By Our Reporter
Unheard, the highflying Ugandan film about a fisherwoman who defies odds to become a hero in her impoverished community, has continued its impressive run by snapping up a nomination at this year’s Kalasha International Film and Television Awards (KIFTA).
Written and produced by Polly Kamukama, the Rukiga dialect film will battle it out with four other films from Sudan and Tanzania in the Best International Film category at the 13th edition of the prestigious awards to be held in Nairobi on March 30.
Organised by the Kenya Film Commission (KFC), the country’s oversight agency for film development, Kalasha awards seek to recognize outstanding talents within the film and TV industries in Kenya and across the region.
The 2024 awards will be held at the impressive Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in the heart of Nairobi city and will be preceded by a three-day film market and film screening programme, culminating into the glitzy annual awards ceremony.
Reacting to news of the film’s nomination, Kamukama said it was an honour for a Ugandan story to be celebrated on a global platform.
“It is testament to the improved quality of filmmaking that we have in Uganda right now. With the right kind of stories, funding and other supporting infrastructure, we can now hold our own on the global stage,” an excited Kamukama explained, adding the nomination is crucial in the film’s quest for international distribution.
The KIFTA nod is the latest in a string of high-profile recognitions for the Shs 150 million budget film which has been roundly praised by audiences for its powerful storyline, compelling performances and aesthetic beauty since debuting in October 2023.
Directed by Joseph Ken Ssebaggala and starring actress Jackline Katusiime in the lead role, the film is also leading the race to this year’s iKon Awards slated for March 23 in Kampala with a staggering 12 nominations. Furthermore, it is the most nominated film in the upcoming New Vision People’s Choice Awards with eight nods including for Best Film, Best Screenplay and Best Actress.