Empowering change through film: Unveiling 2024/2025 Ikon Young Filmmakers fellowship cohort

Reach A Hand Uganda and the Ikon Awards have proudly introduced the 2024/2025 cohort of the Ikon Young Filmmakers Fellowship, consisting of 10 talented and driven young filmmakers embarking on a transformative journey of professional filmmaking training.

Among the selected fellows are individuals like Mukama Mukama, Rhoda Nansubuga, Treno Lee, Layoo Ketty, Nankya Mariam Shamsa, Nakaibale Denise Julian, Ssuubi Abdurahman, Nkabazzi Lukia Otengo Solomon, and Ligose Angela, chosen for their exceptional passion and promise in crafting films that resonate deeply with audiences while addressing pressing societal issues.

Now in its third iteration, the fellowship program aims to empower these emerging filmmakers to drive social change and enhance livelihoods through the powerful medium of film.

Nurturing talent and creativity

The fellows will engage in a series of masterclasses and mentorship sessions, culminating in the production of 5-10-minute short films centered around sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) for young people, supported by a $500 grant in collaboration with various partners.

Since its inception, the fellowship has yielded 18 impactful short films tackling youth-related challenges, with notable successes like Doreen Mirembe’s “Mama Wange,” currently in development as a feature film and garnering recognition both locally and internationally.

Recognizing the influence of short films in driving education, advocacy, and societal transformation, the program underscores the growing significance of this creative medium in amplifying voices, fostering empathy, and inciting meaningful dialogue.

Amplifying Uganda’s narrative

Encouraging filmmakers to embrace Uganda’s unique stories and perspectives, Humphrey Nabimanya, founder of Reach A Hand Uganda, emphasizes the potential of film to challenge norms, spark dialogue, and instigate positive change within the community.

For fellows like Ssuubi Abdurahman, the fellowship symbolizes an opportunity to amplify personal narratives, share compelling stories, and inspire audiences through the universal language of film, transcending boundaries and fostering emotional connections.

The program will culminate in a prestigious launch and short film exhibition in February, where the fellows’ creations will be showcased to a diverse audience comprising policymakers, development partners, and the public, marking a celebration of creativity, innovation, and social impact through film.

Source: newslexpoint.com