Mediavision Academy attends the 11th Pearl International Film Festival in Kampala
Written by Daniel Massamba Meboya – Strategic Communication Specialist.
Kampala, 23 November 2024 – The 11th Edition of the Pearl International Film Festival (PIFF) took place at the Theatre La Bonita, showcasing the best of African and International cinema. Mr. Robert Nkambo, founder and director, and Ms. Annet Aloyo, director of studies at Mediavision Academy, presented the “Best Cinematographer” award to Alex Iretaa during the ceremony.
Nkambo Robert and Aloyo Annet from Mediavision Academy announcing the Best Cinematographer
PIFF, founded in 2011 by film producer and director Magezi Moses, aims to celebrate and elevate filmmakers, actors, and film enthusiasts from around the globe. This year, numerous awards were presented to honor extraordinary achievements in the film industry, recognizing creative vision, hard work, and talent that enrich the cinematic landscape. Notably, some nominees hailed from Mediavision Academy, a decade-old institution dedicated to training in photography and videography, reflecting its mission to foster growth in Film, Television, and Audiovisual professions in Uganda.
Kevin Johns Nabukenya (Center) and her crew after receiving her award for Best Feature Film
This year’s festival highlighted a significant trend: the rise of women in the film industry. Award-winning Ugandan filmmaker and lawyer Ms. Kevin Johns Nabukenya received accolades for “Best Screenplay,” “Best Director” and “Best Film” for her exceptional work. Doreen Mirembe, an actress and producer, was also honored with the “Best TV Series” award for her production of Damalie. Their achievements demonstrate that women are increasingly breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field. The jury, an assembly of three remarkable women—Lucky Asiimwe, Dr. Cindy Magara, and Mariam Ndagire—devoted their time and expertise to accurately study a selection of 26 films from an impressive pool of 2,031 submissions in the competition.
Doreen Mirembe, producer of Damalie gives a victory speech after receiving the award for Best TV series. She is accompaned by the cast and crew.
At Mediavision Academy, there is a strong commitment to addressing the education and training barriers faced by women, particularly young women in film, photography and videography—a space with substantial opportunities for economic independence. The Academy is set to launch a nationwide campaign aimed at encouraging women to enroll in short courses. This initiative not only aligns with global goals for gender equality and women’s empowerment but also contributes to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: ensuring inclusive and quality education for all.
Andrew Benon Kibuuka was introduced to the younger generation of Ugandan filmmakers
Andrew Benon Kibuuka is a Ugandan playwright, director, producer, composer, and tutor who serves as a valuable inspiration for the young generation of filmmakers, actors, and producers in Uganda. Currently the president of the Uganda Federation of Performing Artistes (FPAU), Kibuuka’s accomplishments in the performing arts are remarkable. Notably, during the 1984 National Drama Festivals, he was voted Best Actor by his peers and also received the Best Actor award at the Uganda National Cultural Centre annual awards that same year. In recognition of his impactful storytelling, Pearl International Film Festival honored him with the “Lifetime Achievement Award.” The new generation should strive to learn from esteemed figures like Kibuuka as they navigate their careers in the arts.
Andrew Ben Kibuuka (center) receives a dammy check for the Lite Time Achievement award.
As part of its ongoing involvement in PIFF since 2015, Mediavision Academy has provided technical support, curated submissions, and hosted free workshops during the festival. With the imminent launch of its “Empowering Women through Photography and Videography Training” project, Mediavision Academy aims to create transformative opportunities for young women in Uganda.
We wish to congratulate all winners upon their hard work and dedication to shaping the future of the film industry.
Here is the list all winners for the 11th PIFF 2024:
| Category | Winner | Movie | |
| 1 | Best Cinematography | Alex Ireta | Soccer Heart |
| 2 | Best Production Design | Lions of Buganda | |
| 3 | Best Original Score | Lions of Buganda | |
| 4 | Best Sound | Elly Musinguzi | Ssekukkulu |
| 5 | Best Screenplay | Kevin Johns Nabukenya | Soccer Heart |
| 6 | Best Animation | Dennis Dhikusooka Jr | The Guardian |
| 7 | Best Actress | Doliantha Phiona | Beautiful Ashes |
| 8 | Best Supporting Actress | Cleopatra Koheire | Ssekukulu |
| 9 | Best Supporting Actor | Raymond Rushabiro | Soccer Heart |
| 10 | Best Costume Design | 3-person team | Kitara Chronicles |
| 11 | Best Make-Up | Nabakiibi Joan Jojo | Lions of Buganda |
| 12 | Best Documentary | Edmond Tamale | The Royal Summit |
| 13 | Best Director | Kevin Johns (Nabukenya) | Soccer Heart |
| 14 | Best Student Film | Enock Timothy Jemba | The Chicken Thief |
| 15 | Best Actor | Agume Mark | Ssekukkulu |
| 16 | Best Short Film | Kabuye Nodryn Evanci | Half Chocolate, Half Vanilla |
| 17 | Best TV Series | Mugisha Nicolas Nsubuga | Damalie |
| 18 | Best Feature Film | Kevin Johns Nabukenya | Soccer Heart |
| 19 | Best Editing | Ssentongo Marvin Rain, Muhwezi Herbert | Lions of Buganda |
| 20 | Life Achievement Award | Andrew Ben Kibuuka | |
