“A Night to Remember: Mediavision Academy at the Ikon Awards 2025”
What an incredible night it was at the 3rd edition of the Ikon Awards 2025! The atmosphere was electric as Nigeria’s top actors mingled with Uganda’s prime film stakeholders, all gathered to celebrate the best of our industry. The event, held at the prestigious Hotel Serena, was a proof to the talent, creativity, and dedication that define African cinema.
Across 24 award categories, the evening highlighted the remarkable achievements of filmmakers, actors, and creatives who are pushing the boundaries of storytelling.
There was networking of film stakeholders throughout the night, the passion and drive in the room were intense. Conversations flowed, insights were shared, and the seeds for future collaborations were sown. It was inspiring to witness the collective ambition of our film community, reinforcing the belief that together, we can elevate our storytelling to new heights.
The event was graced by several dignitaries, including the Executive Director of the Uganda Communications Commission Hon. Nyombi Thembo who happened to be the chief guest. Thembo pledged increased support for the film industry. His commitment to fostering a conducive environment for filmmakers was met with enthusiasm from the audience, signalling a promising future for Ugandan cinema.
Additionally, the Presidential Advisor on Arts and Culture, Eddy Kenzo, was present and echoed the call for more government support for the industry. His words resonated with many, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between the government and the creative sector to nurture talent and promote Ugandan stories on both local and international stages.
In a significant announcement, one of Uganda’s leading film producers, Nabwiso Mathew, revealed the formation of a Producers Guild. This guild aims to advocate for the demands of the film industry to duty bearers, ensuring that the voices of filmmakers are heard and that their needs are addressed. This initiative is a crucial step towards unifying the industry and strengthening its position within the broader cultural landscape.
Mediavision Academy founder and director Nkambo Robert had the honor of presenting the Best Student Award to Enock Timothy Jemba. This moment was particularly special given the dedication the Academy has to nurturing the next generation of filmmakers for the past decade. “It reflects our commitment to empowering young creatives and providing them with the tools they need to succeed in the film industry,” Nkambo sated in his short speech. A special shoutout goes to Enock Timothy Jemba, the winner of the Best Student Award for his brilliant film, The Chicken Thief. His creativity and storytelling shone brightly, reminding us of the immense potential that lies within the next generation of filmmakers.
The Ikon Awards have rapidly become a prestigious platform, drawing the attention of African film icons like Ramsey Nouah, Patience Ozokwo, and Kanayo O. Kanayo. Their presence at the event further underscores the significance of the Ikon Awards in celebrating and promoting African cinema.
Mediavision Academy is proud to pledge its continued support for collaborative efforts and initiatives that focus on capacity building within Uganda’s dynamic film industry. As we celebrate the winners, we also recognize the importance of nurturing talent and fostering an environment where creativity can flourish.
Here below is the full list of winners at the Ikon Awards 2025. A demonstration of the diverse and rich storytelling emerging from Uganda:
- Best Documentary Film – A History of Film in Uganda by Timothy Niwamanya
- Best Animation Film – Kataleya by Denis Junior Dhikusooka
- Best Visual Effects (VFX) in Film – The Lions Of Buganda
- Best Student Film – The Chicken Thief by Enock Timothy Jemba
- Best Short Film – Jimbi by Tusabe Ivan
- Best Sound Design for Film – Karamoja by Isiko Abubaker
- Best Editor for a Film – Soccer Heart by Kizito Sudaisy Ssebowa
- Best Makeup in Film – The Lions of Buganda (Nabakiibi Joan, Latifah Nabatanzi, Rutaro Abel)
- Best Costume Design in Film – Tazibone Solomon (Maria)
- Best Production Design – Imran Musabbeh (Manual)
- African iKON Award – Kanayo Kanayo
- African iKON Award – Patience Ozokwo
- Rising Star Award – Iradukunda Rebecca
- Best Emerging Film – Sekukkulu (Sharon Ishimwe)
- Best iKON Young Fellow Film – Take My Hand
- Best TV Series – Sanyu by Mathew Nabwiso
- Best Actor in a TV Series – Abby Mukiibi Nkaaga
- Best Actress in a TV Series – Dianah Nabatanzi (JDC)
- Best Actress Supporting in Film – Nana Kagga in Maria
- Best Supporting Actor in a Film – Bwanika Felix Baale in Sekukkulu
- Lifetime Achievement Award – Abby Mukiibi Nkaaga
- Best Actress in a Film – Pelly Penina Nampanga in Maria
- Best Actor in a Film – Issa Masadde Yusuf in Soccer Heart
- Best Cinematography in Film – Alex Ireeta for Soccer Heart
- Best Screenplay for Film – Makula by Nisha Kalema
- Best Film Director – Makula by Nisha Kalema and Dan Mugisha
- Best Film – Makula by Nisha Kalema
As we reflect on the successes of the Ikon Awards 2025, we are filled with hope and excitement for the future of Ugandan cinema. Here’s to more stories, more connections, and more celebrations of our cinematic excellence! Together, we can continue to elevate our storytelling and create even greater opportunities for filmmakers across the continent.
The journey of African cinema is just beginning, and with events like the Ikon Awards, we are reminded that the best is yet to come.
Written by Nkambo Robert – Director Mediavision Academy
