2026 Film & Culture Market Concludes with Prizes, Partnerships, and a Eye on 2027

KAMPALA — Written by Aloyo Annet, Photos by Kiregga Owomukisa, Mediavision Academy. 

The 2026 Film & Culture Market concluded its high-energy run in Kampala this week, celebrating major milestones and awarding lucrative prizes, while also issuing a candid wake-up call to local creators regarding global distribution opportunities.

Organized by the Kampala Film Foundation, the three-day event served as a bustling hub for networking, mentorship, and business. However, organizers noted that despite the physical presence of influential film distributors from Europe and the U.S. hunting for African content, several seats in the venue remained empty—prompting a call for better local turnout in future editions.

A Bigger Stage for Ugandan Cinema

Moving to a new, larger venue this year allowed for expanded exhibitions compared to previous years at the National Theatre. Nkambo Robert, Founder and Director of Mediavision Academy, expressed enthusiasm for the new space and confirmed that preparations for the 6th Edition in 2027 are already underway.

“This is the only national space where you can display your work and find the partners you need for large-scale projects,” Robert said, urging filmmakers never to give up on the platform.

Mediavision Academy utilized the event not just for administrative support, but as a hands-on training ground. Students from the academy captured photography and videography for the event, gaining real-world experience while documenting the history of modern Ugandan cinema.

Bridging the Gap in Technical Skills

A major highlight of the 2026 market was a series of sponsored masterclasses by Sony, led by Madoi Bruno of authorized distributor Maxtronics. Addressing a common industry hurdle—where creators purchase high-end gear but blame the equipment for poor results due to incorrect settings—Sony funded a comprehensive four-week training program.

The masterclasses covered photography, videography, and technical gear maintenance, offering free professional instruction to help filmmakers maximize their tools.

Rewarding Writing Talent

The event also played host to the Kyooto Screenwriting Competition 2026, highlighting the foundational role of writing in filmmaking. Two writers—one for a feature-length film and one for a short film—walked away with life-changing prizes, including significant cash rewards and all-expenses-paid trips to attend the Kigali International Market in Rwanda. Organizers emphasized that cross-border exchanges like these are vital for helping East African stories travel to global audiences.

Looking Ahead to 2027

As the market drew to a close, producers and industry stakeholders issued a passionate call for unity and higher attendance. Major international and regional distributors—including Canal Plus, Play It Loud, and Pwiso—scoured the event for fresh content, with some partners even offering free digital infrastructure, such as domain names, to production companies lacking official websites.

With backing from key stakeholders like the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), the Kampala Film Foundation and Mediavision Academy are already looking toward 2027. Organizers hope to ramp up publicity to draw an even wider audience, ensuring that local creators capitalize on the direct line to the global stage that the market provides.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the next Film & Culture Market? The organizers are currently planning the 6th Edition to take place in 2027, with Mediavision Academy already confirmed as a key partner.

What can I do if I missed the distribution meetings? Filmmakers are encouraged to monitor the social media pages of the Kampala Film Foundation and Mediavision Academy for follow-up opportunities and contact details for the attending distributors.

Is the event only for professional filmmakers? No. The market is open to a wide audience, including actors, students, equipment technicians, and fans of local cinema looking to connect with creators.

Written by Aloyo Annet – DOS at Mediavision Academy