'Local content must meet higher standards to retain viewership'

KAMPALA - Ugandan filmmakers have been urged to produce quality content so as to compete in the available global market.

“Audiences today have global exposure, so local content must meet higher standards to retain viewership,” says Sirajje Kizito alias Zert Essential, a Ugandan filmmaker.

Born to Namatovu Mariam, in a family of four boys where he is the firstborn, Zert, 25, says despite the hurdles, he remains optimistic about the potential for Ugandan stories to gain broader recognition.  

“I continue to develop digital and film projects while navigating the demands of Uganda's creative economy. My trajectory highlights both the possibilities and obstacles for local talent seeking sustainability in media and entertainment,” he observed.

According to Zert, he produced his first film, ‘Dogs vs Fox’, in 2023, marking his entry into Uganda's film industry. 

“I have also acted in projects like Kana, balancing roles both in front of and behind the camera. My work reflects an effort to merge technical filmmaking skills with local storytelling, he asserted.  

For proper growth of Uganda’s entertainment industry, Zert cautioned fellow Ugandan content creators against alcoholism and smoking, calling for a health-conscious lifestyle.