'Unheard' film dominates 2024 Ikon Awards nomination list
27th January 2024
Set in the picturesque landscapes of Kabale and Rwenshama, Unheard spent over 10 years in the making and was at the verge of being shelved when it was greenlit with a sh150m grant from the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) back in 2021, allowing its production to finally commence.
Polly Kamukama, the producer of the movie 'Unheard'. Photo by Hussein Kiganda
NewVision Reporter
@NewVision
Woman emancipation-themed movie Unheard has taken highest spot on the Ikons Award nomination list that was announced on January 26, 2024 by SautiPlus Media hub.
The film is starting the year on a high note, having bagged a whopping 12 nominations for this year’s iKon Awards due to be held on March 23, 2024 at the Kampala Serena Hotel.
Written and produced by Polly Kamukama, which premiered to rave reception last year, charmed audiences with its inspiring storyline, beautiful landscapes and brilliant acting.
The Rukiga language film tells the story of a young widow in a remote fishing village in Kabale who stuns her conservative community by defying a strict age-old cultural tradition.
The film received nods in the big categories of Best Film, Best Director and Best Screenplay, and several more.
Reacting to the announcement, Kamukama said it was an honour for the entire cast and crew to see their work being celebrated on a national platform.
“It’s a reaffirmation that the story we set out to tell is indeed important although we didn’t expect it seeing as there are many other outstanding films that came out of Uganda last year. It’s surreal and we are all excited for it,” Kamukama said.
Set in the picturesque landscapes of Kabale and Rwenshama, Unheard spent over 10 years in the making and was at the verge of being shelved when it was greenlit with a sh150m grant from the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) back in 2021, allowing its production to finally commence.
It premiered to a full house at Century Cinemax in Kampala in October last year, capturing the imagination of audiences with its astute storytelling and authentic representation of an African culture that is torn between embracing modernity and traditional values.
The film features a predominantly novice cast made up of local fishermen and farmers from Kabale whose realist performances have been roundly praised.
Joseph Kahirimbanyi, a first-time actor best known for his work as the frontman for the acclaimed Qwela Band, scooped nods in the Best Supporting Actor and iKon Rising Star categories for his terrifying portrayal of a villainous fisherman.
And as for her stellar turn as the film’s main character, fast-rising Ugandan actress Jackline Katusiime is arguably the frontrunner for the Best Actress gong.
The film also scored highly in the technical categories, bagging nominations in the Best Sound, Best Cinematography, Best Production Design, Best Costume Design and Best Make-up.
Award-winning filmmaker Joseph Ssebaggala was also nominated for his work on the film as the director and editor, completing a dominant showing on a stacked list that boats formidable competition in big winners from last year’s Uganda film festival, including the likes of The Passenger and Kitara Chronicles.
Other movies that received several nominations include The Passenger, The Kitara Chronicles, Tale Of Our Times, Maid of Honor, Enkuba and Ganyana.