The Reel Deal: How local filmmakers are changing the narrative

Old vintage reel-to-reel player. [iStockphoto]

The local film industry has long been criticized for its challenges, which has often led major players from Hollywood, Nollywood, and Bollywood to overlook it as a viable market. However, this seems to be changing as more local TV channels emerge, increasing the demand for fresh content to satisfy a growing audience.

For Bahati Kajigi, a Congolese raised in Uganda, entering the film industry was the fulfilment of a lifelong dream. His journey began when he enrolled at a local university to study film production. Yet, he soon realized that formal education alone wasn't enough to meet the market's high demands. He needed years of experience to develop the skills necessary to thrive in the industry.