Peter Eriki reveals his Vision for Uganda’s Film Future at Mediavision Academy
On Tuesday, September 22nd, a meeting took place at Mediavision Academy, bringing together the Experiencial Learning Coordinator from the U.S. Embassy in Kampala and the academy’s leadership to discuss the future of filmmaking in Uganda. The meeting, led by Nkambo Robert, the founder and director of Mediavision Academy, aimed to explore collaborative opportunities that align with U.S. priorities, particularly in advancing women’s economic empowerment and fostering creative industries.
Nkambo Robert (left) and Eriki Peter (right) in the meeting
Nkambo Robert opened the meeting by welcoming Mr. Eriki and providing an overview of the academy’s mission since its inception in 2014. He highlighted a concerning trend: a significant gender disparity in enrollment, having fewer females. In response, Nkambo emphasized the academy’s renewed focus on addressing this imbalance, particularly by supporting single mothers who aspire to enter the film industry.
“We believe that empowering women in film is not just a moral imperative but a strategic advantage for the industry,” Nkambo stated.
Mr. Eriki responded by outlining the current U.S. priorities for development programs, emphasizing the need for initiatives that contribute to a stronger and more prosperous America. He shared his vision for fostering collaboration between American filmmakers and Ugandan talent, aiming to create a conducive environment for foreign filmmakers to shoot in Uganda.
“Uganda is a virgin location for films, with diverse ethnic groups and untold stories waiting to be explored,” Mr. Eriki remarked. He cited the success of films like “Lord of the Rings,” which generated significant economic benefits for New Zealand, as a model for what could be achieved in Uganda.
Peter Eriki US State Department Programme Coordinator stresses a point during the meeting
The meeting also delved into the importance of innovative teaching methods in filmmaking. Mr. Eriki encouraged Mediavision Academy to embrace new technologies, such as AI and mobile filmmaking, to equip students with the skills needed in a rapidly evolving industry. He stressed the importance of contextualizing knowledge, ensuring that students understand how their learning applies to real-world scenarios.
Dr. Ssemakula Joseph, Chairman of the Board of Governors at Mediavision Academy, raised the issue of the lack of formal training in filmmaking among many Ugandans. He highlighted the need for exchange opportunities with international institutions to expose Ugandan filmmakers to global best practices.
Dr. Joseph Ssemakula, chairman Board of Governors, Mediavision Academy
Throughout the discussion, the importance of local storytelling emerged as a central theme. Mr. Eriki urged filmmakers to focus on Ugandan narratives, emphasizing that authentic stories resonate more with audiences. “Filmmakers need to love Uganda as their country, so they can create compelling content that reflects our culture and experiences,” he said.
Annet Aloyo, Director of Studies at Mediavision Academy, shared her own project about the Uganda Martyrs, which she believes has the potential to be a significant film. Contributions from Mr. Eriki and Dr. Ssemakula provided valuable insights on enhancing the story for a broader audience.
The meeting marked a significant step towards a collaborative future for Ugandan filmmakers, with a shared vision of empowerment, innovation, and cultural representation. As Mediavision Academy continues to champion gender equality and local storytelling, it stands poised to play a crucial role in shaping the future of Uganda’s film industry.
In a world where stories have the power to inspire and transform, the commitment to nurturing talent and fostering collaboration is more important than ever. With the right support and resources, Uganda’s film industry has the potential to thrive, creating opportunities for generations to come.
