Uganda leads initiative to transform Eastern Africa's film sector

The Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development has officially launched the "Revitalising the Film Industry for Livelihood Enhancement" (REFILE) project,an initiative aimed at rejuvenating the film industry across Eastern Africa.

The project received approval from the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions during its seventeenth session earlier this year.

The REFILE project is designed to regenerate and promote sustainable growth in the film sectors of Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Ethiopia.

Its primary goal is to harness the power of digital technology to enhance livelihoods and create opportunities, particularly for young people and women in the region.

Announcing the project, Ruth Tusaasirwe Muguta, Principal Social Development Officer at the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development, emphasized its significance.

"The REFILE project marks a significant milestone in our efforts to build a more resilient and inclusive film industry. This initiative will not only strengthen our cultural expressions but also open doors for countless young people and women to thrive," she stated.

The project is built on three specific objectives: strengthening and promoting the film sector by mapping and networking professional organizations for film and content creators, expanding the market for Eastern African audiovisual content through collective e-distribution, and building capacity for women and young IT personnel in digital communication and OTT platform management.

Muguta highlighted the collaborative nature of the project, which involves key partners across Eastern Africa, including the National Information and Technology Authority of Uganda (NITA-U), the Rwanda Development Board, the Tanzania Filmmakers Association, Ethio Arkwood Entertainment, and Eleven Tech Abots from India.

"This collaboration with regional and international partners underscores our commitment to creating a vibrant and globally competitive film industry," she added.

The REFILE project will also draw from the success of previous initiatives, such as the 2019/21 EU/UNESCO Film Project in Uganda, which laid the foundation for structured growth in the country's film sector.

"We are building on the successes of past efforts," Muguta remarked, "and with REFILE, we are poised to take our film industry to new heights, ensuring that it remains resilient and adaptable in the face of digital advancements."

The project officially commenced today and is set to run for one year. During this period, several key activities will be undertaken, including the establishment of a seamless streaming Video-on-Demand platform called "Stream East" and the formation of a multinational film practitioners' network across Eastern Africa.

Muguta called on all stakeholders, including filmmakers, cultural practitioners, and the general public, to engage with and support this transformative initiative.

"The success of REFILE hinges on the active participation and support of all stakeholders. Together, we can ensure that our film industry becomes a beacon of cultural expression and economic empowerment," she urged.

Mzee Julius Bwanika, Executive Secretary of Pearlwood said the project's primary goal is to create a sustainable market for content creators, particularly in the digital space.

"The film industry in Uganda, like in many Eastern African countries, has struggled with the market," Bwanika stated.

"After COVID-19, traditional distribution channels like DVDs were no longer viable. The digital environment is now the only feasible platform for content creators."

To tackle these challenges, the project will introduce a new digital platform called "Stream East," designed to help filmmakers sell their content directly to consumers.

This platform aims to unify the market across Eastern Africa, providing filmmakers with access to a broader audience.

"Ugandan content creators currently have no effective means to sell their films," Bwanika emphasized. "Stream East will enable them to reach not only Ugandan audiences but also viewers across the region, making it easier to achieve significant subscriber numbers."

The project also emphasizes the importance of government involvement to ensure success.

In addition to market creation, the initiative seeks to build the capacity of young filmmakers, providing them with opportunities for employment and growth.

"We are addressing the core problem of the sector.By stabilizing the market, we can naturally grow the industry and ensure that content creators are rewarded for their work,"said Bwanika.

The project has broader implications for the region's economy and culture, with the potential to create a self-sustaining film industry that attracts both local and international investment.

"We are solving one problem that will solve many others," Bwanika stated.

"A stable market will not only improve content quality but also make the film industry a more attractive career choice for young people in Eastern Africa."