Mediavision Academy Launches its 10 years Celebrations: What’s Next?

On Friday, August 23rd, Mediavision Academy celebrated a significant milestone with the launch of its 10th anniversary, an event graced by Meddy Kaggwa, the Head of Multimedia and Content at the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), representing the Executive Director of the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC).

During this historic occasion, Kaggwa extended heartfelt congratulations to Mediavision Academy for its remarkable decade-long journey, highlighting the institution’s role as a leading training partner in Uganda. He acknowledged the excellent work Mediavision has done in delivering comprehensive training programs, including film beginner workshops and regional training initiatives that have successfully skilled youth in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) across the country, particularly in rural areas.

However, Kaggwa was keenly aware of the challenges facing the media industry, particularly the issues of inadequate training and limited resources, compounded by a rapidly evolving technological landscape. He expressed a strong desire for Mediavision Academy to not only continue imparting technical skills but also to pass on essential business skills and money-making strategies to the youth, ensuring they are equipped to thrive in the competitive media environment.

Additionally, he emphasized the importance of instilling basic media ethics within their training programs, as developing a clear and recognizable Ugandan content identity is vital for the country’s media landscape. Kaggwa encouraged Mediavision to collaborate with all stakeholders to create a vibrant and diverse film and media environment that authentically reflects Ugandan society and showcases its rich cultural diversity.

The anniversary celebration was well-attended by film enthusiasts, current students, alumni, and well-wishers, marking a day of reflection and aspiration.

In conjunction with the event, Mediavision also unveiled an ambitious 10-year strategy, which included the exciting initiative dubbed the ‘Simbula Film Hub.’ This hub aims to nurture young filmmakers by providing them with invaluable training and resources to enhance their craft. Importantly, it is designed to be accessible to filmmakers at all levels of experience, thus creating a thriving community of creative ready to elevate Ugandan storytelling to new heights.

During the anniversary celebration, Dr. Ssemakula Joseph, the chairman Board of Governors of Mediavision Academy launched the fundraising initiative for the Simbula Film Hub.  He highlighted the importance of expanding educational opportunities in film. He stated that more hubs and schools are essential for producing quality films that can satisfy domestic audiences and compete on the international market. Dr. Ssemakula challenged the notion that inborn talent alone is enough to succeed in the industry, advocating for an education system that fosters skill development alongside creativity.

He remarked, “A country is as good as its curriculum,” pointing out that filmmakers who have undergone formal training are often more skilled and professional than those who haven’t. Dr. Ssemakula praised Mediavision Academy for its role in addressing this vital need in the industry.

Founded by Robert Nkambo, Mediavision Academy has been at the forefront of providing quality education and resources for aspiring filmmakers in Uganda. Over the past ten years, the Academy has successfully trained more that 1,300 youths, equipping them with the skills needed to navigate the film and media industry. As the academy celebrates its successes, Nkambo has also unveiled plans for the future—expanding its mission with the introduction of the Simbula Film Hub.

Nkambo said “The Simbula Film Hub is designed to be a state-of-the-art facility that encourages collaboration and creativity among budding filmmakers”. It aims to serve as a central space where young talents can come together to develop projects using cutting-edge technology while receiving guidance and mentorship from industry professionals. This initiative represents a significant step towards establishing a sustainable film ecosystem in Uganda, one that not only cultivates homegrown talent but also positions Ugandan cinema on the global stage.

Nkambo revealed that bringing Simbula Film Hub to life requires a total investment of 158,000 USD (approximately 602 million UGX). This ambitious financial goal highlights the academy’s commitment to advancing the film industry in Uganda and emphasizes the need for support from all sectors.

As Mediavision Academy celebrates ten years of excellence and embarks on this exciting new initiative, the future of Ugandan film looks promising. The introduction of the Simbula Film Hub, with its focus on collaboration, mentorship, and technical innovation, signifies a new chapter in the Academy’s journey.

With the collective efforts of passionate filmmakers, stakeholders, and supporters, Mediavision Academy is poised to redefine Uganda’s film narrative—producing stories that resonate with local audiences while gaining recognition on the global stage. The journey may be just beginning, but the vision for the next decade is clear: to cultivate a thriving film industry, rich with creativity and integrity.

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