Ugandan romantic movie Veronica's Wish by Nisha Kalema captivated Norwegian revellers in Drammen, Buskerud county, Norway on April 14, 2024.

The film, screened at Neon fritidsklubb Fjell hall, carries a poignant health-themed narrative shedding light on the often overlooked issue of blood cancer.

The storyline follows Veronica, a young woman eagerly preparing for her wedding day, only to be blindsided by a mysterious illness that jeopardises her lifelong dream. It's revealed that she's battling blood cancer, a diagnosis that comes at a time when fighting back seems impossible. 

Discussing the screening, which drew crowds of enthusiastic youth from neighbouring areas, Kalema shared with New Vision that it was arranged following a recommendation from a health expert who had watched the movie at Willamette University, Oregon, in the US.

"It was initiated by a benefactor who was deeply moved by the film's impact in the USA and wanted to share its message in Norway," Nisha explained, expressing her delight at the film's global reach and societal impact.

She also hinted at an upcoming screening in Stockholm, Sweden, with hopes for an equally enthusiastic audience.

Veronica's Wish has garnered numerous nominations and awards worldwide, including recognition at the Silicon Valley African Film Festival, Pan African Film Festival in California, Africa Movie Academy Awards, Uganda Film Festival, and Mashariki African Film Festival, among others.

Kalema herself clinched the Best Actress in a Feature Film award at the Uganda Film Festival in 2018, along with eight other accolades in a single night.