Mediavision Academy Announces Landmark Partnership at Pearlwood 26 Film Awards Nomination Day

KAMPALA — Photos by – Fic Shots – The creative sector in Uganda marked a major milestone on nomination day for the Pearlwood 26 Film Awards, where school communities and young cinematic talent took center stage. The high-energy event, graced by notable cultural figures and industry leaders, served as the official unveiling of the 2026 nominees following a rigorous screening of 35 entries, which yielded 10 feature films and 2 short films.

Adding significant weight to this year’s festival, Mediavision Academy—represented by its founder and director, Nkambo Robert—announced an official partnership and sponsorship initiative aimed at reshaping the future of Ugandan cinema.

Bridging Education and Industry: The Mediavision Academy Partnership

Speaking at the ceremony, Nkambo Robert emphasized that Mediavision Academy’s intervention is timely and strategic. The collaboration is designed to provide a direct pipeline for young, passionate creators, preparing them to transition smoothly into professional film training at Mediavision Academy and other esteemed film institutions.

“This initiative is timely because it prepares the young generation for attending professional courses in filming at Mediavision Academy and other film schools,” stated Nkambo Robert.

Furthermore, Nkambo noted that the partnership actively works to demystify the creative sector as a path for failures—a damaging narrative that has persisted in the past. By celebrating young student actors, lead performers, and supporting talent early on, the partnership contributes to the wider dissemination of career and educational opportunities within Uganda’s thriving film economy.

Empowering the Next Generation of Storytellers

Mzee Bwankika the General Secretary Pearlwood noted that the core mission of the awards is to identify and promote authentic high school content that reflects Uganda’s contemporary culture. Out of 37 initial submissions, the selected nominees now move forward to a hybrid voting phase, where public feedback and viewer choice on the Stream East Films digital platform will account for 90% of the final score, with a professional jury making up the remaining 10%.

The event also drew high-profile support from Hon. Rachel Magoola, former Woman MP for Bugweri, an acclaimed artist, and educator. Highlighting the importance of early childhood talent development, Hon. Magoola championed the role of teachers, schools like St. Lawrence, institutions like the Uganda National Cultural Centre (UNCC), and growing government support through bodies like UPRS.

Addressing skeptical parents, Hon. Magoola delivered a passionate defense of the arts:

“For parents out there who think that science is everything, science is one with art because you need to be creative when you’re treating somebody… Doctors need to create, nurses need to create, engineers need to create. Give children a chance to experiment because you do not know where the biggest strength is.”

How to Participate and Support Young Filmmakers

Film enthusiasts, parents, and supporters of original Ugandan stories can actively participate in shaping the future of these young creators:

• Watch & Vote: Log on to the Stream East Films website or download the dedicated Stream East Films application via the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
• Navigate Content: Use the dedicated high school movie categories to discover and support student-produced entries.
• Engage: Stream the films, evaluate the performances, and cast your votes to encourage Uganda’s next generation of cinematic superstars.