Beneficiaries of the 2024 Ikon Awards Young Filmmakers Fellowship Unveiled

Ten young filmmakers who will take part in the 2023/2024 Ikon Awards Young Filmmakers Fellowship Program have been officially unveiled during a ceremony held at the Media Challenge Initiative in Kampala.

Now in its second edition, the Fellowship selects individuals in the creative industry to undergo a series of one-on-one sessions, webinars, online courses and summits delivered by professionals in the film industry in addition to receiving $500 grants to produce 5 – 10-minute short films themed around sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) among young people.

This year’s fellows include Abongi Gerald; Aguti Brenda; Sserunkuma Shabiru; Ndagire Pauline; Birungi Rose; Ssemambo Douglas; Kibirige Fred Nouah; Musiimenta Parton; Okumu Silvester Douglas and; Rianne Lelia Bateeze.

While addressing guests during the unveiling, Humphrey Nabimanya, the founder of the Ikon Awards, said, “This is a platform that we are excited to pioneer because it empowers young creatives to tell stories that promote awareness, initiate constructive dialogue around and highlight the various challenges related to the sexual and reproductive health and rights of the youth.”

Also present at the event were some of the recipients of the inaugural Fellowship, including Doreen Mirembe; Kate Nafuna; Ochwo Emmanuel; Eunice Acan; Joan Hawah Nakanjako; Ediegu Joseph Innocent; Matilda Kavuma; Ukasha Ssenyomo.

These benefited from Production Masterclasses delivered by Chris Odeh, Mathew Nabwiso and Benon Mugumbya; a visual storytelling masterclass by Chris Chomyn; Showcasing Uganda’s Beauty through Film by Edward Kagutuzi; a creative development masterclass by Arlo Laibowitz and an acting masterclass by renowned Nigerian actor – Ramsey Nouah.

One of the beneficiaries – Doreen Mirembe – produced a short film titled “Mama Wange” – which is being screened in Nigeria and France in addition to earning several local and international nominations and awards – success she attributes to the Ikon Fellowship.

While addressing guests at the event, Mirembe encouraged the incoming fellows to focus on their dreams, work hard and believe in themselves.

The Ikon Awards Young Filmmakers Fellowship Program is part of the Ikon Awards – a platform that recognises and rewards formidable personalities and implementers influencing change through film and television in Uganda and ultimately – in Africa.

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