Makula brings the gifts home

Film: Makula

Directors: Nisha Kalema

Reviewed by Janan Kisitu   

If there is any film that has thus far carried 2024, it is Nisha Kalema’s “Makula”. It has already won multiple awards and has been the subject of debate within local film circles.

It is perhaps the movie’s subject that has garnered it the attention. A woman's dream marriage turns into a nightmare when she discovers her husband's involvement in sex slavery and organ trafficking, leading her on a perilous journey to escape captivity, free her fellow victims, and bring the perpetrators to justice.

Through the eyes of one woman's extraordinary journey, the film shines a light on the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of courage in the face of adversity.

Set in the idyllic countryside of Uganda, Mukula (Nisha Kalema) falls deeply in love and marries the man (Mushema Housen) of her dreams. But her fairy tale turns into a nightmare when she discovers her marriage was a sham, a cover for her husband's involvement in sex slavery and organ trafficking.

Trapped in her own home, Mukula refuses to surrender to despair. With courage and determination, she orchestrates a daring escape, rallying her fellow captives to join her in a bid for freedom. With law enforcement by her side, she leads the charge to dismantle the criminal empire and bring the perpetrators to justice.

About the Film

"Makula", written, produced, and co-directed by Nisha Kalema made a significant impact at the 2024 Uganda Film Festival.

It won multiple prestigious awards, including Best Feature Film, Best Director, Best Cinematography, and Best Production Design.

The film tells the gripping story of a woman who finds herself ensnared in a dangerous organ and human trafficking operation, after entering what she believed to be a marriage arrangement.

This marked Kalema’s continued rise in Uganda’s film industry, as she is already well known for her versatility, having won accolades for acting, writing, producing, and directing.

At the 15th annual Silicon Film festival in California USA, the film secured two awards under the categories of Best Narrative Feature and Best Film in African Language. This highlighted her work among other known films, reflecting a growing recognition of Ugandan filmmakers. Makula has been a standout, securing quiet a number of awards out of its the nominations received.

Some of the Awards and nominations won by Makula

Silicon Valley African film festival Best film in African language

Best production design Africa movie academy awards

Best Director (Uganda Film Festival)

Best Film (Uganda Film Festival)

Best East African film (Zanziba International Film Festival, 2024)

Best Actress East African (Zanziba International Film Festival, 2024)

Best director (Poower24 International Film Festival, 2024)

Best feature film (Poower24 International Film Festival, 2024)

Official selected film ENIFF (Eastern Nigeria International Film Festival)