Filmmakers graduate, lament university hustles
Feb 07, 2024
"It’s a good thing to upgrade and conduct research in an area of interest. This helps to understand in-depth and adds knowledge to the film sector, contributing to its growth and development," Amanya stated.
Filmmaker Leonard Amanya obtained a master's of arts in journalism and communication with a thesis on TV & cinema,
Hussein Kiganda
Journalist @New Vision
Among the thousands of graduates at Makerere University's 74th graduation ceremony, which concluded last week, were several filmmakers who expressed their struggles during their time on campus.
Notable graduates include actress Pretty Katende, who obtained a bachelor's degree in arts, Leonard Amanya, who earned a master's of arts in journalism and communication with a thesis on TV & Cinema, and Dorah Kamwine who did bachelor's of art in social sciences.
In an interview with New Vision, Pretty Katende, renowned for her roles in Kafa Coh and Deception, shared her challenging experience, particularly in balancing her acting career with academic commitments.
She explained that while she managed to attend classes, sourcing tuition proved to be a significant challenge. Many directors assumed she was too occupied with her studies, making it difficult for her to secure roles, yet it was from this that she was raising the tuition.
Filmmaker Pretty Katende is renowned for her roles in 'Kafa Coh' and 'Deception'
"I was my own sponsor, so seeking tuition while studying was one hell of a challenge. Nobody wanted to cast me anymore since my schedule was always filled with school. It took me time to adjust to this new life, but thank God I am finally done," said Katende.
She expressed gratitude for studying precisely what she practices for survival and is optimistic that her education will empower her to become a better filmmaker.
Amanya, celebrated for his award-winning film Crystal, acknowledged the various challenges he faced during his studies. Despite these hurdles, he expressed gratitude for his success and revealed plans to pursue a doctorate of philosophy, aiming to contribute to uplifting the Ugandan film industry.
"It’s a good thing to upgrade and conduct research in an area of interest. This helps to understand in-depth and adds knowledge to the film sector, contributing to its growth and development," he stated.
Kamwine, the communications specialist at Raising Teenagers Uganda, expressed her joy in completing her course and anticipated that it will propel her dreams further into the formal world. She offered advice to young actors, emphasising the importance of taking education seriously, as it can significantly benefit their careers.
Amanya, a distinguished figure in the global film community, excelled as a curator at the Uganda Film Festival and renowned international film festivals. As an independent film producer and director with Amaka Productions, his work, including Crystal - Countless Misfortune, has garnered numerous awards. Additionally, he significantly contributes to the regulatory landscape through the Uganda Communications Commission.
On the other hand, Katende is an award-winning actress, director, motivational and inspirational speaker in Uganda, known popularly as 'Lilian' for her role in the hit TV show Deception, which captivated audiences across Uganda.
Kamwine, a passionate actress, is recognised for creating short skits on the internet and serves as an influencer, marketing and hyping up various movie projects.
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