began with a tour of Wakaliwood's studios, followed by a panel discussion on Wakaliwood and the future of Uganda's film industry.
Key points
- Wakaliwood is set to shoot an action film at the Nyege Nyege Festival with attendees participating in the production.
- The film is part of a larger effort to celebrate Uganda's culture and bring people together through interactive production.
- The festival will also feature screenings of several Wakaliwood productions and live music performances.
